The Law Dictionary for Everyone
A gag order, also known as a “suppression order,” is an order made by a court or government official, restricting information from becoming public knowledge. In most cases, a gag order is issued by a judge for the purpose of preventing witnesses and jurors from obtaining information about the case outside court, to protect the integrity of the trial. On […]
Read moreA Sex Offender Registry is a system used by countries around the world in order for government and law enforcement authorities to track individuals convicted of sex-related crimes. Such registries track offenders’ current residences, as well as personal identifying information, regardless of whether they have completed their sentences. In the United States, each state maintains a separate sex offender registry, […]
Read moreA witness is a person who testifies under oath at a trial, or in a deposition, regarding experiences of which he or she has personal knowledge. A witness gives a supervised recital of things he or she experienced, whether by sight, hearing, smell, or other sensory perception. A witness may voluntarily offer such information in a legal matter, or may […]
Read moreWhile most people associate the term warrant with a legal document that allows police to search a specified place, the term actually has a more general meaning. A warrant is a written authorization, issued by a judge or magistrate, that permits a specified act that would otherwise be illegal, as it would otherwise violate a citizen’s rights. The warrant, sometimes […]
Read moreWire fraud refers to fraud that is committed through the use of wires, or electronic means. Wire fraud may be committed using interstate wires, television or radio communications, or the Internet. Wire fraud is an intentional act to defraud another individual or entity of his money or property, and is a federal crime punishable by up to 30 years in […]
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 moreStalking is a pattern of repeated behavior that includes unwanted attention, contact, harassment, or other conduct towards a specific person. Stalking behaviors may be committed in person, by following the victim, or by monitoring and harassing the victim electronically. Both men and women are victims of stalking all over the world. To explore this concept, consider the following stalking definition. […]
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 moreIn the law, the term sodomy refers to anal or oral sex, whether between a man and woman, two women, or two men, and was historically considered to be a criminal act. As recently as the 1960s, all 50 states had laws that made even consensual sodomy illegal, viewing such acts as “crimes against nature,” or deviant sexual acts. By […]
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