The Law Dictionary for Everyone
A general contractor is the main contractor on a construction project. His responsibility is to ensure that the project is completed according to the client’s specifications, as well as in compliance with the law. Construction contractors often hire subcontractors in order to get the work done effectively and on time. Projects can include everything from the construction of a new […]
Read moreAn illegitimate child is a child who is born to parents who are not married to each other, or who is born “out of wedlock.” An illegitimate child may also be referred to as a “bastard,” or a “love child.” Perhaps one of the most famous illegitimate children in Hollywood was the love child born to actor and the former […]
Read moreExpropriation is the taking over of privately owned property by the government. The government may engage in expropriation for purposes that are said to be beneficial to the general public. The Fifth Amendment to the United States’ Constitution provides that private property cannot be expropriated without paying the owner of the property adequate compensation. To explore this concept, consider the […]
Read moreDebauchery is the unrestrained indulgence in decadence or what might be considered “sinful” behaviors. Examples of debauchery include sexual activity, drunkenness, or drug abuse. The term debauchery is used throughout the Bible, to describe what would today be considered “partying.” The act of debauchery involves someone engaging in “unholy” activities, and it typically refers to out-of-control behavior for the purpose […]
Read moreThe legal term deponent refers to a person who gives testimony under oath, outside of the courtroom – either in a deposition, or in a sworn affidavit. A deponent’s testimony is recorded in writing – whether by his own writing, or by a transcription of his verbal testimony. To explore this concept, consider the following deponent definition. Definition of Deponent […]
Read moreThe Espionage Act of 1917 is one of the most controversial laws that the United States ever passed. It was initially created to prohibit United States citizens from supporting enemies of their country while the U.S. was at war. It was also meant to stop anyone who could potentially get in the way of military operations, including recruitment, during wartime. […]
Read moreDisparate impact is a legal doctrine which declares that a policy can be considered discriminatory if it “adversely impacts” a group based on that group’s traits, such as its race, color, religion, or sex. This is especially true when there is no legitimate need for such a policy. If someone finds a policy or practices to be discriminatory, then he […]
Read moreThe legal term evasive answer refers to a response that is given, which does not directly answer the question posed. The point of an evasive answer is to hide the truth. Evasive answers are often seen in the legal world when a party refuses to confirm or deny allegation(s) against him. An evasive answer is perceived to be a party’s […]
Read moreCriminal intent is the conscious decision someone makes to deliberately engage in an unlawful or negligent act, or to harm someone else. There are four specific examples of criminal intent: purposeful, reckless, knowing, and negligent. An act becomes criminal when taking into account the intent of the person who carries it out. Additionally, acts of criminal intent are measured by […]
Read moreDemurrage is a term that is used in the specific branch of the law that deals with the sea, or “maritime law.” Demurrage refers to the damages that are payable to the owner of a ship, to make up for lost time when his ship is not returned to service on the date it was supposed to be. Demurrage is […]
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