The Law Dictionary for Everyone
In legal terms, insanity refers to a disorder of the mind which impairs an individual’s ability to know right from wrong, or otherwise prevents him from understanding that his actions are wrong. In the prosecution of a criminal case, a defendant who is normally free from mental disorder may assert that he was insane only briefly, at the time he […]
Read moreSecond degree murder is a criminal law term that describes the killing of another human being without premeditation, but with intent. Second degree murder may also refer to a death caused by an individual’s negligent or reckless conduct. To explore this concept, consider the second degree murder definition. Definition of Second Degree Murder Noun The killing of another human being intentionally, but […]
Read moreThe Latin term in limine literally means “on the threshold,” or “at the start.” A motion in limine is a motion made to the court before a jury has been selected in either a civil or a criminal case. Motions in limine ask the court to order the opposing party, its counsel, and witnesses not to talk about, or even […]
Read moreMitigating circumstances are facts that do not excuse a person for civil or criminal misconduct, but which may show that he had some valid reasons for his actions. Mitigating circumstances are often used in court proceedings when the judge or jury determines a defendant’s sentence for a crime, or damages in a civil lawsuit. To explore this concept, consider the […]
Read moreDismissed with prejudice means that a civil lawsuit has been dismissed based on merits of the case after a judgement has been issued. When a case is dismissed with prejudice, the plaintiff is barred from filing a lawsuit on the same issue at a later date. To explore this concept, consider the dismissed with prejudice definition. Definition of Dismissed with […]
Read moreCircumstantial evidence is any evidence that requires some reasoning or inference in order to prove a fact. This type of evidence is sometimes referred to as “indirect evidence,” and it may have more than one explanation or lead to more than one conclusion. In many situations, more than one piece of circumstantial evidence may be used to draw the judge […]
Read moreA preliminary hearing takes place during the criminal court process soon after the defendant has been criminally arraigned. During the preliminary hearing, a judge determines whether there is enough evidence to order the defendant to stand trial. The judge makes this decision based on a probable cause standard, meaning whether the prosecutor presents enough evidence to convince reasonable people on […]
Read moreThe legal term gross negligence refers to an act showing a severe and reckless disregard for the lives or safety of another person. While ordinary negligence involves the failure to provide an adequate level of care or caution, gross negligence is far more severe in its level of apathy or indifference. Even in cases where a victim cannot bring sue […]
Read moreJuvenile delinquency is the participation by a minor child, usually between the ages of 10 and 17, in illegal behavior or activities. Juvenile delinquency is also used to refer to children who exhibit a persistent behavior of mischievousness or disobedience, so as to be considered out of parental control, becoming subject to legal action by the court system. Juvenile delinquency […]
Read moreThe term sex offender refers to an individual who has committed a sex-related crime. While each jurisdiction has different statutes concerning what is considered a sex crime, certain crimes, such as rape, sexual abuse, prostitution, and sex trafficking, are widely accepted as sex crimes. In some jurisdictions, however, people may be charged with a crime simply for engaging in sexual […]
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