Legal Research (page 3) Criminal Law
How to Use -- Contents
Slightly Creaky does research to find the links you would most likely need and provides them for you in an easy-to-find format. You can access the various categories from any of our pages using the top or side menus. Each category has generalized headings, followed by more specific ones.
Law Research Categories
Updated April 22, 2012
Please Contact us if you find a broken or bad link.
Our legal research sections are located on four pages.
Use these links to go directly to the category or section you seek.
Caution - Proceed with care
Slightly Creaky is not responsible for the content of web sites listed here or the actions taken by the people owning, managing, or participating on these sites. Once you click on a link you are leaving our site.
These listings are the result of thousands of hours of research. It is the property of Slightly Creaky and may not be reproduced in any form. Every attempt has been made to provide an accurate description of each organization. Contact us if you find an error.
Have We Missed a Website?
We are constantly looking for more information, more links, as well as featured articles. Please help us improve our site and service. The Internet had millions of web pages; we can only sample a few of them. Our purpose is to give our viewers a taste of what is out there so you can start a new activity or improve one that you already enjoy.
If you know any sites we should include write to suggestions@slightlycreaky.com
Criminal Law (section 1)
Criminal Law - The Justice System
"In a democratic society one of the greatest powers a government has over its citizens is the right to punish them for breaking its laws. The gravity of this power is heightened when the punishment involves imprisonment or capital punishment. " |
|
| Crime & Punishment | |
| Types of Law | A lengthy list of national, international, criminal, and civic laws explained. |
| What is the Attorney General? | "The Attorney General is the chief law enforcer of the particular state of his or her residence. " Also see District Attorney. |
| Criminal Procedures | "Criminal procedure is composed of the rules governing the series of proceedings through which the substantive criminal law is enforced. In the United States, most crimes are defined by local and state government, though the federal government has adopted its own criminal code" |
| The Canadian Legal System | "Researching Canadian Law" |
| Justia Criminal Law Glossary | Presented alphabetically |
| Criminal Law: An Overview | "Criminal law involves prosecution by the government of a person for an act that has been classified as a crime." |
| U.S. House of Representatives Downloadable U.S. Code |
The entire Federal criminal code |
| Crime & Criminal Procedure | "Whoever commits an offense against the United States or aids, abets, counsels, commands, induces or procures its commission, is punishable as a principal. Whoever willfully causes an act to be done which if directly performed by him or another would be an offense against the United States, is punishable as a principal." |
| Differences between Civil and Criminal Law in the USA |
"Criminal law is much better known to laymen than civil law, as a result of journalists' reports of famous criminal trials. In talking with people about law, I find that they often misapply principles from criminal law to situations in civil (e.g., tort) law, which results in their misunderstanding. They are surprised when they learn the actual legal principles that apply to a problem. The purpose of this essay is to compare and contrast criminal and civil law. " |
| Penal Law | "The Penal Law Web attempts to harness web technology to capture the structure, diversity, and scope of modern penal law. Through hyperlinks and frame-based comparers, the Law Web allows users to explore the connections within a given system of criminal law, as well as across different systems. At the same time, the Web's focus extends beyond the core of penal law—including serious crimes such as homicide, robbery, and rape—to the everexpanding periphery of regulatory offenses, which has long threatened to become the exception that swallows the rule. " |
| Your Rights in the Criminal Justice System | "This section provides information on "search and seizure" rights of citizens, key rights of criminal defendants, and the constitutional rights of those who are incarcerated." |
| Fugitive Watch | "The mission of FUGITIVE WATCH is to make our community safer by helping law enforcement fight crime. Fugitive Watch brings the community, local business and law enforcement together to solve crimes, apprehend wanted fugitives and provide education and crime prevention information to the community." |
"This section contains information on what to expect at each stage of the criminal process -- from arrest to appeal. This section also discusses the juvenile justice process." |
|
| Stages of Criminal Arrest | |
| The Miranda Warning | "Police were able to take advantage of the fact that not everyone knows their rights by heart. In fact, it is likely that most citizens could name a few of their rights as accused criminals, but not all of them. The police's position was that if the accused, for example, spoke about a crime without knowing that they did not need to, that it was the person's fault for not invoking that right, even if they did not know, or did not remember, that they had that right." |
| The Miranda Warning | " In the absence of other effective measures the following procedures to safeguard the Fifth Amendment privilege must be observed: The person in custody must, prior to interrogation, be clearly informed that he has the right to remain silent, and that anything he says will be used against him in court; he must be clearly informed that he has the right to consult with a lawyer and to have the lawyer with him during interrogation, and that, if he is indigent, a lawyer will be appointed to represent him." |
| Evidence | "Rules of evidence are, as the name indicates, the rules by which a court determines what evidence is admissible at trial." |
| Evidence & Witnesses | "The outcome of many criminal law cases will depend upon the strength and admissibility of evidence -- including physical proof, scientific evidence, and witness testimony." |
| When Do You Need to Talk to an Attorney? | "The best time to consult with an attorney is when you don’t need one! Whenever you have concerns about a potential problem, that is the time to talk to a lawyer." |
| What is Due Diligence? | It is best described as: “The process of systematically evaluating information, to identify risks and issues relating to a proposed transaction, i.e. to verify that information is what it is proposed to be”. |
| Self-Incrimination | "The right against self-incrimination forbids the government from compelling any person to give testimonial evidence that would likely incriminate him during a subsequent criminal case." |
| Types of Arrest Warrants | "A warrant of arrest is issued by the court ordering law enforcers to detain a person. Basically, arrest warrants are issued if there has been a crime that was committed and there is enough evidence to incriminate a suspect, and if the person named in the warrant committed the crime." |
| Injunctions | "Injunctions are orders of the court telling a party to a lawsuit to do or not to do a certain thing." |
| Hate Crimes and Criminal Civil Rights Violations | "A civil rights violation may become a crime if it involves the use (or threat of use) of force. Hate crimes are intended to hurt and intimidate someone because of their race, ethnicity, national origin, religious, sexual orientation, or disability." |
