click below
click below
Normal Size Small Size show me how
Legal Rights&Respons
chapter 15
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 later, similar case |
Statute | law written by a legislative branch |
Stare Decisis | The practice of using earlier judicial rulings as a basis for deciding cases |
Writ of Habeas Copus | 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 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 legal by law and guaranteed by the Constitution |
Search Warrent | A court order allowing law enforcement officers to search a suspect's home or business and take specific items as evidence |
Double Jerpardy | Putting someone on trail for a crime which he or she was previously acquitted |
Grand Jury | A group of citizens that decides weather 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 security deposit to ensure that an accused person returns for his or her trial |
Plantiff | 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 ti 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 |
Constitution law | Branch of law dealing with formation, construction, and interpretation of constitutions |