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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 the basis for a judicial decision in a later, similar case |
statutes | 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 |
felonies | a serious crime such as murder,rape,kidnapping,or robbery |
misdemeanors | a relatively minor offense such as vandalism or stealing inexpensive items. |
larceny | the unlawful taking away of another persons property with the intent never to return it. |
robbery | the taking of property from a persons 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. |
tortes | 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,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 fair hearing in court. |
ex post facto laws | 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 law | procedures established by law and guaranteed by the constitution. |
search warrant | a court order allowing law enforcement officers to search a suspects home or business and take specific items as evidence. |
double jeopardy | putting someone on trial for a crime that 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. |