easy
Define Misdemeanor
Less serious crimes such as shoplifting or DUI. Usually carries a fine and/or jail sentence of less than a year
Define title 18
serves as the federal government's main penal code and includes criminal procedure for federal crimes
Define Punitive Damage
Additional penalties, determined by the judge. Loosing party is civil law case must pay when the behavior was found to be especially harmful
define criminal law
body of law dealing with crime and the legal punishment of criminal offenses
define offense against public order & decency
disturbing others by gathering in groups or engaging in offensive public displays
Define Murder
Unlawful premeditated killing of one human being by another
Define Bigamy
Legally married person marrying or attempting to marry someone other than their spouse, living under the appearance of marriage with someone other than their spouse or attempting to marry someone other than their spouse who is already married
Define Preponderance of Evidence
common evidentiary standard in civil law cases meeting the burden of proof when at least 51 percent of the provided evidence favors the plaintiff's claims and outcome.
define criminal prosecution
legal action between two parties in a criminal law case
define offense against public health, saftey and morals
laws which place limitations on dangerous or unlawful items and activities
Define Manslaughter
Crime of killing a human being without malice prior to the killing
Obligation to prove or back up claims being made.
define capital murder
murder punishable as the most serious category of felony, involves killing a police officer or firefighter while on duty or committing a murder while committing another serious felony
municipal regulations and laws enacted in local areas
define organized crimes
crimes which are planned and carried out by criminal groups such as gangs
Define Felony
Serious crimes such as murder, kidnapping, robbery, etc. Punishable by a year or more in state prison
Define Plaintiff
Party who was wronged and is filling the civil law case
define obstructing governmental operation
person using intimidation physical force or interference to hinder or prevent a public servant from performing their duty
define defendant
responding party or alleged wrongdoer
define federal laws
laws applied to the United States as a whole
Define Perjury
Lying under oath
define wobbler
crimes which can be considered between a felony and misdemeanor
define a reasonable doubt
common evidentiary standard in criminal law cases meeting the burden of proof when the prosecutor demonstrates there is a moral certainty of the defendant being guilty
define abuse of office
officer using his position in an office for unlawful personal gain
define state laws
each states unique system of laws and courts