The Law Dictionary for Everyone
The term amicus curiae translates to mean “friend of the court.” For example, amicus curiae briefs filed by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) have “amicus curiae” printed on them. What this means is that the ACLU is not a party to the case, but simply wants to provide information or expertise to the court to help shed light on […]
Read moreFollowing is the case brief for Pena-Rodriguez v. Colorado, 137 S. Ct. 855 (2017) Case Summary of Pena-Rodriguez v. Colorado: Petitioner Pena-Rodriguez was convicted of harassment and unlawful sexual contact by a Colorado jury. After the jury was dismissed, two jurors informed defense counsel that another juror had a racial bias against petitioner and his alibi witness, who was also […]
Read moreThe 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 “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 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 capias warrant, also known as a “bench warrant” in certain jurisdictions, is a court order that is issued for the purpose of arresting someone to ensure that he will show up for a scheduled court appearance. For example, a capias warrant is an arrest warrant, not the kind of warrant that is required before the police conduct a search […]
Read moreThe term “disposition” can have several different meanings in the legal world, depending on the issue being discussed. For example, a disposition in a court case means that the court has come to a final decision on the case, and so the case can be closed. Disposition can also refer to the act of transferring property to another person in […]
Read moreFollowing is the case brief for Hickman v. Taylor, 329 U.S. 495 (1947) Case Summary of Hickman v. Taylor: Plaintiffs suing to recover for deaths caused in a tugboat accident served an interrogatory on the tugboat owners, asking for written statements of witnesses interviewed by the tugboat owners’ lawyer. The lawyer refused. The District Court ordered the lawyer to produce […]
Read moreFollowing is the case brief for Hess v. Pawloski, 274 U.S. 352 (1927) Case Summary of Hess v. Pawloski: Hess, a Pennsylvania resident, caused a car accident with Pawloski on a Massachusetts highway, injuring Pawloski. Pawloski sued Hess in Massachusetts court. Pawloski served process on Hess in accordance with Massachusetts statute, which requires service on the Massachusetts registrar of motor […]
Read moreConstructive notice is an idea in the legal world that a person may be notified by public posting of a pending legal action. This may be done in the event that the individual cannot be served personally or by mail. If the requirements for constructive notice have been met, the court deems the party to have been given notice, whether […]
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