| Your Rights in the Criminal Justice System | "This section provides information on "search and seizure" rights of citizens, key rights of criminal defendants, and the constitutional rights of those who are incarcerated." |
| "The Equal Protection Clause prohibits states from denying any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws.. In other words, the laws of a state must treat an individual in the same manner as others in similar conditions and circumstances. A violation would occur, for example, if a state prohibited an individual from entering into an employment contract because he or she was a member of a particular race. " | |
| Equal Protection | |
| Arrest & Searches | "Once an arrest has occurred, and before asking you any questions (other than your name and address), law enforcement officers must provide your "Miranda warning"" |
| Arrest, Search & Seizure | "You are never required to consent to a search of your vehicle. Of course, a police officer is not obligated to advise you that you have the right to refuse consent to search." |
| Stages of Criminal Arrest | "This section contains information on what to expect at each stage of the criminal process -- from arrest to appeal. This section also discusses the juvenile justice process." |
| Subpoena | "A subpoena is a written order to compel an individual to give testimony on a particular subject, often before a court, but sometimes in other proceedings (such as a Congressional inquiry). Failure to comply with such an order to appear may be punishable as contempt." |
| Subpoena | "A subpoena requires a person to appear in a criminal case, while a summons requires a person to appear in a civil case, though subpoena is the term often used for both. This document will define the types of summons that are issued, how they are issued, and the rights and the responsibilities of a person served with a subpoena." |
| Due Process | "In that, the "how" is procedural due process. Is a law too vague? Is it applied fairly to all? Does a law presume guilt? A vagrancy law might be declared too vague if the definition of a vagrant is not detailed enough. A law that makes wife beating illegal but permits husband beating might be declared to be an unfair application. A law must be clear, fair, and have a presumption of innocence to comply with procedural due process." |
| Due Process Of Law: Procedural And Substantive Issues | "When someone speaks of due process, or receiving their "due", they are usually talking about something that they feel is rightly entitled to them. In fact, that is precisely the historical meaning of due process." |
| Self-Incrimination | "The right against self-incrimination forbids the government from compelling any person to give testimonial evidence that would likely incriminate him during a subsequent criminal case." |
| Fifth Amendment Right Against Self-Incrimination | "The Fifth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution gives individuals the right to refuse to answer any questions or make any statements, when to do so would help establish that the person committed a crime or is connected to any criminal activity." |
| Taking the Fifth | "The 5th Amendment isn't a shield against having to tell the truth to Senate committees asking embarrassing questions." |
| Evaluation of the Exclusionary Rule | "The purpose of the Exclusionary Rule is to deter police misconduct. If a police officer violates a citizen’s 4th amendment right to be free from illegal searches and seizers, that evidence is to be suppressed." |
| In Defense of the Exclusionary Rule | (PDF) "The Fourth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution protects Americans against unreasonable searches and seizures by government officials. Like other guarantees in the Bill of Rights, however, the Fourth Amendment cannot enforce itself." |
| The Exclusionary Rule | "The exclusionary rule permits a criminal defendant to prevent the prosecution from introducing at trial otherwise admissible evidence that was obtained in violation of the Constitution." |
| Husband-Wife Privilege | (PDF) "The spouse of a party has a privilege to refuse to testify against the party as to events occurring after the date of their marriage. A party has a privilege to prevent his or her spouse from testifying against the party as to events occurring after the date of their marriage." |
| Spousal Privilege | "The marital confidences privilege is a form of privileged communication protecting the contents of confidential communications between husband and wife. This privilege applies in civil and criminal cases. When applied, a court may not force one spouse to testify against the other concerning confidential communications made during marriage." |
| Getting the Facts Straight: Spousal Privilege | "he law holds that no one has a privilege to refuse to testify unless otherwise provided by constitution (e.g., the right to avoid self-incrimination), statute, or state or federal rules of evidence. The spousal privilege is a combination of two elements: 1) the right not to be compelled to testify against one's spouse, and 2) the protection of marital confidences. " |
| Medical Patient Confidentiality | "Physicians have always had a duty to keep their patients' confidences. In essence, the physician's duty to maintain confidentiality means that a physician may not disclose any medical information revealed by a patient or discovered by a physician in connection with the treatment of a patient." |
| Medical Privacy | "The regulatory regime for protecting privacy of health information is complex and fragmented. Some protections apply only to information held by government agencies. Some protections apply to specific groups, such as federal employees or school children. Some protections apply to specific medical conditions or types of information, such as information related to HIV/AIDS or substance abuse treatment." |
| Doctor-Patient Confidentiality | "The duty of confidentiality continues even after patients stop seeing or being treated by their doctors. Once doctors are under a duty of confidentiality, they cannot divulge any medical information about their patients to third persons without patient consent. There are, however, exceptions to this rule." |
| Attorney-Client Privilege | "Can a lawyer ever violate his/her duty of confidentiality to protect his/her own interests?" |
| Confidentiality - Christian Virtue or Christian Necessity? | "Knowledge of a person's medical history can result in inappropriate judgments being made which reduce the patient as an individual. " |
| Confidentiality and Mandatory Reporting: A False Dilemma? | "The existence of state laws requiring clergy to report evidence of physical or sexual abuse of children has become a source of controversy. " |
| What is Attorney Client Privilege? | "The attorney-client privilege is the foundation for which confidentiality issues lie in legal matters. It is everything in terms of how a case is handled and how it proceeds." |
| Silence is Golden | "Generally, in order for the attorney-client privilege to apply, there must be an attorney-client relationship and the communication must be made by the client in confidence for the purpose of obtaining legal advice. It does not matter whether the information is communicated orally, in writing, or by nonverbal communication, such as nodding the head. The privilege also applies to information provided by the attorney to the client." |
| Crime Victim Resources | "This section contains links to nationwide resources for crime victims, in addition to resources in your state. If you are in an emergency, please dial 911. " |
| Your Rights in the Criminal Justice System | "This section provides information on "search and seizure" rights of citizens, key rights of criminal defendants, and the constitutional rights of those who are incarcerated." |
