Criminal Law

law

An attempt to murder occurs when a person takes a substantial step toward killing another and intends that death, but the targeted killing does not occur. Charges, available def...

law

The insanity defense is a legal argument, not a guaranteed exit from responsibility. When raised, it asks whether the defendant lacked the mental capacity to understand the natu...

law

This evergreen explainer defines civil and criminal law, compares their purposes and processes, and clarifies how they differ and intersect. You will understand who brings a cas...

law

Voluntary manslaughter is the unlawful killing of another person without malice aforethought, typically occurring in the heat of passion or under sudden provocation that a reaso...

legal

Deadly weapon charges arise when a person is accused of using or threatening with an object designed to, or capable of, causing death or serious bodily injury. These charges car...

law

Civil penalties and criminal penalties address different kinds of wrongdoing and produce different consequences. A civil case usually seeks to compensate a harmed party or enfor...

criminal-procedure

In most U.S. jurisdictions, the insanity defense is treated as an affirmative defense . This means the prosecution must still prove every element of the crime beyond a reasonabl...

legal_procedure

To plead no contest, often written as nolo contendere, is for a defendant to tell the court they will not contest the charges without admitting guilt. Unlike a guilty plea, a no...

law-and-legal

Assault is the intentional act of creating a reasonable apprehension of imminent harmful or offensive contact in another person. It is distinct from battery, which requires actu...

law

The difference between a felony and a misdemeanor centers on seriousness, potential punishment, and long-term consequences. A misdemeanor is typically a less serious offense, of...