Definition
The legal principle that political entities (such as states, nations, or courts from different jurisdictions) will mutually recognize each other’s legislative, executive, and judicial acts. The underlying notion is that different...
local governmental law
Complementarity
The principle of complementarity provides that a case is inadmissible before the International Criminal Court (ICC) if it is currently under investigation by a state with jurisdiction over it. The concept of complementarity, however, allows for ICC...
Constitution
The most fundamental law of a country or state. The term is capitalized only when referring to a specific constitution (e.g., U.S. Constitution, Texas Constitution, etc.).
Historically, a constitution did not need to be a single written document...
Constitutional Amendment
A formal revision or addition proposed or made to the US Constitution. Article V of the Constitution details how amendments are made; there are several methods to propose an amendment, ratification requires the approval of 3/4ths of the states. There...
County Attorney
Definition from Nolo’s Plain-English Law DictionaryA lawyer who represents a county in civil matters and litigates violations of county ordinances.
Definition provided by Nolo’s Plain-English Law Dictionary.
Crime Against Nature
Definition from Nolo’s Plain-English Law DictionaryAn archaic term used to describe sexual practices deemed deviant or not natural by a legislature or a court. Examples range from bestiality (intercourse between a human and an animal) to necrophilia (...
Emergency Protective Order
Definition from Nolo’s Plain-English Law DictionaryAny court-issued order intended to protect a person from harm or harassment. An emergency protective order is issued by the police, when court is out of session, to prevent domestic violence. Most...
Emolument
Money received as compensation for services. Payment, profit, or gain as a result of employment or holding an office.
Enabling Clause
Definition from Nolo’s Plain-English Law DictionaryA provision in a new law that empowers a particular public official -- such as governor or state treasurer -- to put it into effect, including making expenditures.
Definition provided by Nolo’s Plain-...
Exception
Definition from Nolo’s Plain-English Law Dictionary1) A flowery way a lawyer might tell a judge that the lawyer disagrees with the judge's ruling, often said after the judge rules against a lawyer who has objected to the admission of evidence. In modern...