Systematic Investment Plans (SIP) are regulated as Periodic Investment Plans under the federal securities laws. The primary objective of a SIP is to enable investors to clearly define an investment goal and then to help them reach it. While...
criminal law and procedure
invidious discrimination
Invidious discrimination is a legal term used to describe the act of treating a class of persons unequally in a manner that is malicious, hostile, or damaging. It refers to discrimination that is motivated by animus or ill will towards a...
involuntary intoxication
Involuntary intoxication is a defense to criminal liability that arises when an individual commits a particular unlawful act while under the influence of intoxicating substances that were ingested involuntarily, and which rendered the...
irresistible impulse test
The irresistible impulse test is a legal doctrine that applies to the insanity defense in criminal cases. Under this test, a defendant may be found not guilty by reason of insanity if they demonstrate that they suffered from a mental disease...
jail
A jail is an institution used to confine people awaiting trial and those sentenced for low level crimes, like misdemeanors. Jails are between a police station lockup and a prison in terms of incarceration. Jails exist at the federal, state,...
jaywalking
Jaywalking is when someone illegally crosses a street. Generally, pedestrians must use designated crosswalks and walk signals that indicate when they may or may not cross. Pedestrians who cross the street without using the crosswalk or who do...
jeopardy
Jeopardy is a danger of harm; the risk of loss. In legal contexts, jeopardy often refers to the risk of criminal liability that a defendant faces at trial. Jeopardy attaches at the moment a prosecution commences - in a jury trial when the...
joint criminal enterprise
Joint criminal enterprise (JCE) refers to mode of liability used in international war crimes tribunals that extends criminal liability to willing members of criminal groups. Specifically, it allows courts to try defendants who knowingly and...
joyriding
Joyriding is the unlawful taking of a vehicle without the consent of the owner, without intent to permanently deprive the owner of the vehicle. Joyriding is a criminal wrong. Joyriding is also referred to in state criminal codes as Unlawful...
judge
A judge is an appointed or elected official who decides legal disputes in court. Judges are required to be impartial and unbiased in their decision making. It is important to note that the specific roles and powers of judges may vary across...