Basic Legal Terms and Concepts

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Jurisprudence

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The study of law and legal philosophy

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Criminal Laws

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The branch of law dealing with crimes and their punishment

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Felonies

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A serious criminal offense punishable by a prison sentence of more than one year

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Misdemeanors

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A criminal offense, less serious than a felony, punishable by a prison sentence of one year or less

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Civil Laws

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All law that does not involve criminal matters. Civil law usually deals with private rights of individuals, groups, or businesses.

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Civil Action

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A noncriminal lawsuit, brought to enforce a right or redress a wrong

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Defendant

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The person against whom a claim is made. In a civil suit the defendant is the person being sued; in a criminal case the defendant is the person charged with committing a crime

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Plaintiff

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In a civil case, the injured party who brings legal action against the alleged wrongdoer

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Prosecutor

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The government's attorney in a criminal case

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Beyond a reasonable doubt

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The level of proof required to convict a person of a crime