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Judge's Gavel and Scales of Justice in Courtroom

What is contempt of court?

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. Courts use contempt powers to enforce compliance and protect the integrity of the judicial process, often distinguishing between civil (to compel) and criminal (to punish) contempt. This article explains what […]
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Judge's Gavel on Desk with Law Books

What is obstruction of justice?

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 destroying evidence, lying to investigators, threatening witnesses, or tampering with jurors, and penalties vary by jurisdiction and severity. This article explains what counts as obstruction, common examples, required intent, possible […]
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Judge's Gavel and Law Books Representing Perjury

What is perjury?

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 declarations, and penalties can include fines and jail time depending on the jurisdiction and severity. This article explains the legal definition of perjury, the elements prosecutors must prove, common examples […]
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Person in Suit Demanding Money from Worried Man

What is extortion?

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 and the type of threat—such as violence, exposing private information, or harming a business—charges can range from misdemeanors to serious felonies with substantial prison time and fines. This article explains […]
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Masked Thief Stealing from Person at Atm

What is robbery?

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 on the threat or use of force against the victim during the taking. This article explains the legal definition of robbery, common elements prosecutors must prove, potential penalties, and possible […]
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Burglar Breaking into Home Through Window at Night

What is burglary?

Burglary is typically defined as unlawfully entering a building or dwelling with the intent to commit a crime inside—often theft, but not always. Many states treat it as burglary even if nothing is stolen, and penalties can increase if the location is a home, the entry is at night, or a weapon is involved. This […]
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Various Types of Batteries Including Aa, Car, and Button Cells

What is battery?

Battery is typically an intentional, unconsented physical touching that is harmful or offensive, and it can be charged as a misdemeanor or felony depending on injury, weapon use, and state law. Unlike assault, battery usually requires actual contact, and penalties may include jail time, fines, probation, and protective orders. This article defines battery, breaks down […]
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Judge's Gavel on Wooden Surface

What is assault?

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, assault can be charged based on threats, attempts, or menacing conduct, while actual contact is often prosecuted as battery. This article explains the legal definition of assault, common examples, key […]
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Legal Documents with Gavel on Desk

What is criminal negligence?

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 risk of harm. It goes beyond ordinary carelessness and can lead to criminal charges when someone should have been aware their conduct could cause serious injury or death. This article […]
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Law Book with Gavel and Legal Documents

What is an infraction?

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 are treated as non-criminal offenses, often for issues like traffic tickets or minor municipal code violations, though rules vary by jurisdiction. This article explains how infractions differ from misdemeanors and […]
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Gavel and Law Books Representing Felony Crimes

What is a felony?

A felony is a serious crime typically punishable by more than one year in state or federal prison, and in some cases by significant fines or even life sentences. Felony charges usually involve violent offenses, major property crimes, high-level drug crimes, or repeat offenses, and they carry long-term consequences beyond incarceration. This article explains what […]
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Legal Documents and Gavel Representing Misdemeanor Law

What is a misdemeanor?

A misdemeanor is a criminal offense typically punishable by up to one year in jail, fines, probation, or community service. It is less serious than a felony but can still create a permanent criminal record and other long-term consequences. This article explains what counts as a misdemeanor, common examples and penalties, how misdemeanors differ from […]
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