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Chapter 15
Term | Definition |
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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 legislature 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 to never 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 ruling 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 a 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 house home or business and take specific items as evidence |
Double jeopardy | Putting someone on trail 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 |