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Chapter 15
Term | Definition |
---|---|
common law | a system of law based on precedent and customs |
precedent | a ruling that is used as a 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 roberry |
misdemeanor | a relativetly 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 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 constitiutions |
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 trail 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 comitted |
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 tail 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 procecutor |
bail | a sum of money used as a security deposit to ensure that an accused person returns for his or her trail |