individual rights

dual national

A person who is a citizen of two countries at the same time is a dual national and has legal rights and obligations in connection with both countries. Dual citizenship can be obtained by birth or naturalization.

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durable power of attorney for health care

A durable power of attorney for health care is a legal document that gives another person the authority to make a medical decision for an individual.The person named to represent the individual is referred to as an agent or attorney-in-fact....

Durham test

The Durham test refers to a criminal law test used in some jurisdictions to evaluate whether a defendant is entitled to an insanity defense. The Durham test takes its name from the case Durham v. United States.

Under the...

Eighth Amendment

The Eighth Amendment of the United States Constitution states that: “Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted.”

The Excessive Bail section provides constitutional protection...

electronic surveillance

Overview

Electronic surveillance is the acquisition of information by an electronic, mechanical, or other surveillance device of the contents of any wire or electronic communication, under circumstances in which a party to the communication...

emancipated minor

An emancipated minor is a minor who has been judicially emancipated from their parents, or has reached the age of majority and is therefore free from the custody and control of their parents. Such individuals are expected to support and care...

emancipation

Emancipation is an act by which a person who was once under the authority of another is set free from that authority. In modern times, this is generally referencing a minor. Historically, this would also include slaves.

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employment discrimination

Overview:

Employment discrimination laws seek to prevent discrimination based on race, sex, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, physical disability, and age by employers. Discriminatory practices include bias in hiring, promotion...

euthanasia

As described in the concurring opinion of Myers v. Schneiderman, euthanasia refers to bringing about the death of a patient to prevent additional suffering. The concurring opinion in Meyers also distinguished euthanasia from physician-...

exclusionary rule

Overview

The exclusionary rule prevents the government from using most evidence gathered in violation of the United States Constitution. The decision in Mapp v. Ohio established that the exclusionary rule applies to evidence gained from an...

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