The Law Dictionary for Everyone
The term case law refers to law that comes from decisions made by judges in previous cases. Case law, also known as “common law,” and “case precedent,” provides a common contextual background for certain legal concepts, and how they are applied in certain types of case. How much sway case law holds may vary by jurisdiction, and by the exact […]
Read moreCapital murder is a murder that subjects the perpetrator to the death penalty if found guilty. For this to apply, there has to have been some horrific extenuating circumstance, often called “special circumstance,” in addition to causing the death. This may include such things as murdering a police officer, murdering a child, or murdering multiple victims. To explore this concept, […]
Read moreThe term bureaucracy refers to a system of administration that relies heavily on policies, procedures, and rules, as well as a specific hierarchical system. Bureaucratic systems are most common in large corporate environments, and in government agencies and social systems. The purpose of bureaucracy is to impose structure where there would surely be chaos in an unwieldy system. To explore […]
Read moreThe phrase burden of proof refers to the obligation of a party who initiates a legal action (the “plaintiff”) to prove his or her claims. If that party cannot prove sufficiently that the other party has committed a wrong, whether civil or criminal, he loses. The level or certainty to which the plaintiff must prove his case depends on the […]
Read moreBullying is the use of intimidation, coercion, threats, or force to dominate others. Bullying behaviors are often habitual, creating a long-term problem for victims. There are several types of bullying, though there is not federal law specifically defining bullying behaviors. Some states do have anti-bullying laws. To explore this concept, consider the following bullying definition. Definition of Bullying Noun The […]
Read moreWhen the nation was newly formed, and the Constitution penned, the opinion of the people was divided somewhat. Most people praised the Constitution as a binding document that laid out the rules and limitations of the new government. Others, however, felt it gave too much power to the federal government, and that it could possibly swallow up the individual states. […]
Read moreBankruptcy is a legal process by which people and businesses in financial distress can arrange to pay a portion of the debts, or eliminate all of them, under the protection of the federal bankruptcy court. There are different types of bankruptcy, and navigating the bankruptcy system is often confusing and stressful. A bankruptcy attorney can take the guesswork out of […]
Read moreAt the dawn of the 20th century, Theodore “Teddy” Roosevelt assumed the Presidency, following the assassination of President William McKinley. Roosevelt advocated for peace, but believed staunchly in protecting the nation’s interests and safety. Roosevelt borrowed a proverb from old Africa when he voiced the nation’s strategy in foreign policy should be to “speak softly and carry a big stick.” […]
Read moreThe term bias refers to the tendency of a person to favor one thing, idea, or person over another. In a legal context, bias can lead an individual, such as a judge or juror, to treat someone unfairly, in spite of the fact that hearings and trials are designed to be unbiased assessments of the facts of a case. Bias […]
Read moreAutocracy is a form of government in which absolute control lies in the hands of a single person, or of a tightly held group of people. Under autocratic law, the ruler has unlimited and undisputed power. The most recent forms of autocracy practiced by some nations include absolute monarchies and dictatorships. To explore this concept, consider the following autocracy definition. […]
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