The Law Dictionary for Everyone
Following is the case brief for Crawford v. Washington, United States Supreme Court, (2004) Case summary for Crawford v. Washington: Mr. Crawford was charged with attempted murder of a man who allegedly attempted to rape his wife. Crawford’s wife made statements to the responding officers, regarding the incident. At trial, the prosecution tried to use the statements against Crawford, since […]
Read moreFollowing is the case brief for Miller v. Alabama, 567 U.S. Supreme Court (2012). Case Summary of Miller v. Alabama: This case involves two companion cases. In both cases, a 14-year-old was convicted of murder and sentenced to a mandatory term of life in prison without parole. Both defendants argued that a sentence of life without parole for a juvenile violates the […]
Read moreFollowing is the case brief for Hudson v. Michigan, United States Supreme Court, (2006) Case summary for Hudson v. Michigan: Police arrived at Hudson’s home after obtaining a warrant. Three to five seconds after announcing their presence, police entered Hudson’s home and found drugs and a firearm. At trial, Hudson moved to have the evidence suppressed, claiming that the violation […]
Read moreFollowing is the case brief for Illinois v. Gates, United States Supreme Court, (1983) Case summary for Illinois v. Gates: The police received an anonymous letter claiming that Mr. and Mrs. Gates were running an illegal drug business and outlining future action. Upon receiving the letter, police further investigated and it was determined that most of the informants tips were […]
Read moreIn a legal sense, when someone is granted immunity, this means that he has been granted an exemption from a legal requirement or consequence. Examples of immunity include releases from payments or penalties. Immunity from prosecution is a legal doctrine that permits a person to avoid being prosecuted for a criminal offense. This is usually granted in exchange for something […]
Read moreFollowing is the case brief for Tennessee v. Garner, 471 U.S. 1 (1985). Case Summary of Tennessee v. Garner: Police officer shot and killed an unarmed fleeing suspect – Garner. Garner’s family sued, alleging that Garner’s constitutional rights were violated. The District Court found no constitutional violation. The Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals reversed. The U.S. Supreme Court held that deadly […]
Read moreFollowing is the case brief for Miller v. California, United States Supreme Court, (1973) Case summary for Miller v. California: Marvin Miller produced a mass mailing campaign advertising adult books and films he had available for sale. Miller was convicted under the state’s criminal obscenity laws and appealed claiming his conduct was protected under the First Amendment. The Supreme Court […]
Read moreFollowing is the case brief for Gregg v. Georgia, United States Supreme Court,(1976) Case summary for Gregg v. Georgia: Gregg was convicted of murder and sentenced to the death penalty under a Georgia state statute. Gregg claimed the sentence violated the Eighth and 14th Amendment of the Constitution. The state Supreme Court affirmed the sentence for the murder conviction and […]
Read moreFollowing is the case brief for Roper v. Simmons, 543 U.S. 551 (2005). Case Summary of Roper v. Simmons: Simmons, age 17, planned and committed a capital murder. He was sentenced to death. His direct appeal and petitions for relief were rejected. When the Supreme Court decided Atkins v. Virginia in 2002 (barring executions for the mentally disabled), Simmons filed a new […]
Read moreFollowing is the case brief for Katz v. United States, 389 U.S. 347 (1967). Case Summary of Katz v. United States: The FBI, using a device attached to the outside of a telephone booth, recorded petitioner’s phone conversations while in the enclosed booth. Petitioner was subsequently convicted of making wagering calls in violation of federal law. The FBI’s recordings were used as […]
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