The Law Dictionary for Everyone
The term “remand” means to place a person in custody or on bail while awaiting a trial. For example, a remand is necessary if the court believes the defendant may be a flight risk, or likely to leave the state while awaiting his trial. Remand can also mean to return a court case to a lower court from a higher […]
Read moreThe term “inure,” as far as the legal field is concerned, describes the point at which a new law or agreement goes into effect. The term “inure” can also refer to the act of becoming used to something unpleasant, such as an abusive environment. For example, inure, as it applies to children, refers to those whose parents regularly engage in […]
Read moreThe term “comity” comes from the Latin comitas, which means “friendly,” or “courteous.” In the legal world, comity refers to different nations, states, or courts coming together for some sort of mutual benefit. For example, comity refers to one court upholding a decision made by a court in a different jurisdiction out of respect for that other court. To explore […]
Read moreIn the legal world, the term “pretext” refers to the fabricated reasons, or lies, used to hide the real motivations behind the commencement of a legal action. An example of pretext used unlawfully is a police officer conducting an illegal search and seizure of a person’s vehicle. He may say he pulled the individual over because the latter had a […]
Read moreBy law, the term “immediate family” refers to a person’s parents, or spouse of a person’s parent if that parent has remarried, and siblings, as well as his own family. For example, immediate family also refers to a person’s spouse and children. Immediate family can include individuals not related by blood, such as stepchildren or adopted children. To explore this […]
Read moreThe term “recant” in the legal world means to formally take back or withdraw a prior statement. For example, recant occurs when a witness makes an official statement to, say, the police, and then formally withdraws that statement upon its presentation later in open court. Domestic violence victims sometimes recant their statements to the police when they fear the aftermath […]
Read moreThe term “jury nullification” refers to a jury’s verdict of “not guilty” despite believing the defendant is, in fact, guilty of the crime alleged. For example, jury nullification occurs when the jury “nullifies” the law related to the case, because they believe it is either corrupt or does not apply to the case presented. Once a jury declares a defendant […]
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 moreThe term “obstruction of justice” refers to any action that a person willfully takes to obstruct, or hinder, the administration of justice. Obstruction of justice occurs when a person offers false information, or otherwise takes some action that frustrates an investigation or other legal process. An example of an obstruction of justice would be a person lying to the court […]
Read moreThe term “retribution” means, in the simplest sense, revenge. Retribution in the legal world refers to the act of setting a punishment for someone that “fits the crime.” In other words, an eye for an eye, or “do unto others as you would have done unto you.” For example, retribution may be a judge’s ordering either a life sentence or […]
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