Legal Terms and Concepts

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Jurisprudence

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The study of law and legal philosophy

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Human rights

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Fundamental and universally recognized rights everyone has just because they are human

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Criminal law

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Body of law concerned with defining public duties and obligations, and punishing violations

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Civil law

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Body of law concerned with regulating and enforcing private obligations and relationships, such as contracts

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Felony

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A serious crime, generally defined as one punishable by a year or more in prison

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Misdemeanor

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A less serious crime, generally defined as punishable by a year or less in jail

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Beyond a reasonable doubt

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The standard of proof required to get a conviction in a criminal case

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Preponderance of the evidence

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The standard of proof the plaintiff must meet to win a civil case; 'more likely than not' true

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Constitutional law

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The body of law concerned with rights granted in the Constitution, including cases interpreting and clarifying the scope of such rights

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Statutes

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Laws passed by legislative bodies, such as Congress