The Law Dictionary for Everyone
The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (“ADA”) was signed into law, filling gaps in existing civil rights law. The ADA goes beyond the protections afforded by the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits discrimination based on race, national origin, sex, religion, and other personal characteristics. The ADA also requires certain locales and entities to make their facilities accessible […]
Read moreAnarchy is commonly associated with a philosophy of social freedom, through a state of chaos and an absence of social structure. The ideology of anarchism holds a fundamental belief that governmental authority is oppressive, and should be eliminated, allowing people to engage in social cooperation voluntarily. This philosophy is based on the premise that man is the best judge of […]
Read moreAdvocacy is the act of arguing in favor of, or pleading for something. Generally, advocacy refers to groups or individuals who attempt to influence decisions made by political parties, social systems, or agencies. Advocacy seeks to ensure that people who are disadvantaged, or vulnerable in society, are represented to decision-makers. To explore this concept, consider the following advocacy definition. Definition […]
Read moreWorkplace harassment, also referred to as “workplace mistreatment,” or “workplace bullying,” occurs when a person is harassed by another employee based on his or her race, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or sexual orientation. Workplace harassment includes any unwanted conduct towards another person in the workplace, and is against the law in all states. To explore this concept, consider […]
Read moreReverse discrimination refers to discrimination against members of an historically majority, or “advantaged,” group. The term grew in popular use in the U.S. in the late 20th century, as legislation required special emphasis be put on offering advantages to minority populations, such as women, blacks and Hispanics, and the disabled. This legislative policy is referred to as “affirmative action.” To […]
Read moreThe term prior restraint refers to a governmental restriction on speech or other expression before it can take place. This is seen by many as a blatant violation of the First Amendment rights enjoyed by all Americans, but is sometimes used by courts concerned about the effect publicity might have on a person’s right to a fair trial. Prior restraint […]
Read moreThe Miranda rights is a set of instructions that are required to be given to a person taken into custody on suspicion of having committed a criminal act, before he can be questioned by police. The purpose of the Miranda rights is to ensure such individuals are made aware of their right to not make any statement that incriminates themselves, […]
Read moreThe term loitering refers to lingering or hanging around in a public area without any apparent purpose for being there. In some areas loitering is illegal. Laws of each jurisdiction define how long a person might hang around before it is considered too long. If a person loiters with the intent to commit another crime, the charges can be more […]
Read morePersonal rights held by an individual which are not bestowed by law, custom, or belief, and which cannot be taken or given away, or transferred to another person, are referred to as “inalienable rights.” The U.S. Constitution recognized that certain universal rights cannot be taken away by legislation, as they are beyond the control of a government, being naturally given […]
Read moreThe phrase hostile work environment is a civil law term that refers to the behavior of an individual in a workplace that creates an environment that makes work difficult or uncomfortable for another person. This includes behavior that may leave another employee feeling afraid or violated. Such offensive behavior happens in many forms, including sexual harassment. To explore this concept, […]
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