The Law Dictionary for Everyone
The phrase squatters’ rights pertains to a notion that someone who takes possession of, or who fails to leave, a property owned by someone else, can eventually claim that property as his own. The concept follows the arrival of homeless people moving into abandoned buildings and setting up shop. If the property owner shows up years later wishing to put […]
Read moreThe term solicitation refers to a request for something, often money. Many people complain that their mailbox is full of solicitations from companies trying to sell them something, or charities asking for monetary donations. The term also applies to the act of appearing at people’s homes or businesses, usually uninvited, in an attempt to sell a product or service. In […]
Read moreAn S corporation is type of business entity that functions like a corporation, but is taxed like a partnership. All of the corporate income, losses, deductions, and taxes are paid by the shareholders, rather than by the corporation itself. When creating an S corporation, which is an option for corporations with fewer than 100 shareholders, the owner must charter the […]
Read moreTreason is a betrayal of trust. In a legal sense, the term refers to the commission of overt acts to overthrow one’s own government, or to consciously and intentionally aid an enemy of the nation. The crime of treason is addressed in Article III, Section 3, of the U.S. Constitution, though its definition today is somewhat more broad. To explore […]
Read moreA search warrant is a court order authorizing law enforcement officials to search an individual’s private residence or other premises for evidence of a crime. The search warrant also allows law enforcement officials to confiscate any evidence they find that is related to the crime. Search warrants are made necessary by the Fourth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which protects […]
Read moreRomeo and Juliet laws address the issue of consensual sex between teens and young adults. Historically, these young adults could be charged with statutory rape when engaging in a relationship or sexual relations with someone who is technically under the age of consent. Romeo and Juliet laws typically reduce or eliminate the statutory rape penalty in many cases, though the […]
Read moreIn the U.S. Constitution, certain specific powers are granted to the federal government. The Constitution reserves all other powers to the states. These are known as “reserved powers.” The reserved powers clause is not found in the body of the Constitution itself, but is part of the Tenth Amendment. To explore this concept, consider the following reserved powers definition. Definition […]
Read moreThe term Statute of Frauds refers to a law that requires certain types of contracts be made in writing, and signed by the parties to the agreement. Such statutes, which vary by state, serve to protect the parties from fraudulent acts in respect to the contract. The contract need not be written in formal language, and it is not even […]
Read moreReverse discrimination refers to discrimination against members of an historically majority, or “advantaged,” group. The term grew in popular use in the U.S. in the late 20th century, as legislation required special emphasis be put on offering advantages to minority populations, such as women, blacks and Hispanics, and the disabled. This legislative policy is referred to as “affirmative action.” To […]
Read moreThe term racketeering refers to the operation of a business that causes a problem, with the intent to offer to solve the problem. These problems involve illegal activities, and racketeering is just as illegal as the other party’s illegal business. Racketeering may include services to solve problems related to someone’s involvement in such unlawful activities as prostitution rings, gambling operations, […]
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