What Must You Prove to Establish False Imprisonment? What Are the Potential Penalties for False Imprisonment? We all value our personal freedom, the ability to move about freely on our own property or on public land. When another person or entity ... [Read more...]
Understanding the Hearsay Rule
What Is the Hearsay Rule? What Is Its Purpose? Are There Exceptions to the Hearsay Rule? If you've watched any courtroom drama, you've likely heard one of the attorneys voice an objection during direct or cross examination, alleging that the ... [Read more...]
Is Annulment the Same Thing as Divorce?
What Is an Annulment? When Can a Marriage Be Annulled? Why Seek an Annulment Rather Than a Divorce? Your marriage isn't working, and there's no realistic hope of resolving your differences. You know you can file for divorce, but you've also heard ... [Read more...]
What Is a Right-to-Work State?
What Protections Does a Worker Have in a Right-to-Work State? Is It the Same as Employment-at-Will? Have you ever heard the term "right-to-work" state? Maybe an employer has said something like "we live in a right-to-work state, so I can terminate ... [Read more...]
What Is Involuntary Manslaughter?
What Must a Prosecutor Prove? How Does It Differ from Other Types of Homicide? Under the criminal laws of every state, homicide can take a number of different forms, based on what the law considers to be the state of mind of the defendant at the ... [Read more...]
What Is Embezzlement?
What Must Be Shown to Prove Embezzlement? How Is It Different from Other Theft Crimes? We've all heard the term "Ponzi scheme," and most of us have read or heard about the billions of dollars that former stockbroker Bernie Madoff bilked from ... [Read more...]
What Is a Deposition?
How Is It Used in the Legal Process? Are There Different Types of Depositions? At the basic level, the American legal system comprises criminal law and procedure and civil law and procedure. Criminal courts address and resolve what are considered to ... [Read more...]
What Is a Trust Fund? A Comprehensive Guide
A trust fund is a powerful tool that has stood the test of time. It is an essential instrument in modern wealth management and estate planning that safeguards individuals' wealth and legacy. This guide explains what a trust fund is, how it works, ... [Read more...]
Arraignment: Meaning, Common Charges, & Process
Arraignment is a pivotal moment within the criminal justice system, marking the formal initiation of criminal proceedings against an individual. During this proceeding, the defendant is informed of the charges against them and asked to plea in ... [Read more...]
What Is Probable Cause? Definition and Examples
The Constitution protects you from being searched without a valid reason. But what exactly constitutes a valid reason? A probable cause. This guide explains what probable cause is and what it requires, along with examples and a look at the warrant ... [Read more...]