Question | Answer |
Common law | A system of law based on precedent and customs |
Precedent | A ruling that is used as the basis for judicial decision in 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 |
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 for some harm that is done. |
Torts | 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 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 that 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 |