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Chapter 15
Civics and Economics chapter 15 definitions
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 |
Statue | a law written by the 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 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 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 |