Term
click below
click below
Term
Normal Size Small Size show me how
Chapter15 Vocabulary
Term | Definition |
---|---|
common law | A system of Law based on precedent and customs |
Precedent | A ruling that is used as the basis for a judicial decision in a later, similar case |
Statute | A law written by a legislative branch |
Plaintiff | A person or party filing a lawsuit |
Defendant | An Individual or group being sued or charged with a crime |
Felony | A serious crime such as murder, rape, kidnapping, or robbery |
Misdemeanor | A relatively minor offense such as Vandalism or stealing inexpensive items |
Larceny | The unlawful taking away of another person's property with the intent never to return it |
Robbery | The taking of property from a person's possession by using force or threats |
Burglary | Unlawful entry into any dwelling or structure |
Lawsuit | A legal action in which a person or group sues to collect damages for some harm that is done |
Tort | Wrongful acts for which an injured party has the right to sue |
Libel | Written untruths that are harmful to someone's reputation |
Constitutional Law | Branch of Law dealing with formation, construction, and Interpretation of constitutions |
Stare Decisis | The practice of using earlier judicial rulings as a basis for deciding cases |
Writ Of Habeas Corpus | A court order that requires police to bring a prisoner to court to explain why they are holding the person |
Bill Of Attainder | A law that punishes a person accused of a crime without a trial or a fair hearing in court |
Ex Post Facto Law | A Law that would allow a person to be punished for an action that was not against the law when it was committed |
Due Process of Law | Procedures established by law an guaranteed by the constitution |
Search Warrant | A court order allowing law enforcement officers to search a suspect's home or business and take specific items as evidence |
Double Jeopardy | Putting Someone on trial for a crime of which he or she was previously acquitted |
Grand Jury | A group of citizens that decides whether there is sufficient evidence to accuse someone of a crime |
Plea Bargaining | Negotiation between the defense attorney and the prosecutor |
Bail | A sum of money used as a security deposit to ensure that an accused person returns for his or her trial |