Criminal Law (section 2)
Criminal Law- Types of Crimes
Includes links to every state for criminal codes, criminal procedures, education law, election law, handling of evidence, family law, financial transactions, fish & game law, as well as county and local governments. |
|
| State Criminal Codes | |
| Types of Law | A lengthy list of national, international, criminal, and civic laws explained. |
| Guide to Criminal and Penal Law | "Criminal Law or penal law, involves prosecution by the government of a person for an act that has been classified as a crime. It is the body of statutory and common law that deals with crime and the legal punishment of criminal offenses. There are four theories of criminal justice: punishment, deterrence, incapacitation, and rehabilitation. It is believed that by imposing sanctions for the crime, society can achieve justice and a peaceable social order. " |
| Criminal Law Basics | "For most people, familiarity with criminal law comes in fragments -- from movies, television, and books. But when we become personally involved in the criminal law system, real-life issues come into focus and the need for information and assistance can arise quickly. This overview discusses the basics of criminal law: criminal statutes, criminal law players and procedure, and the potential outcome of a criminal case." |
| US Federal Gambling Laws | "This law applies to online gambling activities, including online casinos." |
| Canadian Criminal Law | "Criminal law is concerned with acts or omissions deemed illegal by legislature. Criminal law offences range from crimes such as murder, assault, robbery and theft to driving with a blood alcohol level over the legal limit." |
| History of Canadian Criminal Code | "One of the advantages of a codification is the implementation of a constitutional principle that no person can be convicted of an offence unless it has been specifically provided for in a statute. This is pivotal if the expression "ignorance of the law is no excuse" is to have any meaning. " |
| The Canadian Criminal Code | "Unless otherwise provided or ordered, anything done by a court, justice or judge is effective from the moment it is done, whether or not it is reduced to writing....." |
| Researching Canadian Law | "The Canadian legal system was established under the British North America Act, 1867, with the creation of a federal government and various provincial governments and various court systems." |
| AZIMUT: Quebec Law | "Containing more than 600,000 documents, Juris.doc databases are the most comprehensive body of Quebec case law available on the Internet." |
| Crimes A - Z | "Welcome to "Crimes A to Z." This section contains definitions for many common crimes. Where available, you will also find a link to your state law for the selected crime." |
| Justia Criminal Law Glossary | Presented alphabetically |
| Crime Defined | "There are several typologies (or categorizations) of crimes. Here is one typology with the list of types of crimes...." |
| Criminal Law: An Overview | "Criminal law involves prosecution by the government of a person for an act that has been classified as a crime." |
| Theories of Criminal Law | "Once we have identified the salient features that distinguish criminal law from other kinds of law, we ask whether and why we should maintain such an institution " |
| What is Complicity or Accomplice Liability? | "Complicity, also known as aiding and abetting, is the act of being an accomplice. An accomplice is someone who helps in, or in some states merely encourages, the commission of a crime." |
"Crimes are categorized by Congress as felonies and misdemeanors, although there are many different types of crimes that fall under each class." |
|
| Felonies and Misdemeanors | |
| What's the Difference Between a Misdemeanor and a Felony? | "In general, it is fair to say that a misdemeanor can be defined by the maximum length of time a person can be incarcerated for the crime, usually no more than one year. Crimes with a minimum jail time of over a year are usually felonies. Moreover, one can say that any crime not a felony, is by nature a misdemeanor." |
| What is a Misdemeanor? | "Crimes that are punishable by imprisonment of more than five days and up to a year are considered misdemeanor offenses." |
| Assault | "Assault is an intentional attempt or threat to inflict injury upon a person, coupled with an apparent, present ability to cause the harm, which creates a reasonable apprehension of bodily harm or offensive contact in another. Assault does not require actual touching or bodily harm to the victim." |
| "The Five Stages of Violent Crime is an internationally recognized system to identify if -- and determine when -- you are being set up for a crime. It has been tested in court as an easily explainable standard by which individuals determined if they were legally justified to use self defense tactics." | |
| Five Stages of Violent Crime | |
| Violent Crimes | Articles explaining a variety of violent crimes, the severity of such crimes, the procedures, and potential consequences. |
| Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994. | "The Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994 represents the bipartisan product of six years of hard work. It is the largest crime bill in the history of the country" |
| What Distinguishes a Misdemeanor from a Felony? | "Felonies are more serious crimes than misdemeanors. Robbery, kidnapping, rape, and murder are examples of felonies. Public drunkenness, resisting arrest, and simple battery are misdemeanors. However, the same offense might be either a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on its degree" |
| Felony | "Examples of felonies are: assaults that cause serious bodily injury; murder; rape or sexual abuse in the first degree; grand theft; kidnapping; serious drug crimes; and racketeering." |
| The Criminal Process from Arraignment to Appeal | Use the link on top of the page for a detailed explanation of Felony (or other) proceedings. |
"Sponsored by the Office for Victims of Crime (OVC) and administered by the OVC Resource Center. The directory is designed to help service providers and individuals locate victim services in the United States and other countries." |
|
| Online Directory of Crime Victim Services | |
| National Organization for Victim Assistance | "NOVA’s mission is to promote rights and services for victims of crime and crisis everywhere. Its experience is described in the following review of its guiding purposes." |
| Crime Victims' Rights in America | An historiucal overview. |
| What You Can Do If You Are a Victim of Crime | (PDF) "Today, due largely to the dedicated efforts of advocates, lawmakers, and crime victims, a tremendous range of services and resources is available to help victims obtain justice and heal." |
| National Crime Victim's Law Institute | "The National Crime Victim Law Institute actively promotes balance and fairness in the justice system through crime victim centered legal advocacy, education, and resource sharing." |
| Civil Legal Remedies for Crime Victims | "Working together, victim service providers and civil attorneys can provide victims of crime with meaningful options for financial recovery, options too quickly dismissed and significantly underrated by professionals in past years." |
| Rights of Institutionalized Persons | "Below you will find information on the legal rights of people who have been institutionalized in jails and prisons, state-run mental facilities, and other government-operated treatment centers" |
| "Stalking is the term used to describe repeated harassing or threatening behavior toward another person. A stalker can be a stranger or someone the victim knows including a partner, an ex-partner, or a family member. Laws vary by state, but stalking is generally considered to be any unwanted contact between a stalker and his/her victim that directly or indirectly communicates a threat or places the victim in fear." | |
