The Law Dictionary

Your Free Online Legal Dictionary • Featuring Black’s Law Dictionary, 2nd Ed.

Category: Criminal Law

What Is Cross Examination?

The question, What is cross examination? is a subject of interest to every first-year law student. “Cross examination” is a litigation technique that every lawyer who questions witnesses in court must perfect.

Marijuana Laws by State

State laws are constantly changing, and that is especially true with laws pertaining to the cultivation, sale, and use of marijuana (a slang term for cannabis). Marijuana laws by state are all

What Is Restitution?

If you were subject to a breach of contract, had a piece of property stolen from you, or have been the victim of another crime, you may have a legal right to

Is Cyberbullying Illegal?

Is cyberbullying illegal? The answer is yes. Most states have cyberbullying laws that come with criminal charges. Additionally, you may also face civil liability and be subject to monetary penalties. Here’s a

How to Check My Criminal Record: A Guide

Sometimes an employer or agency needs to run a background check. You may ask yourself, Do I even know how to check my criminal record? You’re not alone; people often don’t know

How to Get Small Business Grants for Felons

Having a felony on your criminal record can make finding employment difficult. Employment background checks can reach back many years. Though many businesses do hire felons, it may be more appealing to

What Is Racketeering?

You may be familiar with racketeering in the context of prosecuting mafia groups like the Genovese and Gambino crime families and the Chicago Outfit. In addition to numerous prosecutions of organized crime,

How to Expunge Your Record: Guide and FAQ

Having a criminal or arrest record can make some of the basic functions in life more challenging. From securing a new job, renting an apartment, or gaining custody of your child, your

What Is a Felony Charge?

Most of us have watched TV legal dramas and wondered, What is a felony charge? A felony is a type of criminal act more severe than a misdemeanor. People convicted of felonies

What Are the Miranda Rights?

“You have the right to remain silent.” These seven words begin the Miranda warning. And if you’ve ever been arrested or watched a crime drama on television, you know the police must

How Long Is a Life Sentence?

When a judge sentences a defendant to life in prison, this doesn’t always mean that the individual who was convicted of criminal wrongdoing will remain in prison for the rest of their

Is Pepper Spray Legal in NYC?

It’s no secret that New York City is a big, bustling city with more than its fair share of crime. So, when faced with the reality of being mugged or worse, many

Treason vs. Sedition: What Are the Differences?

The terms “treason” and “sedition” are often used interchangeably, but they actually have different meanings. Treason is a federal crime that consists of acts against the United States government, while sedition is

How to Find Old Homicide Cases

Do you have an interest in learning more about homicide cases from the past? If so, you’ll want to check out this guide on how to find old homicide cases. We’ll provide

What Is Entrapment?

Entrapment is a terrible issue, and while the police are expected to serve and protect citizens, some claim police officers have entrapped them. Entrapment may sound simple, but it’s not, and there

What Does It Mean to Be Acquitted? 

What is an acquittal? In criminal law, an acquittal means that the accused is free from the charge and it occurs in a criminal case where a defendant is found not guilty

Double Jeopardy Law

You may have heard about the double jeopardy law by watching crime and justice shows like Law & Order, but perhaps you may not know how it works in the real world.

What Is Jury Nullification?

Jurors not only can determine whether someone is innocent or guilty of a crime, but they also have the power to determine whether the law under which an individual is being prosecuted

The Exclusionary Rule

The United States Constitution was drafted to protect some of the very freedoms that we enjoy today. In this article, we will take a look at one of the legal rules based

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Disclaimer

This site contains general legal information but does not constitute professional legal advice for your particular situation. The Law Dictionary is not a law firm, and this page does not create an attorney-client or legal adviser relationship. If you have specific questions, please consult a qualified attorney licensed in your jurisdiction.