The Law Dictionary for Everyone
In a legal sense, the term proximate cause refers to a thing that happened to cause something else to occur. This is usually brought up when something has gone wrong, such as an automobile accident in which someone was injured, and refers to the non-injured party’s legal responsibility for the event. Examples of proximate cause are often found in personal […]
Read moreThe term opinion refers to a personal view, appraisal, or judgment that is based on information that is not sufficient to be certain. For instance, a person’s opinion may express his or her judgment about a person’s character, the attractiveness of a clothing style, or the quality of an automobile. In a legal sense, the term has a similar, though […]
Read morePopular Sovereignty meaning in law Popular sovereignty is the idea that the government gets its power from its citizens. This belief is based on the concept that the government should exist for the sole purpose of benefiting its citizens, and if the government is not doing everything it can to protect its people, then it should be disbanded. English philosopher Thomas […]
Read moreNatural law is the philosophy that certain rights, moral values, and responsibilities are inherent in human nature, and that those rights can be understood through simple reasoning. In other words, they just make sense when you consider the nature of humanity. Throughout history, the phrase “natural law” has had to do with determining how humans should behave morally. The law […]
Read moreThe term liability refers to a broad spectrum of things a person may be held responsible for. This may be a legal liability, a financial liability, or other responsibility. An example of liability includes the legal obligation to pay a debt, or to pay for damages an individual has caused someone else. Liabilities are also counted in finances as debits […]
Read moreLiberalism is a political philosophy held by people who strongly believe in the principles of liberty and equality for all. Classical liberalism focuses more on liberty, or personal freedoms, while social liberalism is more concerned with equality. Some examples of liberalism principles supported by advocates include freedom of speech, freedom of religion, freedom of the press, civil rights, and gender […]
Read moreA juvenile is a minor, and a minor is someone who is younger than what each state’s law defines as the age of majority, typically 18 years of age in the United States, though in some states, the age is 17. Juveniles who participate in illegal behavior are said to be engaging in “juvenile offending,” while those who are caught […]
Read moreA mistrial is a term that refers to a trial that is ended before its conclusion because of some error or problem with the trial itself. A mistrial must be declared by the judge overseeing the trial, and renders the entire trial invalid. This is most likely to occur when the judge feels that the problem makes it impossible to […]
Read moreThe term judicial restraint refers to a belief that judges should limit the use of their power to strike down laws, or to declare them unfair or unconstitutional, unless there is a clear conflict with the Constitution. This concept relies heavily on the uniform adherence to case law, which encompasses decisions rendered by other judges on prior, similar cases. To […]
Read moreImperialism is the practice of a nation extending its influence, taking over other countries, whether by colonization, or use of military force. Imperialism traces back to ancient Chinese history and extends up to and including World War I. Three periods in particular were the most fruitful for imperialism; between the 15th and 18th centuries, between the 19th century and World […]
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