The Law Dictionary for Everyone
Liberalism is a political philosophy held by people who strongly believe in the principles of liberty and equality for all. Classical liberalism focuses more on liberty, or personal freedoms, while social liberalism is more concerned with equality. Some examples of liberalism principles supported by advocates include freedom of speech, freedom of religion, freedom of the press, civil rights, and gender […]
Read moreThe term laissez faire refers to an economic system wherein the government takes a “hands-off” approach to transactions by and between private parties. The term literally translates to mean “let go” or “allow to act.” The idea is that, in such an economic system, free enterprise will regulate itself, as if one party offers a product that is of low […]
Read moreA juvenile is a minor, and a minor is someone who is younger than what each state’s law defines as the age of majority, typically 18 years of age in the United States, though in some states, the age is 17. Juveniles who participate in illegal behavior are said to be engaging in “juvenile offending,” while those who are caught […]
Read moreA mistrial is a term that refers to a trial that is ended before its conclusion because of some error or problem with the trial itself. A mistrial must be declared by the judge overseeing the trial, and renders the entire trial invalid. This is most likely to occur when the judge feels that the problem makes it impossible to […]
Read moreThe term judicial restraint refers to a belief that judges should limit the use of their power to strike down laws, or to declare them unfair or unconstitutional, unless there is a clear conflict with the Constitution. This concept relies heavily on the uniform adherence to case law, which encompasses decisions rendered by other judges on prior, similar cases. To […]
Read moreThe term irreconcilable differences refers to an inability for two parties to resolve their differences in order to save their marriage. In states that allow no-fault divorces, irreconcilable differences is sufficient grounds for divorce. In choosing this reason for divorce, the couple is simply stating that their problems have become so bad, they cannot be brought back into harmony. To […]
Read moreJim Crow Laws are a part of American history, having been enacted at the state and local levels to mandate and maintain racial segregation in the southern United States. Public facilities followed these laws in order to abide by the “separate but equal” status used to classify black Americans at the time. Facilities set apart for use by black Americans were […]
Read moreInsubordination is the act of willfully disobeying a superior, by being disrespectful to that superior, or by refusing to follow an instruction given by that superior. As an example of insubordination, a soldier who disobeys a superior officer in the military is likely to be disciplined. If someone refuses to perform an action that is unethical or illegal in nature, […]
Read moreIntoxication, or substance intoxication, is the state of being inebriated or drunk. Examples of intoxication include alcohol intoxication, cocaine intoxication, and intoxication by inhaling fumes. The state of being intoxicated is often referred to in such slang terms as being “wasted,” “sloshed,” “stoned,” “high,” or “blazed” (the last three referring to cannabis [marijuana] intoxication). Intoxication is often graded in slang […]
Read moreLegislation is laws that are made or enacted by a governing body, or “legislature.” In the United States, the legislative process functions at both the federal and state levels, where proposed laws are referred to as “bills.” Laws passed through the legislative process may serve to outlaw something, to authorize, sanction, or grant something, to regulate something, or to restrict […]
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