The Law Dictionary for Everyone
A pardon is a governmental decision to absolve an individual for a criminal conviction, often times freeing him from all or part of the punishment imposed at sentencing. Pardons are typically granted by the President, or by individual state governors, usually to absolve individuals, but may be granted, in certain circumstances, for groups of people. Federal pardons are granted by […]
Read moreThe legal term no contest is a plea made by a defendant in court when he does not contest a particular criminal charge against him. While a no contest plea is not necessarily an admission of guilt, it is treated as such by the court, and the defendant is sentenced as though he has been convicted of the crime. A […]
Read moreBy strict definition, pandering is the act of providing what someone else needs or requires. As it relates to the law, pandering is the act of recruiting prostitutes, and soliciting clients for prostitutes. Pandering is illegal, as is prostitution, in all states, save for portions of Nevada. In many jurisdictions, the words pandering and “pimping” are used interchangeably, as both […]
Read moreThe term incest refers to any sexual activity that takes place between non-spouse family members or close relatives. Incest is illegal in the United States and many other countries around the world. Incest laws are intended to protect the security of the family, and to prevent the genetic defects that typically occur when babies are born of parents too closely […]
Read moreThe term mail fraud refers to any scheme carried out in a fraudulent manner, with the intent of depriving another person of his or her property, or “honest services,” via the U.S. Postal Service, or any other interstate mail carrier. Since 1872, the crime of mail fraud has been classified as a federal offense in the United States, and carries […]
Read moreA jury is a group of one’s peers that are sworn to give a verdict in a legal matter based on the testimony presented at trial. The Constitution of the United States guarantees an individual the right to a jury trial should he face criminal charges in court. A jury is also used to render a verdict in many civil […]
Read moreHomicide is defined as the taking of a person’s life, regardless of the intent or the circumstances surrounding the death. This means that a homicide is not necessarily a murder, but may be caused by an accident, an execution, or even abortion. Homicide itself is not necessarily a crime, though the circumstances that resulted in the individual’s death may raise […]
Read moreLewd acts are defined as unlawful behaviors that are sexual in nature, performed with the intention of sexually arousing either the perpetrator or the person to whom the conduct is directed. Lewd acts are a crime in all jurisdictions, which may be considered misdemeanors or felonies, depending on the exact circumstances. To explore this concept, consider the following lewd acts […]
Read moreChild exploitation is the act of using a minor child for profit, labor, sexual gratification, or some other personal or financial advantage. Child exploitation often results in cruel or harmful treatment of the child, as the activities he or she may be forced to take part in can cause emotional, physical, and social problems. To explore this concept, consider the […]
Read moreCyberstalking refers to the crime of using the Internet, email, or other types of electronic communications to stalk, harass, or threaten another person. Cyberstalking most often involves sending harassing emails, instant or text messages, or social media posts, or creating websites for the sole purpose of tormenting the victim. To explore this concept, consider the following cyberstalking definition. Definition of […]
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