Trial Procedures

Judicial Review of Agency Judgments

How Much Deference Do Courts Give to Agency Decisions Under This Standard?

The question of how much deference courts give to agency decisions has been a central issue in administrative law for decades. Recent developments, particularly the Supreme Court’s landmark decision in Loper Bright Enterprises v. Raimondo, have significantly altered the landscape of judicial review of agency actions. This shift away from the longstanding Chevron deference doctrine […]

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Proving Crime Existence Through Evidence

Corpus Delicti Rule: Proving a Crime Occurred

The corpus delicti rule stands as a fundamental principle in criminal law, serving as a safeguard against wrongful convictions based solely on confessions or admissions. This legal doctrine requires prosecutors to present independent evidence that a crime has actually occurred before a defendant’s extrajudicial statements can be used to secure a conviction. The Latin phrase

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Criminal Law Responsibility for Others' Actions

Vicarious Liability in Criminal Law: Responsible for Others’ Acts

In the realm of criminal law, the concept of vicarious liability stands as a complex and often controversial doctrine. This principle, which holds one party responsible for the actions of another, challenges traditional notions of individual culpability and raises important questions about the nature of criminal responsibility. At its core, vicarious liability in criminal law

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Crimes Under Coercion Legal Defense

Duress Defense: Committing Crimes Under Threat

The duress defense in criminal law represents a complex and often misunderstood legal concept that challenges our fundamental notions of culpability and free will. At its core, this defense posits that an individual should not be held criminally responsible for actions taken under extreme pressure or coercion. The duress defense acknowledges the harsh reality that,

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Jury Power to Override Legal Decisions

Jury Nullification: When Juries Ignore the Law

Jury nullification is a controversial legal concept that occurs when jurors in a criminal trial choose to acquit a defendant despite evidence of guilt, effectively ignoring or nullifying the law. This practice allows juries to render verdicts based on their conscience or sense of justice rather than strictly applying the letter of the law. While

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Missing Court Dates Consequences Unveiled

Bail Jumping: Consequences of Missing Court Dates

The act of bail jumping represents a serious violation of the legal process and carries significant consequences for defendants who fail to appear in court as required. When an individual is released on bail, they enter into a solemn agreement with the court to return for all scheduled appearances. The failure to honor this commitment

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Seeking Justice for Wrongful Charges

Malicious Prosecution: Legal Recourse for Wrongful Charges

The concept of malicious prosecution stands as a critical safeguard within the American legal system, providing recourse for individuals who have been subjected to baseless legal proceedings initiated with improper motives. This legal doctrine serves as a counterbalance to the power of prosecutors and private parties to bring charges, ensuring that the judicial process is

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Applying New Laws to Old Crimes

Retroactive Laws: When New Rules Apply to Past Crimes

The application of retroactive laws in criminal cases presents a complex and often contentious issue within the American legal system. The concept of retroactivity in law refers to the application of new legal rules or standards to past actions or events. In the context of criminal law, this raises significant questions about fairness, due process,

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Partial Responsibility Under Diminished Capacity

Diminished Capacity Defense: Partial Responsibility for Crimes

The diminished capacity defense represents a complex and often controversial aspect of criminal law, offering a nuanced approach to assessing criminal responsibility based on a defendant’s mental state. This legal doctrine acknowledges that while an individual may not meet the stringent criteria for legal insanity, they may nonetheless suffer from mental impairments that affect their

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Excluding Illegally Obtained Evidence

Exclusionary Rule: Keeping Illegal Evidence Out of Court

The exclusionary rule stands as a cornerstone of American criminal procedure, serving as a powerful deterrent against unconstitutional searches and seizures by law enforcement. This judicial doctrine, which prohibits the use of illegally obtained evidence in criminal trials, has profoundly shaped the landscape of criminal justice in the United States. The rule’s primary purpose is

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