Criminal Law

Evidence is information, facts, or signs indicating whether a claim or belief is true or valid. It is used to support conclusions, arguments, or investigations, and its strength depends on reliability, relevance, and sufficiency. In discourse, the word can refer to material presented in courts, studies, or everyday reasoning as proof or corroboration.

Ex Parte is a legal term used to describe a ruling or communication made by a court or judge on behalf of one party in a case, without the presence or participation of the opposing party. It refers to actions taken ex parte (by one side only) in urgent or special circumstances, and is subject to later review for fairness and due process.

Fraud (n.) refers to the deliberate deception or misrepresentation intended to secure an unfair or unlawful gain. It denotes actions or schemes designed to mislead others, such as falsified claims, forged documents, or scams, often carrying legal consequences. In everyday use, it encompasses both the act itself and the person who commits it, or a situation marked by deception.

A legal term referring to the right of a person to challenge unlawful detention by a government authority, typically through a court proceeding. The phrase historically asserts a writ for release from custody, ensuring due process and protection against arbitrary imprisonment. Used in constitutional law and criminal procedure, it names a procedural remedy rather than a substantive charge.

Harassment is the act or policy of systematic intimidation, persecution, or persistently disturbing behavior toward someone. It typically involves repeated actions, language, or conduct that creates fear, discomfort, or a hostile environment, often in workplace or public settings. The term encompasses harassment based on personal characteristics or protected classes, and it can include verbal, nonverbal, and procedural forms of pressure.

Incarceration is the act or process of putting someone in prison or otherwise restricting their freedom as punishment or detention. It refers to the state or period of confinement within a jail or prison system, and by extension to the legal and administrative process that leads to such confinement. The term is commonly used in legal, policy, and social contexts regarding crime and punishment.

Interrogation is the act of questioning someone formally or thoroughly to uncover information or elicit evidence. It often implies a careful, methodical process, typically conducted by investigators or authorities. The term can also refer to a formal questioning in a legal or investigative setting, sometimes involving strategies to obtain admissions or statements.

Jurisdiction is the area or range of authority granted to an individual or organization, such as a court or government agency. It also refers to the geographic area within which such authority applies. The term is widely used in legal and governmental contexts and implies both power and territorial reach. In practice, jurisdiction determines which court or body has the right to hear a case or enforce laws.

Jury (n.) a group of people sworn to render a verdict in a legal case; also the panel itself that decides questions of fact. In common usage, it refers to the assembly charged with deciding guilt or liability, or to the individuals forming that panel. The term emphasizes collective deliberation and verdict-taking authority within court proceedings.

Law is a system of rules created and enforced to govern behavior within a society, typically backed by the state or a recognized authority. It also refers to the body of statutes, regulations, and case law that govern rights, duties, and sanctions. In everyday use, law can denote fields like criminal law, civil law, or constitutional law, and people may pursue law as a profession or discipline.

Liability is a legal or financial obligation that someone is responsible for, such as debt or potential risk. It can also refer to the state of being legally answerable for something. In everyday use, it often describes financial exposure or responsibility that could lead to loss or liability insurance coverage.

Litigation is the process of taking a dispute to a court of law. It involves filing suits, presenting evidence, and pursuing or defending legal claims through judicial proceedings. The term describes a formal, often adversarial, legal action that resolves conflicts between parties within a judicial system.

Misdemeanor is a legal term referring to a crime less serious than a felony, typically carrying lighter penalties such as fines or short jail time. It is commonly used in the U.S. and other common-law jurisdictions. The word denotes a lesser offense but is still a prosecutable crime and can carry lasting consequences like criminal records and long-term stigma.

Offense (noun) refers to an action, remark, or circumstance that causes someone to feel hurt, upset, or insulted, or to a violation of rules or norms. It can denote a breach of etiquette, a legal or moral violation, or a perceived slight. In sports or competition, it describes an attacking or forward-moving strategy. The term often contrasts with defense, focusing on aggression or violation rather than protection.