The Law Dictionary for Everyone
The Sherman Antitrust Act was established as a way to keep competition fair in the business world. It did this by making it a crime to monopolize any part of the trade or commerce systems. The term “antitrust” refers to the laws that are put in place to protect commerce from unfair business practices that could limit competition and, as […]
Read moreThe Three-Fifths Compromise was a compromise reached between the northern and southern states of the U.S. in 1787. The compromise was reached during a debate over whether or not slaves should be counted when a state was determining its total number of residents for legislative and tax purposes. If they were to be counted, then the next issue was to […]
Read moreThe Labor Management Relations Act of 1947, which is better known as the “Taft-Hartley Act,” is a federal law that governs the activities and authority of labor unions. The Act was sponsored by Senator Robert A. Taft and Representative Fred. A. Hartley, hence its name. Despite the fact that President Truman called the Act a “dangerous intrusion on free speech” […]
Read moreThe term lawful interception refers to surveillance of communications between people by law enforcement agencies. This type of surveillance includes communications by phone, email, and other electronic means, and can only be legally undertaken with a court order. To explore this concept, consider the following lawful interception definition. Definition of Lawful Interception Noun Legally sanctioned access to private communications. What […]
Read moreThe franking privilege, enacted in 1775, allows members of Congress to mail their letters without postage. In lieu of a stamp, members instead use a stamp consisting of their signatures. Congress, at a later time, and through the legislative branch, then reimburses the U.S. Postal Service for their franked mail. To explore this concept, consider the following franking privilege definition. […]
Read moreExpropriation is the taking over of privately owned property by the government. The government may engage in expropriation for purposes that are said to be beneficial to the general public. The Fifth Amendment to the United States’ Constitution provides that private property cannot be expropriated without paying the owner of the property adequate compensation. To explore this concept, consider the […]
Read moreThe Espionage Act of 1917 is one of the most controversial laws that the United States ever passed. It was initially created to prohibit United States citizens from supporting enemies of their country while the U.S. was at war. It was also meant to stop anyone who could potentially get in the way of military operations, including recruitment, during wartime. […]
Read moreThe Bank Secrecy Act is a piece of legislation enacted in 1970, which is meant to keep banks from being used by criminals to hide their dirty money. Under the Bank Secrecy Act, U.S. banks are required to submit documentation for any transactions that add up to $10,000 or more. This enables authorities to track suspicious banking activity. To explore […]
Read moreThe Truth in Lending Act (TILA) protects consumers from incorrect or unfair credit card practices regarding purchasing and billing. Under the TILA, lenders are required to provide consumers with information relating to loan costs, so they can shop around for loans, as opposed to feeling they have to stick with one particular provider. In this way, the TILA establishes a […]
Read moreSeparation of powers refers to a system of government in which its powers are divided between multiple branches, each branch controlling a different aspect of government. In the United States, governmental authority is divided between the executive branch, which is controlled by the President; the legislative branch, which is controlled by Congress; and the judicial branch, which is controlled by […]
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