The Law Dictionary for Everyone
A juvenile is a minor, and a minor is someone who is younger than what each state’s law defines as the age of majority, typically 18 years of age in the United States, though in some states, the age is 17. Juveniles who participate in illegal behavior are said to be engaging in “juvenile offending,” while those who are caught […]
Read moreA mistrial is a term that refers to a trial that is ended before its conclusion because of some error or problem with the trial itself. A mistrial must be declared by the judge overseeing the trial, and renders the entire trial invalid. This is most likely to occur when the judge feels that the problem makes it impossible to […]
Read moreThe term judicial restraint refers to a belief that judges should limit the use of their power to strike down laws, or to declare them unfair or unconstitutional, unless there is a clear conflict with the Constitution. This concept relies heavily on the uniform adherence to case law, which encompasses decisions rendered by other judges on prior, similar cases. To […]
Read moreThe term irreconcilable differences refers to an inability for two parties to resolve their differences in order to save their marriage. In states that allow no-fault divorces, irreconcilable differences is sufficient grounds for divorce. In choosing this reason for divorce, the couple is simply stating that their problems have become so bad, they cannot be brought back into harmony. To […]
Read moreJim Crow Laws are a part of American history, having been enacted at the state and local levels to mandate and maintain racial segregation in the southern United States. Public facilities followed these laws in order to abide by the “separate but equal” status used to classify black Americans at the time. Facilities set apart for use by black Americans were […]
Read moreInsubordination is the act of willfully disobeying a superior, by being disrespectful to that superior, or by refusing to follow an instruction given by that superior. As an example of insubordination, a soldier who disobeys a superior officer in the military is likely to be disciplined. If someone refuses to perform an action that is unethical or illegal in nature, […]
Read moreIntoxication, or substance intoxication, is the state of being inebriated or drunk. Examples of intoxication include alcohol intoxication, cocaine intoxication, and intoxication by inhaling fumes. The state of being intoxicated is often referred to in such slang terms as being “wasted,” “sloshed,” “stoned,” “high,” or “blazed” (the last three referring to cannabis [marijuana] intoxication). Intoxication is often graded in slang […]
Read moreLegislation is laws that are made or enacted by a governing body, or “legislature.” In the United States, the legislative process functions at both the federal and state levels, where proposed laws are referred to as “bills.” Laws passed through the legislative process may serve to outlaw something, to authorize, sanction, or grant something, to regulate something, or to restrict […]
Read moreFederalism is a type of government in which a central, or “federal,” government, and one or more regional governments work together to form one political system. Federalism is best recognized as a type of government wherein the powers are divided between the levels of government, and the people are subject to the laws at each level. Examples of federalism can […]
Read moreImperialism is the practice of a nation extending its influence, taking over other countries, whether by colonization, or use of military force. Imperialism traces back to ancient Chinese history and extends up to and including World War I. Three periods in particular were the most fruitful for imperialism; between the 15th and 18th centuries, between the 19th century and World […]
Read more