| Stalking | |
| Stalking Behavior | "This stalking site will guide you through the most current information available and offer easy access to on-line references." |
| Stalking | "Fundamentally, stalking is a series of actions that puts a person in fear for their safety. The stalker may follow you, harass you, call you on the telephone, watch your house, send you mail you don't want, or act in some other way that frightens you." |
| Stalking Resource Center | "This project is supported by a grant awarded by the Office on Violence Against Women," |
| Are You Being Stalked? Tips For Protection | "Stalking refers to harassing or threatening behavior that is engaged in repeatedly. Such harassment can be either physical stalking or cyberstalking. " |
| Stalking Victims | "The purpose of this site is to educate people about this insidious crime, and most importantly, to offer sanctuary to those exposed to its ugly face. We offer these resources so that victims may take back their lives. Regaining control, reclaiming it from those who thrive on stripping it from others, is the task facing all victims." |
"In one study, 13% of surveyed American women of ages 18 and older reported having been the victim of at least one rape. Defined as "an event that occurred without the woman's consent, involved the use of force or threat of force, and involved sexual penetration of the victim's vagina, mouth or rectum." |
|
| Sexual Assault | |
| Psychological Harassment | " Many victims of psychological harassment suffer from physical ailments, irritability, anxiety, nervousness, insomnia, stress, fatigue, depressive states, burn outs, and in some cases suicide. Many are unable to continue working and suffer financial loss." |
| Sexual Harassment Links | Internet links to sites on this topic |
| Residency Restrictions for Sex Offenders | "Residency restriction laws are a fairly new method some jurisdictions are using in an attempt to curb the actions of sex offenders" |
| Family Watchdog | A web site that tracks known sexual predators by location. "Our goal at Family Watchdog is to provide you with the information you need to protect your loved ones. Our service allows you to view known registered offenders and predators in your area. Knowing who these people are and what they've done provides you with your best defense to protect your family - awareness." |
| Sex Laws.org | "If you have questions regarding statutory rape, age of consent, sexual assault, or any similar laws in the U.S., this is the place to find answers. These laws vary from state-to-state, sometimes even city-to-city and the rumors that go with them make things even more complex and confusing. Our goal is be your primary source of up to date information as many of the online guides are out of date or contain misinformation." |
| Can Statutory Rape Laws Be Effective in Preventing Adolescent Pregnancy? | "Recent studies indicate that at least half of all babies born to minor women are fathered by adult men.In addition, there is a widespread perception that these young mothers account for the large increase in welfare caseloads over the last 25 years. As a result, a growing number of policymakers are embracing the notion that adolescent pregnancy rates can be lowered and welfare costs reduced if states more rigorously enforce statutory rape laws prohibiting sex ual intercourse between adults and minors." |
| Statutory Rape: A Guide to State Laws and Reporting Requirements | (PDF) "This report is a compilation of state laws and reporting requirements. It provides an overview of state statutory rape laws and reporting requirements, as well as a summary of laws for each state and the District of Columbia. This report is not intended to be a legal document. It is designed to provide useful information to state and federal policymakers who are interested in how state statutes address statutory rape." |
| Statutory Rape Laws by State | "Most states do not refer specifically to statutory rape; instead they use designations such as sexual assault and sexual abuse to identify prohibited activity. Regardless of the designation, these crimes are based on the premise that until a person reaches a certain age, he is legally incapable of consenting to sexual intercourse. Thus, instead of including force as a criminal element, theses crimes make it illegal for anyone to engage in sexual intercourse with anyone below a certain age, other than his spouse." |
| Spousal Rape Laws | "Until the late 1970s, most states did not consider spousal rape a crime. Typically, spouses were exempted from sexual assault laws." |
| An Evolution of Law: Spousal Rape Prosecutable | "As of 2003, it still wasn't a crime in 20 states for a husband to have non-consensual sex with his wife while she was mentally incapacitated or physically helpless, according to Anderson's book. " |
| Child Pornography | "Federal and state laws make it a crime to produce, possess, distribute, or sell pornographic materials that exploit or portray a minor. Increasingly, child pornography laws are being utilized to punish use of computer technology and the Internet to obtain, share, and distribute pornographic material involving children, including images and films." |
| Chemical and Surgical Castration | "A few states, including California and Florida, permit convicted sex offenders to be injected with Depo Provera, an FDA-approved birth control drug. Often called "chemical castration," Depo Provera is meant to quell the sex drive of male sex offenders by lowering their testosterone levels." |
| Indecent Exposure | "Indecent exposure laws in most states make it a crime to purposefully display one's genitals in public, causing others to be alarmed or offended. Indecent exposure is often committed for the sexual gratification of the offender, and may reach the level of a sexual assault if any physical contact is made." |
| Sexual Assault | "If you have been sexually assaulted or think you have been, first, you must overcome the stigma of reporting the event. The stigma of reporting a sexual assault or rape for both women and men is not as great as it once was, and this change works in favor of the victim. " |
| Alcohol and Sexual Assault | " This article summarizes current knowledge about alcohol's role in sexual assault and discusses questions that remain to be answered by future research. Alcohol's contribution to sexual assault cannot be discussed without also describing the general characteristics of sexual assault; thus, this article alternates between providing information about sexual assault in general and contrasting this information with findings regarding alcohol-involved sexual assaults." |
| Prostitution | "Prostitution laws make it a crime in most states to offer, agree to, or engage in a sexual act for compensation. Depending upon applicable state law, the stages of a typical prostitution "transaction" can involve charges against the provider of services (for "prostitution"), the customer paying for the services (for "solicitation of prostitution"), and any middleman (for "pandering" or "pimping")." |
| Rape | "The crime of rape (or "first-degree sexual assault" in some states) generally refers to non-consensual sexual intercourse that is committed by physical force, threat of injury, or other duress. A lack of consent can include the victim's inability to say "no" to intercourse, due to the effects of drugs or alcohol. Rape can occur when the offender and victim have a pre-existing relationship (sometimes called "date rape"), or even when the offender is the victim's spouse." |
