Street Law

Common

Law that is unwritten based on a court’s decision.

Statutory

Law passed by legislature that can override common law.

Equity

Court orders that override common law.

Lawmaking Groups

Legislatures, Agencies, etc.

Civil Cases

A case in which disputes between parties are resolved.

Criminal Cases

A case in which criminals are prosecuted for committing a crime.

Parties

Person associated with a crime.

Principal

Main person carrying out a crime.

Accomplice

Person who helps a principal in carrying out a crime.

Accessory Before the Fact

Someone who wasn’t there when the crime was committed and was unaware.

Crimes of Omission

Crimes committed by not doing something.

Preliminary Crimes

Crimes that take place before a crime is taken.

Crimes Against the Person

Crime that harm a person.

Crimes Against Property

Crimes in which a person’s property is damaged or taken.

Controversial Crimes

Crimes against society.

Solicitation

Act of asking or attempting to obtain something from someone

Attempt

The act of attempting, but not successfully committing a crime

Conspiracy

A premeditation of a crime

Homicide

A crime in which someone is murdered

Assault

A threat made towards someone

Battery

Unwanted touching of a person

Rape

The act of participating in non-consensual sex that results in the victim being traumatized or hurt.

Forcible Rape

Rape that occurs when consent is not granted.

Statutory Rape

Rape that occurs when the age difference between two people exceeds 3 years (in the state of Virginia) and one of the two persons is a minor.

1st Degree Murder

A methodical homicide with the intent to kill a person

2nd Degree Murder

A homicide that occurs as a result of uncontrolled emotions. But, the intent to kill would still be present

Involuntary Manslaughter

The killing of a person, with no intent, as a result of an unlawful action that would normally not put others at risk

Voluntary Manslaughter

An accident in which there was no intent to kill, but occured due to anguished and uncontrolled emotions.

Arson

The burning of property

Vandalism

Defacing or destruction of property

Petty Larceny

Act of stealing under $1000 worth of property (in the state of Virginia)

Embezzlement

Act of withholding assets for the purpose of conversion

Extortion

The obtainment of assets through the use of coercion, threats, or force

Robbery

The unlawful stealing of property or assets

Burglary

Unlawful entry into property

Forgery

Act of defacing or illegally manipulating forms of legal instruments

Receiving Stolen Property

Act of receiving stolen property under the acknowledgment that it has been stolen

Unauthorized Use of a Motor Vehicle

The act of using a motor vehicle without the permission of the person who’s name is registered under the vehicle

Drug Offenses

Acts of distributing, selling, buying, or using illegal drugs

Sex Offenses

Acts of harassment, assault, or extortion of people for sexual purposes

Prostitution

The act of performing sexual acts for money

Suicide

The killing of oneself

Euthanasia

Sometimes considered assisted suicide. The act of assisting a person to get rid of their own life.

Criminal Legal Process

Appearance in court → Preliminary Hearing → Indictment → Arraignment → Jury Selection → Trial → Verdict → Sentencing

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