The Law Dictionary for Everyone
Conflict of interest occurs when a person has competing interests or loyalties. In the legal field, the issue arises when an attorney represents two clients with conflicting interests without their consent. It can also take place when an attorney’s own interests negatively impact how he or she represents a client. Failure to avoid conflict of interest can lead to a […]
Read moreAdvances in technology have left the world more connected than ever before. While this increased connectivity has benefited society in countless ways, it has also led to a rise in online crimes. Computer forensics professionals extract data found on computers, in order to connect it to a crime. The data then functions as evidence in civil or criminal legal proceedings. […]
Read moreTo operate legally, a company must comply with the local, state, and federal laws governing that specific industry. From meeting safety standards, to following wage and hour guidelines, these laws affect almost all aspects of a business. A compliance specialist, also known as a compliance officer, monitors the activities of a company to ensure it complies with, not only these […]
Read moreThe term “ethnic cleansing” refers to the forced removal of a racial or ethnic group from an area either by murder or deportation. An example of ethnic cleansing is the Nazis’ “Final Solution,” wherein they detailed their plan to exterminate the entire Jewish race. Methods of carrying out ethnic cleansing include destroying people’s homes and businesses as a way to […]
Read moreThe term “comity” comes from the Latin comitas, which means “friendly,” or “courteous.” In the legal world, comity refers to different nations, states, or courts coming together for some sort of mutual benefit. For example, comity refers to one court upholding a decision made by a court in a different jurisdiction out of respect for that other court. To explore […]
Read moreIn the legal world, the term “pretext” refers to the fabricated reasons, or lies, used to hide the real motivations behind the commencement of a legal action. An example of pretext used unlawfully is a police officer conducting an illegal search and seizure of a person’s vehicle. He may say he pulled the individual over because the latter had a […]
Read moreThe Defense of Marriage Act, or DOMA, was a federal law that defined marriage as the union between one man and one woman. For example, the Defense of Marriage Act held that while same-sex couples could legally marry under state law, the federal government would not legally recognize their unions. The U.S. Supreme Court made a landmark decision when it […]
Read moreA “pro bono lawyer” is a lawyer who provides legal services as a form of charity for those who cannot afford a lawyer. For example, a pro bono lawyer may help a mother who is going through a divorce and has several children. A woman in this position may not be able to afford a lawyer, so the lawyer will […]
Read moreContrary to what the title implies, the average law clerk performs very few standard clerical tasks. Also referred to as “judicial clerk,” an individual employed in this position encompasses many roles including liaison, administrative assistant, and researcher. The most important function of a law clerk, however, involves helping the judge make informed legal decisions. Keep reading to learn more about […]
Read moreWhen a case goes to trial, attorneys for both sides do everything possible to ensure the court rules in their favor. This includes gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, and in some instances, hiring a jury consultant. A jury consultant provides a broad range of services, including learning as much as he can about each juror. This information gives the lawyer insight […]
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