criminal law and procedure

See: year and a day rule.

[Last reviewed in November of 2024 by the Wex Definitions Team]

The year and a day rule refers to a legal period running from any date until the same date in the following year, such as from January 1 to January 1 of the next year. Traditionally, this period was understood to extend through December 31, not January 1.

See year and a day and year and a day rule.

See, e.g. Rogers v. Tennessee, 532 U.S. 451 (2001).

[Last reviewed in July of 2024 by the Wex Definitions Team]

To yield can refer to giving something up or surrendering control when required by law. For example, to stop in order to allow other vehicles or pedestrians to go past is to yield the right-of-way.

A youthful offender is a legal term used to describe an adolescent who has committed a crime but is granted special status to avoid the full consequences of a criminal conviction.

A zealous witness is someone whose testimony is clearly biased in favor of the party which called them to testify.