Judges will generally “follow precedent” – meaning that they use the principles established in earlier cases to decide new cases that have similar facts and raise similar legal issues. A judge will disregard precedent if a party can show that the earlier case was wrongly decided, or that it differed in some significant way from the current case.

Assume An agreement to continue performing duties under a contract or lease. Article III judge A federal judge who is appointed for life, during “good behavior,” under Article III of the Constitution. Article III judges are nominated by the President and confirmed by the Senate. Amicus curiae Latin for “friend of the court.” It is advice formally offered to the court in a brief filed by an entity interested in, but not a party to, the case. These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word ‘law.’ Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Schools are required by law to provide a safe learning environment. She has proposed a new law to protect people from being evicted unfairly.

The constitutional process whereby the House of Representatives may “impeach” high officers of the federal government, who are then tried by the Senate. Federal judges receive petitions for a writ of habeas corpus from state prison inmates who say their state prosecutions violated federally protected rights in some way. Grand jury A body of citizens who listen to evidence of criminal allegations, which is presented by the prosecutors, and determine whether there is probable cause to believe an individual committed an offense. Exempt assets Property that a debtor is allowed to retain, free from the claims of creditors who do not have liens on the property. Exclusionary rule Doctrine that says evidence obtained in violation of a criminal defendant’s constitutional or statutory rights is not admissible at trial. Bankruptcy estate All interests of the debtor in property at the time of the bankruptcy filing.

Collocations with law

The laws are very strict → Les lois sont très sévères. Read more about law dictionary here. Copyright © 2013, 2014 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. The advocacy of revision, especially in relation to court decisions. The rights or legal status of the first born in a family. The rights or legal status of the last child bom in a family. A lawyer whose practice is of a small or petty character; a lawyer of little importance.

Law dictionary

Inculpatory evidence Evidence indicating that a defendant did commit the crime. In camera Latin, meaning in a judge’s chambers.

Treatment may include psychiatric, psychological, and sex offense-specific evaluations, inpatient or outpatient counseling, and medication. Liquidated claim A creditor’s claim for a fixed amount of money. Jurisdiction The legal authority of a court to hear and decide a certain type of case. It also is used as a synonym for venue, meaning the geographic area over which the court has territorial jurisdiction to decide cases. Information A formal accusation by a government attorney that the defendant committed a misdemeanor.

Now providing more information than ever before, this edition features recommended web links for many entries, as well as including a list of general links in the end matter. Statement of intention A declaration made by a chapter 7 debtor concerning plans for dealing with consumer debts that are secured by property of the estate. Redemption A procedure in a Chapter 7 case whereby a debtor removes a secured creditor’s lien on collateral by paying the creditor the value of the property. Priority The Bankruptcy Code’s statutory ranking of unsecured claims that determines the order in which unsecured claims will be paid if there is not enough money to pay all unsecured claims in full. Petit jury A group of citizens who hear the evidence presented by both sides at trial and determine the facts in dispute. Federal criminal juries consist of 12 persons. Federal civil juries consist of at least six persons.

Rule applies to more restricted or specific situations. ˈlawless adjective paying no attention to, and not keeping, the law.