criminal law and procedure

A juvenile court is a court that handles cases involving crimes committed by children, or cases involving the health or welfare of children. Every state has a juvenile system in place.

A juvenile delinquent is a minor who is tried and found guilty of a crime in a juvenile court. Laws can vary, but minors are usually persons under 18 years of age.

Juvenile justice is the area of criminal law applicable to persons not old enough to be held fully responsible for criminal acts. In most states, the age for adult criminal culpability is set at 18. In cases of extreme violence or other anti-social behavior, the age a child can be charged as an adult is lowered.

• criminal law
• Juvenile Justice
• juveniles

The term “kangaroo court” is an idiom referring to a court whose proceedings deviate so far from accepted legal norms that they can no longer be considered fair or just. The label of kangaroo court is a severe condemnation and is generally only levied against judges presiding over egregious miscarriages of justice. 

A "kickback" is a term used to refer to a misappropriation of funds that enriches a person of power or influence who uses the power or influence to make a different individual, organization, or company richer. Often, kickbacks result from a corrupt bidding scheme. Through corrupt bidding, the official can award the contract to a company, even though the company did not place the lowest bid. The company profits by having been awarded the bid and getting to perform the contract.

Kidnapping is a crime at common law consisting of an unlawful restraint of a person's liberty by force or show of force. Under modern law, this crime usually only requires that the victim be taken to another location or concealed, but historical definitions required bringing the victim to another state

A kiter is a person who kites checks.

[Last reviewed in June of 2023 by the Wex Definitions Team]

Under common law knock-and-announce rule, a police officer executing a search warrant generally should not immediately force their way into a residence. Instead, the officer must first knock, identify themselves and their intent, and wait a reasonable amount of time for the occupants to let them into the residence.

• criminal procedure

Under common law knock-and-announce rule, a police officer executing a search warrant generally should not immediately force their way into a residence. Instead, the officer must first knock, identify themselves and their intent, and wait a reasonable amount of time for the occupants to let them into the residence.

• KNOCK AND ANNOUNCE RULE
• REASONABLE SEARCH AND SEIZURE
• search
• Fourth Amendment

Lacey Act (1900) prohibits the transportation of endangered species or banned animal and plant species into the United States and across state borders.