Jack Gilbert

Appellate Law Civil Litigation Criminal Defense

What is a mistrial?

March 26, 2026

A mistrial is when a judge ends a trial early without a verdict, usually because a serious legal error, juror problem, or prejudicial event makes...

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Criminal Charges Criminal Law Legal Definitions

What is obstruction of justice?

March 26, 2026

Obstruction of justice is a crime that involves intentionally interfering with a legal investigation, court proceeding, or law enforcement process. It can include actions like...

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Court Procedures and Legal Process Criminal Procedure

What is contempt of court?

March 26, 2026

Contempt of court is conduct that disobeys a court order or disrupts court proceedings and can be punished by fines, attorney’s fees, or jail time....

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Constitutional Law (Search & Seizure) Criminal Defense White Collar Criminal Defense

What is a search warrant?

March 26, 2026

A search warrant is a court order signed by a judge or magistrate authorizing police to search a specific place for specific evidence. It must...

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Arrest Procedures Arrest Warrant Criminal Procedure

What is an arrest warrant?

March 26, 2026

An arrest warrant is a court order—typically signed by a judge or magistrate—authorizing law enforcement to arrest a specific person based on probable cause. It’s...

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Civil Rights Litigation Constitutional Law Criminal Defense

What is the exclusionary rule?

March 26, 2026

The exclusionary rule generally bars evidence obtained in violation of the Fourth Amendment from being used in a criminal prosecution. It’s designed to deter unlawful...

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Crime Criminal Law Robbery

What is robbery?

March 26, 2026

Robbery is a theft crime that involves taking property directly from a person by using force, violence, or intimidation. Unlike other theft offenses, robbery centers...

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Crime Criminal Law Extortion

What is extortion?

March 26, 2026

Extortion is a crime where someone obtains or tries to obtain money, property, or services by using threats, force, or intimidation. Depending on the state...

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Criminal Law Evidence Legal Definitions

What is perjury?

March 26, 2026

Perjury is the crime of knowingly making a false statement under oath in an official legal proceeding. It typically applies to testimony, sworn affidavits, or...

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Legal Concepts and Terminology Legal Definitions Traffic Violations

What is an infraction?

March 26, 2026

An infraction is the least serious type of legal violation and is usually punishable by a fine rather than jail time. In most states, infractions...

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Criminal Law Criminal Responsibility Negligence

What is criminal negligence?

March 26, 2026

Criminal negligence is a gross deviation from reasonable care—often described as acting with “wanton or reckless disregard” for others’ safety—that creates a substantial and unjustifiable...

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Assault Assault and Battery Law Criminal Law

What is assault?

March 26, 2026

Assault is an intentional act that makes another person reasonably fear immediate harmful or offensive contact, even if no physical injury occurs. In many jurisdictions,...

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