The Law Dictionary for Everyone
A true bill is a written decision, handed down by a grand jury, that the evidence presented by the prosecution is sufficient to believe that the accused person likely committed the crime, and should be indicted. The words “true bill” are endorsed on the bill of indictment, which is then signed by the grand jury foreperson, indicating that there is […]
Read moreA trier of fact is someone who determines what the facts are during a trial. For example, a trier of fact examines the evidence that is presented, and then determines whether an event that is said to have occurred actually did occur. Certain facts are determined to be the “facts of the case” as agreed by the parties to the […]
Read moreThe legal term transferred intent is often summed up with the phrase “the intent follows the bullet.” What this means is that, if someone intends to shoot Person A, he will be held liable when the bullet that leaves his gun also injures Person B in the process. The offender’s intent is effectively “transferred” between the two victims. However, intent […]
Read moreA vexatious litigant is a person who files multiple lawsuits, without legitimate grounds, with the intention of harassing or quieting another person. A vexatious litigant may file lawsuits that are frivolous, burdensome, and/or unwarranted, and the filing of such lawsuits is considered an abuse of the legal system. Vexatious litigants may suffer sanctions as a result of their malicious behavior. […]
Read moreThe term resisting arrest refers to the act of physically struggling against, or attempting to elude a police officer, in order to escape being restrained. According to the law, a person cannot use physical force to resist being lawfully arrested by a police officer. The act of resisting arrest is a crime that may be charged above and beyond any […]
Read moreA third party beneficiary is a person who benefits from a contract that is made between two other people. For example, a third party beneficiary is not a party to the contract himself but receives a benefit once the contract is satisfied. In certain situations, a third party beneficiary is afforded the legal rights necessary to enforce the contract and […]
Read moreThe term castle doctrine refers to the legal right of a person to defend himself against an intruder in his home or other property, even should the use of deadly force be required. Under this legal theory, the homeowner is not required to retreat, but may stand his ground to defend himself, his home, or his property. To explore this […]
Read moreThe term superseding cause refers to some event that occurs after the initial act that caused an accident, or some other injury. A superseding cause, also known as an “intervening cause,” may be proven to have substantially caused the accident. This has an effect on who should be held liable for the damages caused by the accident. To explore this […]
Read moreThe term “probable cause” refers to the right that a police officer has to make an arrest, search a person or his property, or obtain a warrant. Probable cause requires that facts and evidence presented in a case are of the type that would lead any reasonable person to believe that the suspect had committed a crime. As an example […]
Read moreA nonsuit is a motion filed by a defendant to be released from a civil lawsuit, usually because the plaintiff has failed to pursue the lawsuit in a timely manner. In some jurisdictions, a nonsuit may be filed by a plaintiff to dismiss one or more defendants from a lawsuit while keeping others. The reason for doing this is to […]
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