The Law Dictionary for Everyone
A sworn statement is a legal document that contains facts that are relevant to a court case. Sworn statements are different from affidavits, in that sworn statements are not usually signed or certified by a notary public. Sworn statements are typically entered into evidence for personal injury cases and other types of legal proceedings. To explore this concept, consider the […]
Read moreProsecutorial misconduct is the act of breaking the law, or a code of ethics, while working as a prosecutor. Prosecutors are responsible for determining who should be held accountable when a crime is committed. An example of prosecutorial misconduct might occur if a prosecutor failed to turn evidence, which would prove the defendant’s innocence, to the defense attorney, choosing instead […]
Read moreA preliminary injunction is a court order that is drafted up during the early stages of a lawsuit. Its purpose is to prevent one or both of the parties from doing anything to upset the status quo until the court can give the parties proper direction. An example of a preliminary injunction is one that would be issued against a […]
Read morePerfidy is a kind of deception wherein someone promises to do the right thing, but has every intention of breaking that promise later on. An example of perfidy, most commonly thought of in terms of war, is an enemy raising a flag as a symbol of truce, only to attack the opposing side as they come forward to meet. Perfidy […]
Read moreThe term police brutality refers to the use of unnecessary, or excessive force by police officers when handling civilians. Examples of police brutality can include the use of pepper spray, nerve gas, or batons, though it does not have to be physical abuse or attack. This behavior can extend to such actions as pulling a gun on someone in order […]
Read moreIn any legal action, whether civil or criminal, all of the parties to the action are entitled to receive information and evidence from the other parties, though they have to ask for it specifically. This is usually done through a series of requests that the other party answer questions, and provide documents or other items. Should a party refuse to […]
Read moreThe term police misconduct refers to illegal or inappropriate action engaged in by police officers. Police misconduct can include instances of such things as discrimination or even obstructions of justice. Modern times have seen a huge increase in the number of people possessing mobile devices capable of recording video and sound. Because of this, more police misconduct is being captured […]
Read moreA kangaroo court is an unauthorized, unofficial court, the sole purpose of which is to provide the image of a fair legal process. In actuality, the fate of the accused is actually decided in advance, with no consideration being made as to the fairness of the situation. Kangaroo courts are typically associated with groups that practice their own brand of […]
Read moreThe term original jurisdiction refers to the question of which court has the authority (“jurisdiction’) to hear a legal case for the first time. For instance, family law court has the authority to hear a child custody case, but not to hear a burglary case. Therefore, the family law court has original jurisdiction. This is a distinction from other courts […]
Read moreInternational law is a collection of laws that are accepted as governing the relations between states. There are three types of international law: public international law, private international law, and supranational law. There are also two branches of international law: jus gentium and jus inter gentes. To explore this concept, consider the following international law definition. Definition of International Law […]
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