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Chapter15
Term | Definition |
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Common law | a system of law based on president and customs |
precedent | a ruling that is used as the bases 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 robbing |
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 |
torts | wrongful acts for which an injured party has the right to sue |
libel | written untruths that are harmful to someones reputation |
constitutional law | branch of law dealing with formation, and interpretation of constitution |
Stare decisis | the practice of using earlier judicial ruling as a basis for deciding cases |
writ of habeas corpus | a court order that requires police to bring a prisoner t court to explain why they are holding the person |
bill of attainder | a law that punishes a person accused of a crime without a trail or 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 and 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 trail for a crime of which she or he 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 trail |
lawsuit | a legal action in which a person or group sues to collect damages for some harm that is done |