Legal Terms: M

A judicial officer with limited authority, often handling preliminary criminal proceedings, minor offenses, and pretrial matters.

Wrongful conduct or illegal activity, especially by a public official.

Professional negligence — the failure of a professional (doctor, lawyer, accountant) to meet the standard of care, resulting in harm to the client or patient.

A court order compelling a government official or entity to perform a mandatory duty.

An official order or command from a court, especially an appellate court directing a lower court to take specific action.

The unlawful killing of a person without premeditation or malice aforethought. Can be voluntary (in the heat of passion) or involuntary (through criminal negligence).

Property acquired during a marriage that is subject to division upon divorce, as opposed to separate property.

A witness whose testimony is important enough to a case that they may be detained to ensure their availability.

A form of alternative dispute resolution where a neutral third party facilitates negotiation between the parties to help them reach a voluntary agreement.

Latin for 'guilty mind.' The mental state or intent required to establish criminal liability, such as intent, knowledge, recklessness, or negligence.

The principle that most crimes require proof of a guilty mental state, such as intent, knowledge, recklessness, or negligence.

The combination of two or more companies into a single entity. In contract law, the integration of prior agreements into a final written contract.

The constitutional requirement that a defendant must have sufficient connections with a forum state before the state's courts can exercise personal jurisdiction.

A person who has not yet reached the age of legal majority (typically 18) and lacks full legal capacity.

The rights that law enforcement must inform a suspect of upon arrest and before custodial interrogation, including the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney.

A criminal offense less serious than a felony, typically punishable by fines, probation, or imprisonment for up to one year.

The crime of concealing knowledge of a felony or an act of treason from authorities.

A false statement of material fact made to induce another party to enter into a contract or transaction.

A trial that has been terminated before its conclusion due to a procedural error, hung jury, or other extraordinary circumstance.

The duty of an injured party to take reasonable steps to minimize their damages. Also, factors presented at sentencing to argue for a lighter punishment.

Exclusive control of a market by a single entity, which may violate federal antitrust laws if achieved through anticompetitive practices.

A legal issue that has become academic or no longer presents a live controversy, making judicial resolution unnecessary.

An act or behavior that violates community standards of justice, honesty, or good morals. Crimes involving moral turpitude can affect immigration status.

A loan secured by real property, where the borrower grants the lender a security interest in the property until the loan is repaid.

A formal request made to a court asking for a ruling or order on a specific issue.

A motion asking the court to dismiss a case for legal insufficiency, such as failure to state a claim or lack of jurisdiction.

The unlawful killing of a person with malice aforethought (premeditation and deliberation). First-degree murder involves planning; second-degree murder does not.