The Law Dictionary for Everyone
The term impunity refers to an exemption from punishment, or avoidance of penalties, in a situation which clearly calls for punishment. This might apply to someone who ultimately is not punished for wrongdoing, because the state failed in its duty to investigate and prosecute the crime. It might also apply to someone who sets himself above the law, acting with […]
Read moreThe legal term deponent refers to a person who gives testimony under oath, outside of the courtroom – either in a deposition, or in a sworn affidavit. A deponent’s testimony is recorded in writing – whether by his own writing, or by a transcription of his verbal testimony. To explore this concept, consider the following deponent definition. Definition of Deponent […]
Read moreThe legal term evasive answer refers to a response that is given, which does not directly answer the question posed. The point of an evasive answer is to hide the truth. Evasive answers are often seen in the legal world when a party refuses to confirm or deny allegation(s) against him. An evasive answer is perceived to be a party’s […]
Read moreConsanguinity is the sharing of a blood relationship with another person. An example of consanguinity is the relationship that exists between a brother and sister. When it comes to the law, the term consanguinity is often used when defining the boundaries of marriage and sexual relations, which are of course prohibited between blood relatives. To explore this concept, consider the […]
Read moreAn Alford plea is a plea that may be entered by a defendant who has been charged with a crime. In entering an Alford plea, the individual essentially enters a plea of guilty, while maintaining a claim of innocence. In such a case, the defendant is admitting that, whatever evidence the prosecution has is likely to convince the court he […]
Read moreDuress is a compulsion, coercion, or pressure to do something. In a legal sense, this refers to forcing someone to do something, or to sign a contract, by threatening his personal safety, his reputation, or other personal issue. When someone agrees to do something only because he is being threatened – or under duress – the law is likely to […]
Read moreThe legal term aiding and abetting refers to a person’s action to help, support, or approve of someone else’s illegal act. Aiding and abetting is a crime in itself, held against those who would somehow assist a criminal – short of physically contributing to the illegal act. In many jurisdictions, aiding and abetting is the same as an “accessory” to […]
Read moreWhen one party makes an assertion about something, another party may make an argument against it. This is known as a rebuttal, which is a contradictory argument or evidence. Rebuttals are commonly seen in debates, and in legal actions, and are an opportunity for the opposing party to essentially say This is why you’re wrong. In a legal sense, a […]
Read moreIn a legal sense, the term predicate means to base something, such as a fact, statement, or action, on another thing. For instance, a person may agree to give a crate of baseball bats to the local little league, predicated on (or based on) a parent’s withdrawal of a lawsuit. The term is also used in criminal law, as a […]
Read moreRecrimination refers to responding to an accusation with another accusation of one’s own; it amounts to a series of mutual accusations. This involves hurling accusations or insults back at the opponent in an argument. In law, recrimination is commonly seen in divorce cases. An example of recrimination might occur if a husband accuses his wife of certain misconduct within the […]
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