Allocution

An allocution, or allocutus, is a formal statement made to the court by the defendant who has been found guilty prior to being sentenced. It is part of the criminal procedure in some jurisdictions using common law.

Technical defense

A technical defense is one used by a defendant to seek acquittal based on the technicalities of the law. It is in contrast to a political defense which seeks to use political arguments to persuade a jury to nullify. Sometimes the desire to convince a jury

Competing harms

Competing harms is a legal doctrine in certain U.S. states, particularly in New England. For example, the Maine Criminal Code holds that "Conduct that the person believes to be necessary to avoid imminent physical harm to that person or another is

Sink-toilet

A sink-toilet combination unit is sometimes used by prisons and militaries. Such units typically have no exposed pipes by which someone could hang himself. They are sometimes made of stainless steel for added durability. Sink-toilets are used at the

Assaulting, resisting, or impeding certain United States Government officers or employees

Assaulting, resisting, or impeding certain United States Government officers or employees is an offense under 18 U.S.C. § 111. Simple assault is a class A misdemeanor, but if physical contact occurs, the offense is a class D felony. If a deadly weapon

Concreteness

Concreteness is an aspect of communication that means being specific, definite, and vivid rather than vague and general. A concrete communication uses specific facts and figures. Concreteness is often taught in college communication courses as one of the

Federal jury

A federal jury, in the United States, is impaneled to try federal civil cases and to indict and try those accused by United States Attorneys of federal crimes. A federal grand jury consists of 16 to 23 members and requires the concurrence of 12 in order

Absentee business owner

An absentee business owner is one who does not personally manage the business but owns it or does not live in the community in which the business operates. Studies show that money spent locally circulates back into the community three times as much when

Official victim

The official victim enhancement is a 3- or 6-level increase under the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines that applies when a person knowingly commits a crime against a government official and is motivated by that person's status. The provision also states, "If

D.C. Nine

The D.C. Nine were nine men and women, including seven who were priests and nuns, who engaged in a daytime protest against the Dow Chemical Company and its production of napalm and were charged with malicious destruction of property and unlawful entry

No Limite (season 1)

The first season of the Brazilian competitive reality television series No Limite, based on the international reality game show franchise Survivor, premiered on Sunday, July 23, 2000 at 11:00 p.m. / 10:00 p.m. on TV Globo