The Law Dictionary for Everyone
Following is the case brief for Duncan v. Louisiana, United States Supreme Court, (1968) Case summary for Duncan v. Louisiana: Duncan was charged with simple battery and requested a jury trial. The court denied his request as the state only permitted jury trials for capital offenses and Duncan was found guilty. Duncan appealed his conviction, claiming the denial of his […]
Read morePlaintiff is the term used to describe a party who initiates a court action, whether a lawsuit in civil court, or charges in criminal court, in order to seek a legal remedy. The party responding to the lawsuit, or the person being charged with a crime, is known as the Defendant. In criminal court proceedings, the plaintiff can refer to […]
Read moreA directed verdict occurs in a jury trial when the presiding judge orders the jury to return a specific verdict. This typically takes place when the judge learns that no reasonable jury could reach any other decision. After the directed verdict is ordered, the jury no longer has to decide the case, and is dismissed. A directed verdict may be […]
Read moreSince colonial times, America has embraced the custom of the grand jury in criminal law. This panel of 12 to 23 ordinary citizens reviews evidence, hears sworn testimony, and otherwise conducts an investigation into alleged criminal conduct, to determine whether criminal charges should be brought against the accused. This method of establishing “probable cause” to charge a person with a […]
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