The Law Dictionary for Everyone
Administrative law is a branch of public law that is concerned with the procedures, rules, and regulations of a number of governmental agencies. Administrative law specifically deals with the such administrative agencies’ decision-making capabilities, as they carry out laws passed by state and federal legislatures. An example of administrative law is the regulation and operation of the Social Security Administration, […]
Read moreThe term abrogation refers to the cancelling, repealing, abolishing, or annulling of something. In short, abrogation is the “undoing” of a thing by authoritative action. In a legal sense, abrogation is most often used in the context of revoking terms of a contract, or of repealing a law. To explore this concept, consider the following abrogation definition. Definition of Abrogation […]
Read moreThe Latin term a fortiori is used to refer to an argument made from a previously made argument or previously proven fact. The original argument is considered to be stronger, or to come from a stronger basis, than the second argument, therefore, the arguer presents the original claim to support his own, weaker claim. In making a legal argument, the […]
Read moreVicarious liability, sometimes referred to as “imputed liability,” is a legal concept that assigns liability to an individual who did not actually cause the harm, but who has a specific superior legal relationship to the person who did cause the harm. Vicarious liability most commonly comes into play when an employee has acted in a negligent manner for which the […]
Read moreMoral turpitude is a legal concept that refers to any conduct that is believed to be contrary to the community standards of honesty, justice, or good moral values. While there is no one exact definition of acts that are considered under moral turpitude, they are typically described as any acts of vileness or depravity, or of sexual immorality, whether in […]
Read moreThe term strict scrutiny refers to a level of study or analysis the courts use to determine the constitutionality of a law, or of the actions of a governmental body. The most rigid standard of judicial review, strict scrutiny is used to determine whether such an action or legislation violates constitutional rights. To explore this concept, consider the following strict […]
Read moreStrict liability is a legal term referring to the holding of an individual or entity liable for damages or losses, without having to prove carelessness or mistake. The doctrine of strict liability is commonly applied to cases involving defective products. Such a claim relies, not on wrongdoing, but on the inherent hazards of the situation or product. To explore this […]
Read moreA search warrant is a court order authorizing law enforcement officials to search an individual’s private residence or other premises for evidence of a crime. The search warrant also allows law enforcement officials to confiscate any evidence they find that is related to the crime. Search warrants are made necessary by the Fourth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which protects […]
Read moreThe term Statute of Frauds refers to a law that requires certain types of contracts be made in writing, and signed by the parties to the agreement. Such statutes, which vary by state, serve to protect the parties from fraudulent acts in respect to the contract. The contract need not be written in formal language, and it is not even […]
Read moreThe term quid pro quo is a Latin expression that refers to an exchange of things similar in value. In a quid pro quo exchange, one transfer of goods or services is contingent upon the other transfer. For instance, a shopper who exchanges $3.00 for a gallon of milk at the grocery store has received something for something. Quid pro […]
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