The Law Dictionary for Everyone
The term “conflict of interest” in the legal world refers to a situation wherein an individual is in a position to exploit his professional capacity for his own benefit. For example, a conflict of interest would arise if one law firm tried to represent both parties in a divorce case. This problem is typically found in the medical and political […]
Read moreThe capias warrant, also known as a “bench warrant” in certain jurisdictions, is a court order that is issued for the purpose of arresting someone to ensure that he will show up for a scheduled court appearance. For example, a capias warrant is an arrest warrant, not the kind of warrant that is required before the police conduct a search […]
Read moreThe term “sovereignty” is used to refer to a state’s ability to govern either itself or another state. It can also be used to describe a supreme influence or authority. For example, sovereignty is used to describe the power that a monarchy has over its people, or that a state has with regard to creating its own laws. To explore […]
Read moreThe term “disposition” can have several different meanings in the legal world, depending on the issue being discussed. For example, a disposition in a court case means that the court has come to a final decision on the case, and so the case can be closed. Disposition can also refer to the act of transferring property to another person in […]
Read moreIf someone is “incapacitated,” this means that he is unable to react or respond in a clear manner to that which is going on around him. For example, an incapacitated person may be someone who has had too much alcohol and, as a result, has passed out. Anyone who then tries to communicate with this person will not receive a […]
Read moreThe term “expert witness” is used to describe a person who is called upon to testify during a trial due to his knowledge or skills in a field that is relevant to the case. For example, an expert witness may be a blood spatter analyst who can testify as to the type of weapon that was used to commit a […]
Read moreThe term “pro tempore” is a term that is used to describe an individual who is acting locum tenens, or as a placeholder of sorts, when a superior is not present. Pro tempore translates to “for the time being,” which describes the length of time during which an individual acts in a particular role. For example, pro tempore senate presidents […]
Read moreThe term “capital offense” is used to describe a crime that is so serious that the death penalty may be considered an adequate punishment. One of the most common examples of a capital offense would be murder. Treason, or the betrayal of one’s country, is also considered a capital offense, and it is punishable by death. To explore this concept, […]
Read moreThe term “interlocutory” is used to describe something that is decided while a case is still ongoing. Over the course of a court case, issues may come up that need to be dealt with, but that do not resolve the case entirely. For example, interlocutory orders may be issued to decide more immediate issues, like custody and visitation, while a […]
Read moreThe term “treble damages” is used to describe the court’s ability to award three times the damages in certain cases. For example, treble damages are triple the damages that a court would normally award in a similar case. However, in some cases, treble damages are awarded in addition to the other damages awarded to the Plaintiff in the case. To […]
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