Final Flashcards
Bigamy
Marrying someone while already being legally married to another person.
Example sentence: John was charged with bigamy after it was discovered he had two wives.
Polygamy
Having more than one spouse at the same time.
Example sentence: In some cultures, polygamy is a common practice.
Monogamy
Being married to only one person at a time.
Example sentence: Sarah and Tom believe in monogamy and are committed to each other.
License of Banns
A public announcement of a couple’s intention to marry, allowing for objections.
Example sentence: The traditional license of banns was still required in some rural communities.
Common Law Marriage
A relationship where a couple lives together and is recognized as married without a formal ceremony or license.
Example sentence: They had a common law marriage, so they didn’t need a wedding ceremony.
Tort Law
The area of law dealing with civil wrongs that cause harm or loss, leading to legal liability.
Example sentence: She decided to pursue a case under tort law for the damages she suffered.
Liability
Legal responsibility for one’s actions or inactions.
Example sentence: The company accepted liability for the accident and compensated the injured party.
Negligence
Failure to exercise reasonable care, causing harm to another person.
Example sentence: The doctor was sued for negligence after a surgical error resulted in complications.
Duty of Care
A legal obligation to avoid causing harm that could be reasonably foreseen.
Example sentence: The nurse failed in her duty of care by administering the wrong medication.
Foreseeability
The ability to see or know in advance that certain actions could cause harm.
Example sentence: The court considered the foreseeability of the risk in determining liability.
Mens Rea
The mental state or intent to commit a crime.
Example sentence: The prosecution must prove the defendant’s mens rea in a criminal trial.
Actus Reus
The physical act of committing a crime.
Example sentence: Without evidence of actus reus, the case could not proceed.
Causation
The link between one’s actions and the harm caused, establishing liability.
Example sentence: The plaintiff must demonstrate causation to hold the defendant responsible.
Controlled Substance
A drug or chemical regulated by law, often due to its potential for abuse.
Example sentence: Possession of a controlled substance can result in serious legal consequences.
Possession
Having control over something, typically illegal drugs or weapons.
Example sentence: The suspect was arrested for possession of illegal firearms.
Trafficking
The illegal trade or distribution of drugs or other illicit goods.
Example sentence: He was involved in trafficking narcotics across state borders.
Blood Alcohol Level
The concentration of alcohol in a person’s bloodstream, used to measure intoxication.
Example sentence: The police officer administered a test to determine the driver’s blood alcohol level.
Roadside Screening Test
A test conducted by police at the roadside to check for alcohol or drug impairment.
Example sentence: The driver was asked to perform a roadside screening test after displaying erratic behavior.
M.A.D.D
Mothers Against Drunk Driving, an organization advocating against drunk driving.
Example sentence: M.A.D.D has been instrumental in raising awareness about the dangers of drunk driving.
Demerit Points
Points added to a driver’s license for traffic violations, potentially leading to penalties.
Example sentence: He accumulated demerit points on his license for speeding and reckless driving.
Nuclear Family
A family unit consisting of parents and their children.
Example sentence: The concept of a nuclear family has evolved over time.
Reasonable Person
A legal standard used to determine how an average person would act in certain circumstances.
Example sentence: The court considered what a reasonable person would do in that situation.
Intent
The purpose or intention to commit a specific act or crime.
Example sentence: The prosecution must establish the defendant’s intent to prove guilt.
Recklessness
Disregard for the potential consequences of one’s actions, showing a lack of care.
Example sentence: His recklessness led to serious injuries for the other party involved.
Summary Conviction
A minor legal offense tried quickly without a jury, resulting in less severe penalties.
Example sentence: The case was resolved through summary conviction, leading to a fine and community service.
