Criminal Defense Terms and Definitions

Fourteenth Amendment Among other matters, the 14th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution prohibits states from depriving any person of life, liberty, or property without adequate due process. Tort An injury or wrong committed, either with or without force, to the person or property of another, for which civil liability may be imposed. Subpoena An official order to appear in court (or at a deposition) at a specific time. Failure to obey a subpoena to appear in court is punishable as a contempt of court. Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Methods of resolving disputes outside of official court proceedings. These methods include mediation arbitration, and conciliation. Levy A seizure; the obtaining of money by legal process through seizure and sale of property. Restitution Court-ordered payment to restore goods or money to the victim of a crime by the offender. Fraud An intentional perversion of truth; deceitful practice or device resorted to with intent to deprive another of property or other right. Burglary The unlawful breaking into or entering of a building or dwelling with the intent to commit a serious crime or theft. Search warrant An order issued by a judge or magistrate commanding a sheriff, constable, or other officer to search a specified location. Bench warrant An order issued by the court for the arrest of a person

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	Did You Know?
	Manslaughter is when a person recklessly causes the death of another Manslaughter - A person recklessly causes the death of another, or acting under extreme emotional disturbance, causes the death of another, or acting under circumstances when a person reasonably believes the circumstances provide a legal justification or excuse for his conduct constitutes manslaughter.