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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 |