criminal law and procedure

A venue is the location in which something takes place. In a legal context, it is important to have the proper geographic location and court to hold a civil or criminal trial; otherwise, there could be procedural issues that nullify the case.

A verdict is the formal decision or judgment rendered by a court at the conclusion of a trial or legal proceeding. It represents the culmination of the entire legal process. Verdicts are reached by a judge or a jury, depending on the type of trial and jurisdiction. 

A vigilante is a person who claims to enforce law and order by their own initiative but lacks legal authority to do so. Vigilantes operate by using actual or threatened force and are distinguished from people who simply watch out for criminal behavior and report it to the police. They are often motivated by a desire to avenge a perceived harm or injustice.

Vigilante justice refers to actions taken by individuals or groups who try to enforce the law without legal authority. Those who perform vigilante justice, taking the law into their own hands, are known as vigilantes and are often driven by a desire for retribution against perceived injustices.

Vigilante justice can also describe a situation where multiple groups claim to enforce the law, leading to disorder. 

Vigilantism is the act of unauthorized law enforcement activities carried out by individuals without legal authority. It is often motivated by a desire to seek retribution for perceived injustices. Vigilantes typically use force or violence and are frequently depicted in popular culture, such as superhero stories and comics.

Vindictive prosecution is a criminal law doctrine in which a prosecutor charges a defendant

Voluntary manslaughter is the killing of another person without deliberation, premeditation, or malice aforethought while in the heat of passion or in response to adequate provocation.

Wanton is an adjective used to describe behavior that is either particularly inhuman, such as cruel and wanton behavior, or behavior that is lewd in a sexual context. It generally refers to actions that are deliberate and unprovoked.

A war crime is a serious violation of international humanitarian law committed during armed conflict.

• international criminal law

The war on drugs refers to the effort by the United States federal and state governments to stop the use of illegal drugs by creating new drug laws and increasing enforcement. The movement first gained prominence in the early 1970s, largely spearheaded by President Richard Nixon.