The Law Dictionary for Everyone
Inheritance tax is an estate planning term that refers to a tax on property inherited on a person’s death. The person inheriting the money or property must pay the tax, which is levied by the state in which the heir lives, or where the real property resides. Inheritance taxes are state taxes, and only a few states still impose them. […]
Read moreInherent powers are those powers held by the President that are not explicitly mentioned in the United States Constitution. Though these powers are not specified, they are deemed necessary in some situations in order for the President to effectively fulfill his or her responsibilities. Some people have expressed concern that the broadly interpreted inherent powers held by the U.S. President […]
Read moreThe Latin term a priori refers to knowledge that comes from theoretical reasoning, rather than from actual observation or personal experience. In the term’s most basic use, a person could assume that, if Bobby went to Kindergarten at least six days, he went to Kindergarten more than five days. In its practical use, however, a priori describes knowledge that exists […]
Read moreThe phrase hostile work environment is a civil law term that refers to the behavior of an individual in a workplace that creates an environment that makes work difficult or uncomfortable for another person. This includes behavior that may leave another employee feeling afraid or violated. Such offensive behavior happens in many forms, including sexual harassment. To explore this concept, […]
Read moreThe legal term amicus curiae is a Latin phrase that literally means “friend of the court.” The term is used to refer to a legal brief, called an amicus brief that may be filed with an appellate court, including a supreme court, by a party not involved with a current case, but in support of one side or another on […]
Read moreThe legal term writ of mandamus refers to an order by a court to a lesser government official to perform an act required by law, which he has refused or neglected to do. This type of court order is a remedy that may be sought if a governmental agency, public authority, or corporation in service of the government, fails or […]
Read moreJaywalking is the act of crossing a roadway when it is unlawful to do so. This includes crossing between intersections, as well as crossing at a crosswalk equipped with a signal, without waiting for the proper indication that it is safe to do so. In most jurisdictions, jaywalking is a low-level offense that has legal consequences, though exact pedestrian traffic […]
Read moreA citizen’s arrest occurs when a person not acting as a sworn in law-enforcement official arrests another person. U.S. law allows ordinary individuals to detain another individual until law enforcement officers arrive in certain circumstances. In this manner, a citizen’s arrest may be made by detaining a person suspected of committing a crime, or by directing police officers to arrest […]
Read moreThe term hit and run refers to an accident in which one driver leaves the scene without stopping to provide the required contact information, or being cleared to leave by authorities. Every driver involved in an accident of any type is required to follow certain procedures, which usually involve stopping to make sure nobody was injured, call for help, and […]
Read moreFalse imprisonment is a legal term that refers to the restraining of a person without legal authority or justification. In simple terms, false imprisonment can apply to any act in which a person intentionally restricts another person’s freedom to move or to leave without consent. This can occur in a building, on the streets, in a vehicle, or any other […]
Read more