The Law Dictionary for Everyone
The term “comity” comes from the Latin comitas, which means “friendly,” or “courteous.” In the legal world, comity refers to different nations, states, or courts coming together for some sort of mutual benefit. For example, comity refers to one court upholding a decision made by a court in a different jurisdiction out of respect for that other court. To explore […]
Read moreA “pro bono lawyer” is a lawyer who provides legal services as a form of charity for those who cannot afford a lawyer. For example, a pro bono lawyer may help a mother who is going through a divorce and has several children. A woman in this position may not be able to afford a lawyer, so the lawyer will […]
Read moreBy law, the term “immediate family” refers to a person’s parents, or spouse of a person’s parent if that parent has remarried, and siblings, as well as his own family. For example, immediate family also refers to a person’s spouse and children. Immediate family can include individuals not related by blood, such as stepchildren or adopted children. To explore this […]
Read moreThe term “Bill of Attainder” refers to the act of declaring a group of people guilty of a crime, and punishing them for it, usually without a trial. Officials have used bills of attainder to strip individuals of everything from their property to their lives. For example, bills of attainder caused the famous executions of several people by the English […]
Read moreThe term “ex post facto” translates to “out of the aftermath,” or “from a thing done afterward.” In the legal world, the term refers to the punishing of an act that was once legal, but is now criminal. For example, ex post facto laws can either create new penalties for a particular action or extend sentences already issued. To explore […]
Read moreThe term “jury nullification” refers to a jury’s verdict of “not guilty” despite believing the defendant is, in fact, guilty of the crime alleged. For example, jury nullification occurs when the jury “nullifies” the law related to the case, because they believe it is either corrupt or does not apply to the case presented. Once a jury declares a defendant […]
Read moreThe term “obstruction of justice” refers to any action that a person willfully takes to obstruct, or hinder, the administration of justice. Obstruction of justice occurs when a person offers false information, or otherwise takes some action that frustrates an investigation or other legal process. An example of an obstruction of justice would be a person lying to the court […]
Read moreThe term “retribution” means, in the simplest sense, revenge. Retribution in the legal world refers to the act of setting a punishment for someone that “fits the crime.” In other words, an eye for an eye, or “do unto others as you would have done unto you.” For example, retribution may be a judge’s ordering either a life sentence or […]
Read moreThe term “representative democracy” refers to a type of government wherein the citizens vote for representatives to pass laws for them. A perfect example of representative democracy can be found right here in the United States. Here, American citizens vote for a President and members of Congress, as well as members of state and local governments, to hear the concerns […]
Read moreThe term “sovereign citizen” refers to an individual who does not agree with a particular law and will find any means of justifying his noncompliance with that law. An example of a sovereign citizen is someone who refuses to pay his income taxes, and then presents “evidence” as to why he should not have to pay them. Such “evidence” can […]
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