| "Larceny is the "taking and carrying away of tangible personal property of another by trespass with intent to permanently (or for an unreasonable time) deprive the person of his interest in the property". Larceny must involve personal property, and it must be capable of being possessed, and carried away." | |
| Larceny | |
| Theft | "A theft is the taking and removing of money or property with the intent to deprive the owner of it. " |
| Petty Theft | "Petty theft is considered a pretty minor offense, but it is still theft and still punishable by law. It can be a stain on your record and may cost you further down the line, especially when trying to get a new job." |
| Theft by Shoplifting | "Shoplifting is not just walking out of a store without paying for goods. Shoplifting includes any form of deception where the defendant did not pay the asking price of the merchandise." |
| Shoplifting | "There's no typical shoplifter — people who steal from stores can be any age, race, gender, and social and economic background." |
| Common Shoplifting Techniques | "Some shoplifters just grab stuff and walk out with it. They rely on the gullibility and slow response time of sales clerks. Some shoplifters grab garments from racks close to the door and run off. This can be prevented very easily by alternating the directions of hangers. This makes the hangers "lock up" when someone tries to remove many at once." |
| Shoplifter and Dishonest Employee Theft on the Rise | " Over 530,000 shoplifters and dishonest employees were apprehended in 2006, up 10.6% over 2005. The total dollars recovered from these apprehensions was over $116 million, up 15.15% over 2005." |
| The Problem of Employee Theft | "Although it's not a pleasant topic to discuss, the fact is that theft by employees of small businesses totals nearly $40 billion in this country each year." |
| Employee Theft | "Employee theft is a problem of considerable size for many companies. Many corporate security experts estimate that 25 to 40 percent of all employees steal from their employers, and the U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC) estimates that employee theft of cash, property, and merchandise may cost American businesses as much as $50 billion on an annual basis." |
| "Home invasion robberies are scary and most of the victims have been seniors. The crime itself threatens our belief that we are safest in our homes. This page will help you improve the safety of your home and neighborhood. If you need more information on home invasion robbery prevention call your local police. They will be glad to help. Criminals gene" |
|
| Home Invasion and Robbery Prevention | |
| Home Invasion | "The frightening thing about home invasion is that it is often motivated by a variety of criminal intentions. Usually the intention is robbery" |
| Violent Crime Hits Home: Home Invasion | "Violent attacks on homeowners are fast-becoming a frightening and all-too-common fact of life" |
| Types of Burglars | "It is important to realize that there is no such thing as a burglar-proof home or a car that cannot be broken into and stolen. Or a lock that cannot be picked, drilled or bypassed. There is no security system that cannot be broached. Impenetrable defenses take their places up there with the Easter Bunny. If someone is dedicated enough, skilled enough and has the proper tools, he will get in, no matter what measures you take." |
| Burglary Prevention | "Each year in the U.S, there are more than five million home burglaries. Nine out of ten of these crimes are preventable. The risk of being burglarized can be greatly reduced by taking simple steps to make your home more difficult to enter and less enticing to would-be burglars." |
| Burglary Prevention Council | "Statistics indicate that three out of four U.S. homes will be burglarized in the next 20 years. According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the average property loss in a burglary exceeds $1,000, not to mention the damage from vandalism." |
| Auto Burglary | "Auto Burglary is theft of property (any value) from a secured vehicle. This is a felony." |
| Auto Burglary Prevention | "Desire, ability & opportunity must all exist to support crime. Even though we may not be able to stop someone's desire to commit a crime, we can take away their ability and/or their opportunity to commit the crime." |
| "What else can you do besides not drive the most stolen car in America and equip your car with anti-theft protection? We're going to give you the unique opportunity to look inside the mind of the car thief and learn how he steals cars. With the help of police auto theft experts and auto theft professionals, we've compiled this list of some of the ways thieves steal cars followed by suggestions of how to stop them from doing it to you." | |
| Ten Ways to Steal a Car | |
| International Association of Auto Theft Investigator's Official Web Site |
"We recognize that, just as law enforcement agencies cannot successfully function independent of one another, auto theft investigation requires the active participation of the private sector; therefore, our membership also includes the insurance industry, automobile manufacturers, car rental companies and, of course, the National Insurance Crime Bureau and its sister agencies in Canada and Europe." |
| Car Theft Prevention | "Most cars are stolen off the street or from parking areas. Putting your car into a garage not only saves the finish, but tends to deter auto thieves. They risk detection by dogs, motion sensors and even homeowners by coming on the property. Locked garages and gates create another level of difficulty for the thief who intends to quietly sneak in and steal." |
| Vehicular Crime & Homicide | "According to the NHTSA, over 80 percent of child car seats are installed incorrectly. In order to simplify this installation process and enhance child safety, an innovative tether system has been developed. This means big changes for both car seat and automobile manufacturers. This article will help you get up to speed on the latest advancements in child safety." |
| Preventing Carjacking / Theft | "Think of saving your life first. Only then, think of your car and what's in it.If another car bumps your car, stay inside with the windows shut and the door locked and drive to the nearest police or fire station." |
| Reduce Your Risk of Becoming A Carjacking Victim | "Despite the danger, there are measures you can take to guard against crime when you are behind the wheel or walking to your vehicle. The National Safety Council suggests the following techniques to reduce the chances of becoming a carjacking victim." |
| Carjacking | "These days, many, if not most, car thefts are committed by organized rings. Stealing cars is big business. In fact, it has become not only interstate, but international -- worth billions of dollars a year." |
| Sticker-on- Rear-Window Carjacking Scheme | "Email rumor warns of a new carjacking scheme involving the placement of a sticker or flyer on the victim's rear window to fool them into exiting the vehicle with the engine running. " |
| Hit and Run or Failure to Stop at Scene of an Accident Canada | "The public policy is straightforward and twofold. A person might be injured and may need assistance from the other driver regardless as to who might have been at fault. Secondly, the absconding of the participant(s) in an accident between two vehicles eliminates a source of first-hand evidence as to what caused the accident. This latter issue is important because it not only might facilitate a determination of who should pay for damages, if any, but also allows public authorities to manage traffic flow in the safest possible manner." |
