The Law Dictionary for Everyone
A restraining order is issued by a court to protect a person from physical abuse, threats, or harassment by another specific person. A restraining order is obtained after the court determines that the applicant has a reasonable belief that he or she is in imminent danger, or may be in danger due to the actions of another. In some jurisdictions, […]
Read moreThe unlawful killing of another person, without justification, is referred to as “murder.” The crime of murder is considered by many, to be the most serious crime someone can commit. As such, an individual convicted of murder may be sentenced to serve many years in prison, to serve the rest of his life in prison without the possibility of being […]
Read moreA document filed with the court asking the judge to throw out certain claims in a civil or criminal case, or to throw out the case altogether, is called a “Motion to Dismiss.” A Motion to Dismiss is often filed by a defendant immediately after the lawsuit has been served, but may be filed at any time during the proceedings. […]
Read moreWhen parties to a dispute come together before a court or tribunal to present information and evidence fore the purpose of allowing the court to make a decision on the dispute, it is considered to be a trial. In the U.S., a trial occurs in a formal judicial setting before a judge with the authority to adjudicate disputes and claims, […]
Read moreA person showing contempt is one who views another person, entity, or situation with disdain or scorn, or who treats people with dishonor, or considers them disgraceful. Contempt of court involves an individual showing a lack of respect for the court, or for the rules and procedures of the court, or who defies the court’s authority. To explore this concept, […]
Read moreThe Latin term ex parte is used in law to refer to court proceedings for the benefit of one party to a controversy, without the other being present. This is an exception to basic court procedure, which requires that both parties be present at any argument or proceeding, and that neither party may have contact with a judge without previously […]
Read moreIn law, the term “abandonment” may be used in a variety of legal issues, from contract law to real estate law, referring to the giving up or renunciation of an interest, privilege, possession, or right, with the intent of never reclaiming it. As the term applies to matters of Family Law, an individual may abandon a marriage, spouse, child, or […]
Read moreThe term domestic violence refers to abusive behavior in any personal relationship that allows one partner to intimidate, or to gain power and control over the other. This is often thought of to occur between married spouses or in other intimate relationships, but actually refers to any family relationship, or persons living in the same home. Domestic violence includes physical, […]
Read moreFederal and state laws paint the issue of child abuse with a broad brush, including any type of cruelty inflicted on a child. This includes physical and child sexual abuse, mental abuse, psychological abuse, and exploitation. Specific crimes that may be charged under the umbrella of child abuse may include, among other things, assault and battery. Children subjected to the […]
Read moreThe term “revocation” refers to the recall, cancellation, or annulment of something that has been granted, such as a privilege, an offer, or a contract. There are many forms of revocation, and the term applies to issues in civil as well as criminal law. For example, an offer may be revoked, privileges in military service may be revoked, and the […]
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