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
A county attorney is a lawyer who represents a county or a city in civil matters and violations of county ordinances. County attorneys are sometimes referred to as district attorneys, state attorneys, and prosecutors, because they handle the...
Crime Against Nature
Crime against nature is generally an umbrella term encompassing sexual offenses that are unnatural or "contrary to the order of nature." Some jurisdictions have codified laws against the individual offenses. For example, California originally used...
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...