The Law Dictionary for Everyone
The term “felonious assault,” or “assault with a dangerous weapon,” is the act of attacking another person with a weapon that could inflict serious injury or death. For example, felonious assault occurs when someone points a gun at someone, or threatens to stab him with a knife. To “assault” someone means to cause them to feel an immediate fear that […]
Read moreThe statute of limitations refers to the time limit imposed by law in which a lawsuit or criminal can be filed. This time period varies by state, and by the type of case. Once the time limit specified by law passes, the lawsuit or criminal charges can no longer be filed. To explore this concept, consider the following statute of […]
Read moreThe term statutory rape refers to the engaging in sexual activity with an individual who is under the age specified by law to give consent. The age at which a person can legally consent to sex varies by state, but is generally between the ages of 15 and 18. Sexual activity that leads to statutory rape charges is usually consensual, […]
Read moreThe legal term sexual assault refers to any sexual contact that occurs without the express consent of the recipient. Whether the recipient is physically forced, or coerced to participate, or has refused or is unable to give consent, sexual assault is a serious crime. As a violent crime, sexual assault includes acts of rape, forced kissing or fondling, other non-consensual […]
Read moreRape is a crime in which sexual intercourse is committed without consent, through force, threats, or fearful intimidation. In most jurisdictions, the actual crime of rape requires actual sexual penetration. Some states however, have included non-consensual penetration by objects in their rape laws. To explore this concept, consider the following rape definition. Definition of Rape Noun Sexual intercourse with, or […]
Read moreRape is the forcing of someone to engage in sexual acts against his or her will. The term date rape refers to rape committed by a person who has had some sort of romantic relationship, or was on a date, with the victim. Date rape is most rampant among college and high school students, where the frequent overuse of alcohol […]
Read moreIn most jurisdictions, assault and battery is a crime committed when a person attempts to physically harm another person, and acts in a way that causes the victim to fear that he will be harmed. While assault and battery were traditionally classified as two very distinct crimes, modern laws pair them together as one offense. To explore this concept, consider […]
Read moreThe legal term assault refers to an attempt by one person to cause serious bodily harm to another person. This may be through a deliberate act, or through irresponsible actions that show a deliberate lack of respect for the victim’s safety. Assault is also defined as carrying out threat of bodily harm, or having the ability to carry out the […]
Read moreAn “assault” is an attempt by one person to cause another person serious bodily harm, whether they do it on purpose, or through reckless actions, with a deliberate lack of respect for the victim’s life or safety. An “aggravated assault” is an assault for which the perpetrator faces more severe punishment because of the severity of the crime. While there […]
Read moreBattery is the criminal act of intentionally touching, or applying force to the body of another person in an offensive manner, covering a wide range of acts, including those of a sexual nature. Simple battery is considered a misdemeanor in most states, but aggravating circumstances can cause battery to fall under the category of a felony. Each state has specific […]
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