The Law Dictionary for Everyone
When an appellate court reaches a verdict, it is common for a written opinion to be provided, announcing the court’s decision, and its reasoning behind arriving at that decision. When a panel of judges is involved, those judges who disagree with the majority vote may supply their own written opinions, expressing their reasons for dissenting. This is called a dissenting […]
Read moreThe term dictatorship refers to a form of government in which a single person, or a very small group of people, hold all of the power, and wield absolute authority. Many dictatorships are, at least initially, established by force and violence, and once a dictator is in place, the nation’s citizens have virtually no say in the affairs of their […]
Read moreDisparate treatment is an element of employment discrimination. The term means that an employee was treated differently than other employees similarly situated, though in a legal sense, the different treatment must be based on the individual’s inclusion in a protected class. Discrimination is prohibited by the U.S. Constitution, and as such, the wronged person may take his case before the […]
Read moreA democracy is a form of government in which the leaders are chosen by the citizens’ votes, and in which the people have a say in decisions about the state’s affairs. The primary characteristics of democracy include political freedom, rule of law, and legal equality. In order for these principles to be authentic, every eligible citizen must have equal access […]
Read moreDeviant behavior is conduct that deviates from the societal norm. By this definition alone, deviance is neither good nor bad, but must be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Such behavior may be described as “different,” or “unexpected,” and may elicit positive or negative responses from other people. Deviant behavior that becomes popularized, or seen as normal, is how societies change […]
Read moreThe term delinquency refers to either something that is late in being done, such as making a late credit card payment, or to improper or criminal behavior. In a legal context, delinquency is most often used in reference to the disorderly or illegal actions engaged in by a youth. Juvenile delinquency is grouped into two categories, one more serious than […]
Read moreThe term deed in lieu is a short phrase commonly used to refer to a deed in lieu of foreclosure, which is a tool that may be used by some homeowners who are seriously behind in their mortgage payments, and seeking a way out. Foreclosure is a costly endeavor for both the homeowner and the financial institution holding the mortgage. […]
Read moreWhile all adults have the right to refuse potentially life-prolonging treatments in the face of death, it is illegal in most states for them to intentionally end their lives. Death with Dignity act is based on a growing movement in the United States, which believes that a terminally ill person should have the right to decide when, where, and how […]
Read moreAlthough the Civil Rights Act of 1964 made racial segregation illegal in the United States, the practice of segregation continued. This practice of separating minorities, especially black Americans, from whites was labeled de facto segregation, and commonly occurred in schools, though such public places as diners, beaches, and others remained segregated. To explore this concept, consider the following de facto […]
Read moreThere are two sides to every argument: (1) the “claim,” and (2) the “counterclaim.” The first is a statement of the party’s point, or argument for something. The second is a rebuttal, or argument opposing the claim. Once the parties have made their claims and counterclaims, they introduce the reasoning behind their arguments, and present evidence to support those claims. […]
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