The Law Dictionary for Everyone
Rape is a crime in which sexual intercourse is committed without consent, through force, threats, or fearful intimidation. In most jurisdictions, the actual crime of rape requires actual sexual penetration. Some states however, have included non-consensual penetration by objects in their rape laws. To explore this concept, consider the following rape definition. Definition of Rape Noun Sexual intercourse with, or […]
Read moreIn its broadest definition, the term evidence refers to anything that is presented to prove something else is true or exists. In the legal system, evidence is any type of proof presented at trial, for the purpose of convincing the judge and/or jury that alleged facts of the case are true. This may include anything from witness testimony to documents, […]
Read moreProbation is a sentence handed down to offenders in lieu of jail time. While on probation, the offender is allowed to continue living in the community as long as he follows the terms and conditions outlined by the judge or the probation officer to which he is assigned. Probation is often reserved for first time offenders who commit non-violent crimes, […]
Read moreThe legal term “damages” refers to a sum of money that may be awarded by a court of law to an individual or entity as compensation for property damage, a physical injury, or other loss caused by another person’s actions. Damages that a court may award are divided into two basic types, “compensatory,” and “punitive.” Compensatory damages return the plaintiff […]
Read moreManslaughter is the unlawful killing of another human being that occurs when a person kills another, without intent, malice, or forethought. In other words, the killing must have been without prior thought to do harm, or must have occurred “in the heat of passion.” Manslaughter is considered a less culpable crime than murder in most states. To explore this concept, […]
Read moreThe legal term possession refers to the control an individual or entity intentionally exercises toward something. An individual may have possession of any item, whether tangible or intangible, though possession of a thing does not necessarily mean ownership. To explore this concept, consider the following possession definition. Definition of Possession Noun The act or state of possessing something The actual […]
Read morePornography refers to material or representations designed to arouse or give sexual pleasure to the individual who reads, see, hears, or handles it. What is considered to be pornography is in constant flux, as society’s view of what is social acceptable, and what is considered vulgar or immoral changes. To explore this concept, consider the following pornography definition. Definition of […]
Read moreIn general terms, a plea is a serious, urgent, and emotional request for something. The legal term plea refers to an individual’s answer to a legal declaration or legal charge. In a criminal court case, the defendant’s plea of guilty, not guilty, or no contest, is his formal response to the charges against him. To explore this concept, consider the […]
Read morePerjury is the act of intentionally lying, or telling an untruth, whether verbally or in writing, while under oath in an official proceeding. The act of perjury is only considered a crime under certain specific circumstances, the details of which vary by jurisdiction. The courts view perjury as a serious offense, as lying and misrepresenting facts given in testimony, effectively […]
Read moreParole is the conditional release of an inmate prior to the completion of his prison sentence, after he agrees to follow very specific rules and regulations. While an individual released on parole is considered to have served his sentence, he risks being returned to prison to finish the prison term if he fails to follow the specific conditions set, or […]
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