Haunted House of Law
Prior case law that informs future court decisions.
Precedent
A formal request for a court to take action.
Motion
Failing to exercise reasonable care.
Negligence
Reasonable grounds for making an arrest or search.
Probable Cause
Legal requirement that the state must respect all legal rights.
Due Process
Law developed from custom and judicial decisions.
Common Law
A court decision without a full trial.
Summary Judgment
Legal responsibility for one’s actions.
Liability
Reasonable grounds for making an arrest or search.
Probable Cause
The principle that everyone is treated the same under the law.
Equal Protection
The authority given to a court to hear cases and make decisions.
Jurisdiction
The pre-trial phase where parties exchange evidence.
Discovery
False statements that damage a person’s reputation.
Defamation
Agreement in a criminal case for a lesser sentence.
Plea Bargain
Courts’ authority to invalidate unconstitutional laws.
Judicial review
A written law passed by a legislative body
Statute
A written statement made under oath.
Affidavit
The threat of imminent physical harm.
Assault
Criminal intent.
Mens Rea
Grants Congress the power to regulate interstate commerce.
Commerce Clause
A branch of law that resolves disputes by applying principles of fairness.
Equity
The right to challenge unlawful detention.
Habeas Corpus
The actual act of harmful or offensive physical contact.
Battery
The prohibition against being tried twice for the same crime.
Double Jeopardy
Establishes that federal law takes precedence over state laws.
Supremacy Clause