The Law Dictionary for Everyone
A federal holiday is a holiday established and recognized by federal law. Congress creates these holidays according to the United States Code. On these days every year, all non-essential government offices close for business. To explore this concept, consider the following federal holidays definition. Definition of Federal Holidays Noun Certain days each year that the United States government has designated […]
Read moreThe meaning of “presidential line of succession” is that it is legislation dictating the process by which the federal government delegates presidential responsibilities, should something happen to the President. For example, the presidential line of succession kicks in if a President dies while in office or becomes impeached. If an event like this happens, then the Vice President is next […]
Read moreThe 26th Amendment to the United States Constitution granted American citizens aged 18 and older the right to vote. Congress proposed it March 23, 1971 and the states ratified it 107 days later. It passed much more quickly than any other amendment in the constitutional process. To explore this concept, consider the following 26th Amendment definition. Definition of 26th Amendment Noun The […]
Read moreThe meaning of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 was to prohibit racial discrimination in voting. For example, the Voting Rights Act of 1965 received five revisions from Congress to ensure that no one could discriminate against voters because of their race. The Act secured the right to vote for American minorities, enforcing those rights protected by the Fourteenth and […]
Read moreThe term “branches of government” refers to the separate arms of the U.S. government, each of which having its own powers. For example, branches of government include the legislative, executive, and judicial branches. There is also a system in place called “checks and balances,” which ensures that no one branch becomes too powerful. To explore this concept, consider the following […]
Read moreThe meaning of ratio decidendi is Latin for “the reason,” or “the foundation for” a decision. For example, ratio decidendi in the field of law refers to the moment or principle in a case that ultimately determines its outcome. Ratio decidendi is a legal rule regarding the legal reasoning behind the judgment of the judge or jury. To explore this […]
Read moreThe 22nd Amendment to the United States Constitution limits the number of terms a president can serve. It also implements eligibility conditions for presidents that succeed their predecessors. Congress passed the amendment on March 21, 1947 and the requisite number of states ratified it on February 27, 1951. To explore this concept, consider the following 22nd Amendment definition. Definition of 22nd Amendment Noun The Amendment to […]
Read moreThe meaning of the 4th Amendment comes from unlawful searches and seizures. For example, the 4th Amendment protects people from the unlawful search and seizure by police of their persons, their homes, and their belongings. If an officer violates the 4th Amendment, the victim can sue for wrongful arrest, among other things. To explore this concept, consider the following 4th […]
Read moreOvertime law requires employers to pay employees a higher rate when they work beyond a designated number of hours. Governed on both the state and federal levels, the law ensures employees receive fair compensation for the hours they work. In general, the law excludes employees who perform specific types of job duties. To explore this concept, consider the following overtime […]
Read moreThe meaning of “HIPAA law,” or the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, refers to privacy concerning a person’s medical records. For example, HIPAA Law defines standards for the whole of the U.S. to follow regarding the protection of Americans’ medical records and other information relating to their personal health. To obtain medical records for someone, the patient must sign […]
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