The Law Dictionary for Everyone
The meaning of “martial law” is the military taking control over what would normally be regular civilian functions. For example, martial law occurs in the wake of a natural disaster to impose order on what might otherwise become the hysterical masses. In some countries, governments may use this control as a way to enforce their power over the general public. […]
Read moreThe 18th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution prohibited the manufacture, transport, and sale of alcoholic beverages. The states ratified it on January 16, 1919 though it did not take effect until the next year. Congress repealed this amendment, referred to as the “Noble Experiment” by President Herbert Hoover, in 1933. To explore this concept, consider the following 18th Amendment definition. […]
Read moreThe meaning of RICO law, or the “Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act,” is that it is a law that allows authorities to punish offenders engaging in criminal activities, particularly racketeering. For example, RICO law punishes crime bosses who order their subordinates to carry out criminal activities for them. Else, these bosses could claim innocence because they technically were not […]
Read moreThe meaning of the 11th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution is that it is the amendment that prevents Americans from bringing federal lawsuits against the states. For example, the 11th Amendment establishes that federal courts do not have the jurisdiction to hear lawsuits against the states. If an individual wants to sue the state he lives in, he must bring […]
Read moreThe Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, or “ERISA Law,” is a law that institutes the standards for pension plans that private companies in the U.S. provide for their employees. For example, the ERISA Law contains all the tax effects that can occur during transactions involving employee benefits plans. The ERISA Law functions as a protection for those who […]
Read moreThe meaning of “Electoral College” does not refer to a place but a process. The Electoral College is the process by which the voters elect representatives, who then vote on who should become the next President of the United States. For example, the Electoral College declares who becomes the next President by having the sitting Vice President (who is also […]
Read moreA Stand Your Ground Law is a law that allows citizens to protect themselves if they feel their lives are in danger, regardless of whether they could have safely exited the situation. For example, Stand Your Ground law states that no one should feel forced to leave a premises they have every right to be in. Therefore, the law allows […]
Read moreThe term amicus curiae translates to mean “friend of the court.” For example, amicus curiae briefs filed by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) have “amicus curiae” printed on them. What this means is that the ACLU is not a party to the case, but simply wants to provide information or expertise to the court to help shed light on […]
Read moreThe 13th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution abolished slavery and involuntary servitude. It also grants Congress the power to enact laws that enforce the Amendment. Ratified by the states on December 6, 1865, it was the first amendment to mention the institution of slavery. To explore this concept, consider the following 13th Amendment definition. Definition of 13th Amendment Noun, The […]
Read moreThe 12th Amendment is the section of the Constitution that maps out the procedure for electing the President of the United States, as well as the Vice President. For example, the 12th Amendment directs the Electoral College on how to vote. It also provides for how many votes are necessary in order to elect both the President and Vice President. […]
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