The Law Dictionary for Everyone
Following is the case brief for Calder v. Bull, 3 U.S. 386 (1798) Case Summary of Calder v. Bull: A probate court denied the Bulls inheritance, allowing Calder to inherit instead. The Connecticut legislature then passed a resolution, allowing for a new probate trial and right of appeal. Calder argued that the resolution violated the Constitution’s prohibition on ex post […]
Read moreThe term “standard of care” refers to the reasonable degree of care a person should provide to another person, typically in a professional or medical setting. For example, standard of care in the case of a cancer patient could include a recommendation of chemotherapy or surgery. If the doctor does not treat the patient to the best of his ability, […]
Read moreThe term “false accusation” refers to an accusation of wrongdoing that is false, or untrue. An example of false accusation would be for a woman to accuse a man of raping her when he did nothing of the sort. Telling a false accusation is a crime punishable with jail time, particularly if the person lies to police or while under […]
Read moreThe term “sexual misconduct” refers to any conduct which is sexual in nature and which is unwelcome and engaged in without consent. For example, this type of misconduct can refer to everything from unwanted groping to rape. A person can be guilty of sexual misconduct whether male or female, and such wrongdoing can even occur between two members of the […]
Read moreIn the legal word, the term “misrepresentation” refers to a statement someone makes an untrue statement in order to encourage someone else to sign a contract. For example, misrepresentation occurs when a person signs a contract, then suffers damages as the result of taking the other person’s advice. In this case, the wronged party can then sue for misrepresentation, and […]
Read moreFollowing is the case brief for Clinton v. Jones, 520 U.S. 681 (1997) Case Summary of Clinton v. Jones: Paula Jones filed a sexual harassment claim in federal district court against President Bill Clinton for acts alleged to have occurred when Clinton was still Governor of Arkansas. The district court denied the President’s motion to dismiss on grounds of presidential […]
Read moreThe Good Samaritan Law is a law that protects civilians who help people they believe to be injured or otherwise in danger. For example, the Good Samaritan Law provides people with the freedom to act without having to fear the other person might sue them. The purpose of the Good Samaritan Law is to encourage ordinary people to help someone […]
Read moreWhen someone has a “fiduciary duty,” this means that he is responsible for acting in a way that benefits another person. An example of a fiduciary duty is a legal guardian taking care of a minor. The legal guardian’s fiduciary duty is to make the best decisions on the minor’s behalf, such as medical care and the school the minor […]
Read moreA complaint in the legal world refers to the first document that is filed by the plaintiff in a case. This document lists all of the facts and reasons why the plaintiff believes he is justified in bringing his case against the defendant. For example, a complaint filed in a civil case may detail the ways in which the plaintiff […]
Read moreThe term “remittitur” refers to a judge’s ruling that reduces the amount of damages that are awarded upon the conclusion of a civil trial. For example, a remittitur is typically put in place when the amount the jury decides to award is more than the plaintiff asked for. A remittitur can also be issued if the damages awarded do not […]
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