| Hit-And-Run Auto Accidents | "Despite laws in every state which make it illegal to leave the scene of a car accident involving injury to person or property, drivers often attempt to flee the scenes of accidents they have caused. The most common flight from an accident scene probably involves parking lot collisions, where a driver strikes somebody else's parked car." |
| Leaving the Scene of an Accident | "Typically, state traffic laws require that any driver involved in an accident stop his or her vehicle as soon as it is safe to do so, and exchange identification and contact information with any other driver involved in the incident. If a driver collides with an unattended vehicle or other stationary property, most states mandate that he or she make a reasonable effort to identify the property owner and alert them as to what happened." |
| How to Solve a Hit and Run Crime With a License Plate Description | "This all starts with a collision or accident; between two or more cars, a car and a pedestrian, or even a car and a dog. All you have to do is stop to exchange information, right? Easy, right? Well, in some cities, up to 50% of collisions result in a hit and run." |
| DUI and DWI Ignition Interlock Devices | "There are many ways of punishing drunk drivers, such as fines, loss of license, and even jail time; but many states are now looking for updated technology to deter future problems of drunk driving. Many US states are now turning to a tool called the ignition interlock device." |
| Drunk Driving | "Driving with a blood alcohol level over the state’s maximum permissible blood alcohol limit. The limit for adults is 0.08% in all 50 states as of May, 2007." |
| Auto Theft Info | "The average value of motor vehicles stolen was $6,646. The estimated total value of all motor vehicle stolen was $8.2 billion. Approximately 62% of all vehicles stolen are eventually recovered, although not all intact." |
| Car Jacking | "The US Department of Justice (DOJ) defines carjacking as the attempted or completed robbery of a motor vehicle by a stranger that includes the use or threat of use of force." |
| Carjacking - Don't be a Victim | "CARJACKING has become one of the most prevalent crimes in many parts of the world. Most carjackings occur for the sole purpose of taking the car; it is a crime without a political agenda and does not specifically target Americans." |
| "Drugs are related to crime in multiple ways. Most directly, it is a crime to use, possess, manufacture, or distribute drugs classified as having a potential for abuse (such as cocaine, heroin, marijuana, and amphetamines). Drugs are also related to crime through the effects they have on the user's behavior and by generating violence and other illegal activity in connection with drug trafficking. " | |
| Drug Related Crime | |
| Drug War Facts | "The chart at the right illustrates the homicide rate in the United States from 1900 to 1998. It is important to note that each of the most violent episodes in this century coincide with the prohibition on alcohol and the escalation of the modern-day war on drugs." |
| Drug Crimes | "The law does not require the police to prove you DID sell, just that your intent was to sell. This is done by the circumstances of the possession and by expert opinion of the police." |
| Drug Abuse & Law | "Educating the public about the increase in prison population in the US due to current drug laws. We alert citizens about the dangers of a federal authority acting beyond its constitutional constraints. The drug war is an assault of our civil rights and freedoms by federal and state governments." |
| The Heavy Toll of a Legal Drug | "Of all the drugs of abuse, alcohol takes the greatest toll on our society. According to a 1998 report from the National Center on Substance Abuse and Addiction at Columbia University, alcohol is more closely associated with crimes of violence than any other drug." |
| Alcohol & Crime | "The extensive and far-reaching impacts of alcohol abuse on crime and public safety are only now achieving widespread public policy attention." |
| Underage Drinking | (PDF) UK Report "Over half (56%) of all 10- to 17-year-olds reported having had an alcoholic drink in the previous 12 months. This figure was highest among 16- to 17-year-olds (88%) and lowest among 10- to 13-year-olds (29%)." |
| Drunk Driving | "Driving with a blood alcohol level over the state’s maximum permissible blood alcohol limit. The limit for adults is 0.08% in all 50 states as of May, 2007." |
| Driving Patterns and Evidence Gathering | "The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has conducted extensive study in their effort to help law enforcement detect drunk drivers. They have identified 20 driving patterns that are believed to be consistent with driving under the influence:" |
| Federal Drug Laws | "Chapter 13 - drug abuse prevention and control)" |
"White collar crimes typically refer to a type of crime committed by business people, entrepreneurs, public officials, and professionals through deception, as opposed to street crimes which tend to involve force and violence" |
|
| White Collar Law | |
| "White Collar" Crime | "White-collar crimes are fraud, bankruptcy fraud, bribery, insider trading, embezzlement, computer crime, medical crime, public corruption, identity theft, environmental crime, pension fund crime, RICO crimes, consumer fraud, occupational crime, securities fraud, financial fraud, and forgery. " |
| White Collar Crime | "The phrase "white-collar crime" was coined in 1939 during a speech given by Edwin Sutherland to the American Sociological Society. Sutherland defined the term as "crime committed by a person of respectability and high social status in the course of his occupation."" |
| Fitting A Punishment To White-Collar Crime | "WHITE-COLLAR crime rarely prompts the outrage or draws the lengthy prison sentences of street crimes. It leaves no violated or bleeding victim; its perpetrators are often church-going community leaders who stand before the judge wearing tailored suits and repentant expressions." |
| Corporate Accountability | "Corporate Accountability International has been waging winning campaigns to challenge corporate abuse for more than 30 years. We were there at the beginning of this movement to demand direct corporate accountability to public interests and have been at its forefront ever since." |
| The Rip-Off Report | "This site is a reality check. The web site to use as a tool to help you get justice and to warn other unsuspecting victims. |
| Fighting Corporate and Government Wrongdoing | "The term "white-collar crime" refers to the corrupt business practices of individuals in powerful positions, especially corporate leaders and government officials. Edwin Sutherland first coined the phrase during the 1939 annual meeting of the American Sociological Society. He argued that corporate and governmental officials regularly commit crimes that are as destructive to society as those of violent blue-collar criminals. " |
| Types and Schemes of White Collar Crime | Discusses 25 types of white collar crimes. |
| White Collar Crime | "White-collar crime is not a classic, clear-cut case of deviance. It has one foot in conventionality and one foot in deviance." |
| "It can happen to anyone. The phone rings and a collection agency demands that you pay past-due accounts for goods you never ordered. The supermarket refuses your checks because you have a history of bouncing them. But you have always paid bills on time. What has happened?" | |
| Identity Theft Resources | |
| Hate Crimes and Criminal Civil Rights Violations | "A civil rights violation may become a crime if it involves the use (or threat of use) of force. Hate crimes are intended to hurt and intimidate someone because of their race, ethnicity, national origin, religious, sexual orientation, or disability." |
