wex definitions

Definition

To cheat a person out of money or property through fraud or deceit.

Suspension of deportation is a statutory remedy that permits an immigration judge to grant discretionary relief from deportation to any alien in deportation proceedings who can show seven years continuous presence, good moral character, and that deportation would cause extreme hardship to herself or a citizen family member. This remedy has been in large part repealed by the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 (IIRIRA) which imposes higher standards on aliens placed in removal proceedings seeking to qualify for cancellation of removal.

The term "sponsor" usually means to "petition for" permanent resident status on behalf of a foreign citizen. The sponsor may be a family member who is a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, a U.S. employer or an American seeking to adopt an overseas orphan.

A special immigrant is a person who qualifies for a green card (permanent residence) under the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) special immigrant program. In order to apply for immigration documents under this status, an immigrant must fill out a petition documenting his or her circumstances and submit the petition to USCIS.

Definition

An instruction given by a court to a deadlocked jury to encourage it to continue deliberating until it reaches a verdict. Also called Allen charge, dynamite charge, nitroglycerine charge, and third-degree instruction.

Definition

The willful theft of merchandise from a retail establishment without the knowledge or consent of the seller with the intention of converting those goods for one’s personal use and without having paid the purchase price. Shoplifting is considered to be a form of larceny and may be prosecuted as such.

Definition

A federal anti-monopoly and anti-trust statute, passed in 1890 as 15 U.S.C. §§ 1-7 and amended by the Clayton Act in 1914 (15 U.S.C.

Definition

The act of implicating oneself in a crime or exposing oneself to criminal prosecution. Self-incrimination may occur as a result of interrogation or may be made voluntarily. The Fifth Amendment of the Constitution protects a person from being compelled to incriminate oneself. Also termed self-crimination; self-inculpation.

A hint or a spark. In common law, if there is even a trace of evidence on an issue, then the issue must be decided on the merits, and a motion for summary judgment or a directed verdict cannot succeed.

Definition

A concerted action: (1) made in furtherance of an express common purpose; (2) through the use or threat of violence, disorder, or terror to the public; and (3) resulting in a disturbance of the peace. Under common law, the crime of riot requires the assemblage of three or more actors.