National security is the ability of a nation to protect and defend their citizens. According to the U.S Department of Justice - Justice Manual, national security is also an umbrella term that includes "national defense, intelligence and...
criminal law and procedure
National Security Letter
A National Security Letter is an administrative order that compels the recipients to provide information to federal investigators. The letter is issued by a federal agency, most frequently the FBI, to subpoena information related to national...
necessity defense
A necessity defense is a defense to liability for unlawful activity where the conduct cannot be avoided and one is justified in the particular conduct because it will prevent the occurrence of a harm that is more serious.
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newly discovered evidence
Newly discovered evidence, or after-discovered evidence, is evidence which existed at the time of the original trial but was only discovered after the conclusion of the trial. Newly discovered evidence is an issue predominantly in criminal proceedings...
no bill
In criminal law, a “no bill” is said to occur when a grand jury decides that the evidence against a defendant is not sufficient to justify a trial.
Compare: true bill
[Last updated in July of 2024 by the Wex...
no-knock warrant
A no-knock warrant is a search warrant authorizing police officers to enter certain premises without first knocking and announcing their presence or purpose prior to entering the premises. Such warrants are issued where an entry pursuant to...
nolo contendere
Nolo contendere means "no contest." This phrase translates from the Latin as "I do not wish to contend."
In a criminal proceeding, a defendant may enter a plea of nolo contendere, in which the defendant does not accept or...
non-testifying expert witnesses
A non-testifying expert witness is an individual possessing specialized knowledge, skills, and experience relevant to a particular case “who has been retained or specially employed by another party in anticipation of litigation or to prepare...
nullum crimen sine lege
Nullum crimen sine lege is Latin for "no crime without law." The phrase reflects the principle in criminal law and international criminal law that a person cannot or should not face criminal punishment except for an act that was criminalized...
O.R.
O.R. is an abbreviation for “own recognizance.” O.R. refers to the release of a criminal defendant without posting bail, based on a written promise by the defendant to appear in court when required to do so.
Courts and...