| Common Crimes Defined | "The following is not a legal definition of any crime and does not reflect Uniform Crime Reporting guidelines." |
| Common Federal Crimes | "Here are only a few that involve Interstate Commerce: kidnapping across state lines, organized crime, internet child pornography (violates both Fed and local law), threatening a Federal public official, interstate drug trafficking, bank robbery, hijacking trucks in interstate commerce, skyjacking, using U.S. Mails for any criminal purpose, and counterfeiting." |
| Common Crimes Against Old People | "There are ways to ensure a happier and safer life for our elderly, if we carefully consider their lives, their vulnerabilities, and the threats that may consume their lives. " |
| Product Liability | "Products liability refers to the liability of any or all parties along the chain of manufacture of any product for damage caused by that product. " |
| The Most Common Environmental Crimes | "Environmental crimes of large corporations often have extensive coverage in the media, but crimes of smaller businesses and individuals are just as common. States and counties deal with several types of environmental crimes. The number one criminal environmental activity is the improper disposal of hazardous wastes, both by companies and individuals." |
| How to Prevent 5 Common Crimes | "Today, experts have a better understanding of what causes crime and are using more effective prevention programs, such as the "personal beat" system, in which police officers are assigned to monitor specific neighborhoods, as opposed to rotating neighborhoods" |
Criminal Law (section 3)
Criminal Law - The Judicial Process
| "The main areas used in forensic science are biology, chemistry, and medicine, although the science also includes the use of physics, computer science, geology, and psychology. Forensic scientists examine objects, substances (including blood or drug samples), chemicals (paints, explosives, toxins), tissue traces (hair, skin), or impressions (fingerprints or tidemarks) left at the crime scene. The majority of forensic scientists specialize in one area of science." | |
| Forensic Science | |
| Evidence Retrieval & Analysis | "Information gathering that produces hard, useable evidence to win your case is not always a simple task. Well-meaning people who don’t know the laws of information gathering and evidence retrieval often mishandle, or acquire evidence illegally. This taints your case—and lets the guilty go free." |
| Evidence Collection Guidelines | "(Blood Stains, Seminal Stains, Hair, Fibers and Threads, Glass, Paint, Flammable Liquids, Firearms Evidence, Tool Marks, Controlled Substances and Medicinal Preparations, Questioned Documents, Latent Fingerprints)" |
| Evidence | "Rules of evidence are, as the name indicates, the rules by which a court determines what evidence is admissible at trial. " |
| Driving Patterns and Evidence Gathering | "The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has conducted extensive study in their effort to help law enforcement detect drunk drivers. They have identified 20 driving patterns that are believed to be consistent with driving under the influence:" |
| Electronic Evidence and Search & Seizure Legal Resources | "This publication provides a comprehensive guide to the legal issues that arise when federal law enforcement agents search and seize computers and obtain electronic evidence in criminal investigations." |
| Environmental Crime: Evidence Gathering and Investigative Techniques | "Environmental crime investigation presents a most unique challenge for law enforcement today. The criminal environmental investigator--a new breed of law enforcement officer--must have extensive training and experience in the environmental sciences and remain familiar with criminal investigative techniques, as well." |
| Evidence & Witnesses | "The outcome of many criminal law cases will depend upon the strength and admissibility of evidence -- including physical proof, scientific evidence, and witness testimony." |
| Explosion and Bombing Scene Investigation | "Outlines the tasks that should be considered at every explosion scene, focusing on those related to the identification, collection, and preservation of evidence." |
| Fire and Arson Scene Evidence | "This Research Report is aimed at public safety personnel who may not be trained in the specialized aspects of fire scene investigation but may be in the position of having to respond to a fire/arson scene." |
| International Association for Property and Evidence |
"To provide education and training related to all aspects of the handling, storage, maintenance and disposal of law enforcement held property and evidence." |
| "The term Bail is used in several distinct senses: (1) It may mean the securitycash or bondgiven for the appearance of the prisoner. (2) It may mean the bondsman (i.e., the person who acts as surety for the defendant`s appearance, and into whose custody the defendant is released). (3) As a verb, it may refer to the release of the defendant (he was bailed out). The first meaning is the most common and should be employed for clarity." | |
| Bail | |
| The History of Bail Laws | " Bail laws in the United States grew out of a long history of English statutes and policies. During the colonial period, Americans relied on the bail structure that had developed in England hundreds of years earlier." |
| Bail vs Bond | "A secured bond means that you actually pay money or bail property to secure your release. An unsecured bond or surety bond means you sign a document that says you will pay a certain amount of money if the defendant breaks his/her bond conditions." |
| Information on Bail Bondsmon | "The process of posting a bail involves a contractual undertaking guaranteed by a bail bondsman and the individual posting bail. The bail agent guarantees to the court that the defendant will appear in court each and every time the judge requires." |
| Americal Bail Coalition | "Dedicated to the long term growth and continuation of the surety bail bond industry." |
| A Career in Bail Bonds | (Commecrical with lots of information) "The definitive online resource for bail bondsman." |
| Bailbond.com | (Commercial) "BailBond.com is an open directory, listing Bail Bond Agents and Agencies in all cities and counties in the following states that say "Yes" to surety Bail Bonds: " |
| About Bail | "A Nationwide Directory of Bail Bond Agents, Criminal Lawyers, Investigators, Immigration Bondsmen, Jails, Courts and more. Aboutbail.com's comprehensive database and resources provide our users with instant access to the local help they need." |
| How Bounty Hunting Works | "In this article, we'll find out how bounty hunting works, learn the history of the profession and follow Bob Burton, one of the country's top bounty hunters, on the search for a fugitive. " |
| Bounty Hunter: Legitimate Law Enforcement OR Dangerous Anachronism? | "Bounty hunters can be defined broadly as a category of persons who track down someone or something for money. A bounty is a subsidy that is paid to a category of persons who have performed a public service." |
| Bounty Hunter Laws | State laws regulating bounty hunting activities. |
| "According to the Bureau of Justice Statistics, the median sentence for murder is 15 years, the median time served for murder is 5.5 years; for rape, 8 years sentence -- 3 years served; robbery, 6 years sentence -- 2.2 years served; assault, 4 years median sentence -- 1.2 years time served. 42% of inmates were on parole or probation for an earlier conviction." | |
| Punishment | |
