The Law Dictionary for Everyone
An injunction is a court order that compels an individual or entity to do, refrain from doing, or to stop doing, a specified thing. When filing a civil lawsuit, the plaintiff must specify what relief he is seeking from the court. Many civil lawsuits in the United States seek monetary compensation, or money damages. In some cases, however, money will […]
Read moreExpungement is the official sealing of an individual’s records of arrest and conviction. This must be done by a court of law, and serves the purpose of making such records unavailable to people doing a background check. Because most employers, and many landlords, commonly ask applicants if they have a criminal record, and may not hire or rent to someone […]
Read moreThe term impeachment refers to the legal process that takes place when charges are brought against a public official, to determine whether he or she can and should be removed from office. Contrary to popular belief, impeachment is not the actual removal from office, but the procedure that must be followed in order to achieve such a removal. If the […]
Read moreHabeas corpus is a legal action in which a prisoner challenges the authority of the jail or prison to continue holding him. This Latin term translates as, “you have the body,” and it allows incarcerated people to seek relief from unlawful confinement. Habeas corpus is a protection against illegal imprisonment, afforded to United States citizens as outlined in the Suspension […]
Read moreIdentity theft is the act of stealing another person’s personal identifying information in order to gain access to his financial resources, or obtain access to other benefits, such as money, credit, or insurance benefits. Identity theft, sometimes referred to as “identity fraud,” is a crime that carries serious consequences. To explore this concept, consider the following identity theft definition. Definition […]
Read moreIndecent exposure is the act of intentionally exposing one’s genitals in a public area. Indecent exposure is a crime, the laws of which vary by jurisdiction. In the majority of states, it is not required than someone actually observe the act, or see the perpetrator’s private parts, in order for the perpetrator to face criminal charges. To explore this concept, […]
Read moreThe dictionary defines the word equitable as having the character of fairness or equity, or of being fair, reasonable, or just and right. As it applies to the law, equitable means much the same thing, though it is elevated to a principal by which judges decide how to settle disputes. The legal system of equity comes from the English common […]
Read moreHealth care fraud is a crime that involves misrepresenting information, concealing information, or deceiving a person or entity in order to receive benefits, or to make a financial profit. Both individuals and healthcare providers commit health care fraud, in a number of different ways. The laws regarding health care fraud vary by jurisdiction, though both state and federal laws are […]
Read moreA judge is an individual either elected or appointed as a judicial officer to preside over court proceedings. During both civil and legal proceedings, the judge makes decisions about questions of law, acts as a referee between the parties, rules on admissibility of testimony and evidence, and instructs the jury on how to deliberate the case. To explore this concept, […]
Read moreRape is the forcing of someone to engage in sexual acts against his or her will. The term date rape refers to rape committed by a person who has had some sort of romantic relationship, or was on a date, with the victim. Date rape is most rampant among college and high school students, where the frequent overuse of alcohol […]
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