| Criminal Punishment What Happens After Conviction | "After your trial, the court will impose its sentence on you for the crime you committed. The Eight Amendment to the U.S. Constitution prohibits the court from subjecting you to "cruel and unusual punishment." Among other things, this means that the punishment must fit the crime. But deciding what punishment is permissible in light of the Eighth Amendment can be a difficult task." |
| Punishment for Criminal Offenses | (Virginia - example) "Criminal offenses are considered either felonies or misdemeanors. Offenses are classified in the following manner:" |
| Chemical and Surgical Castration | "A few states, including California and Florida, permit convicted sex offenders to be injected with Depo Provera, an FDA-approved birth control drug. Often called "chemical castration," Depo Provera is meant to quell the sex drive of male sex offenders by lowering their testosterone levels." |
| Expungement | "Expungement is a legal process through which an arrest or conviction may be erased from a person's criminal record." |
| Correctional Services of Canada | "Canadians play an active role in public safety. Citizens are involved in Correctional Service Canada (CSC) operations on a daily basis. They attend outreach events, participate in consultations, volunteer at our institutions and community offices, as well as take part in our Advisory Committees." |
| Death Penalty Information Center | " The Death Penalty Information Center is a non-profit organization serving the media and the public with analysis and information on issues concerning capital punishment. The Center was founded in 1990 and prepares in-depth reports, issues press releases, conducts briefings for journalists, and serves as a resource to those working on this issue. " |
| Crimes Punishable by Death Penalty (by State) | "The Bureau of Justice Statistics, Capital Punishment 2006, (December 2007) lists the following as capital crimes, by state:" |
| Capital Punishment and the Death Penalty | "Below you will find information on historical and legal issues related to capital punishment and the death penalty in the United States, including a look at current trends related to the death penalty." |
| Death Penalty Resource Page | International. From Rominger Legal Services |
" Now that you are 18 you will be treated differently than a juvenile would be if you get into legal trouble." |
|
| Arrested! | |
| Types of Arrest Warrants | "A warrant of arrest is issued by the court ordering law enforcers to detain a person. Basically, arrest warrants are issued if there has been a crime that was committed and there is enough evidence to incriminate a suspect, and if the person named in the warrant committed the crime." |
| Pre-trial Procedures in Criminal Cases | "The process is apt to be very different depending on the severity of the crime. In general, the more important the offense, the more elaborate the process. " |
| Evidence & Witnesses | "The outcome of many criminal law cases will depend upon the strength and admissibility of evidence -- including physical proof, scientific evidence, and witness testimony." |
| Trial Procedure and Tactics | "1. Act respectful toward the judge. Stand when he/she enters or leaves the room. Address him/her as "your honor." 2. Be brief....." |
| How to Understand the Trial Procedure | "Going to trial can be stressful enough without feeling that you’re the only one who doesn’t know what’s going on regarding the actual trial procedure. You don’t know when it will be your turn to present your evidence or when you can ask questions to the other party" |
| The Canadian Legal System | "Researching Canadian Law" |
| Hiring a Private Investigator: What to Look For | "Many states only require Private Investigators pass a written test to hang a shingle on their wall and open for business. This does not qualify a person to be an "Investigator" by any means. When you’re faced with the need to employ the services of a Private Investigator become informed before making a decision on who to use." |
| Criminal Trials | "A defendant has a constitutional right to a "speedy trial." The meaning of "speedy," and the benefits of demanding a "speedy trial," vary from state to state. In some states, most defendants have to waive their right to a "speedy trial" in order to get sufficient time to prepare their defenses. If a defendant demands a "speedy trial," he cannot later claim that he did not have time to prepare his defense." |
| Criminal Procedure | "The framework of laws and rules that govern the administration of justice in cases involving an individual who has been accused of a crime, beginning with the initial investigation of the crime and concluding either with the unconditional release of the accused by virtue of acquittal (a judgment of not guilty) or by the imposition of a term of punishment pursuant to a conviction for the crime." |
| Criminal Procedure | "Criminal procedure is the legislative rules that run the proceedings of criminal law. In the United States, The US code, Title 18, Part II, dictates the federal statutes on crimes. The states have their own adopted criminal statutes that resemble those of the US criminal code." |
| Criminal Trial Procedures: An Overview | "Most criminal trials follow a uniform set of procedures. Here's a step by step guide to the criminal trial process." |
| "A "plea bargain" is a deal offered by a prosecutor as an incentive for a defendant to plead guilty. If every case in the justice system went to trial, the courts would be so overloaded that they would effectively be shut down. Plea bargaining allows the prosecutor to obtain guilty pleas in cases that might otherwise go to trial." | |
| How Does "Plea Bargaining" Work? | |
| Plea Bargaining | "Many criminal cases are resolved out of court by having both sides come to an agreement. This process is known as negotiating a plea or plea bargaining. In most jurisdictions it resolves most of the criminal cases filed." |
| Plea Bargaining | "In practice, plea bargaining often represents not so much "mutual satisfaction" as perhaps "mutual acknowledgement" of the strengths or weaknesses of both the charges and the defenses, against a backdrop of crowded criminal courts and court case dockets. Plea bargaining usually occurs prior to trial but, in some jurisdictions, may occur any time before a verdict is rendered." |
| Defendants' Incentives for Accepting Plea Bargains | "A discussion of the most common reasons why a defendant might want to enter into a plea bargain." |
| Is Plea Bargaining a Cop-Out? | "In the vast majority of cases, the accused has no trial. His "day" in court is the few minutes it takes him to plead guilty. "Here we have an elaborate jury trial system, and only 10% of the accused get to use it,"" |
| The Case Against Plea Bargaining |
(PDF) "Because any person who is accused of violating the criminal law can lose his liberty, and perhaps even his life depending on the offense and prescribed penalty, the Framers of the Constitution took pains to put explicit limits on the awesome powers of government." |
| Insanity Defense | "A criminal defendant who is found to have been legally insane when a crime was committed may be entitled to a not-guilty verdict, or may receive less severe punishment. Different definitions and tests for legal insanity exist, often depending on the type of crime and where (in what state) it was committed." |
| Reversing a Bad Result - Ineffective Assistance of Counsel | "A plea bargain accepted by the trial judge waives most of a defendant's rights to appeal. However, there are a few cracks in the armor which potential clients should be aware." |
| "Being tried twice for the same offense is prohibited by the 5th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. '[T]he Double Jeopardy Clause protects against three distinct abuses: [1] a second prosecution for the same offense after acquittal; [2] a second prosecution for the same offense after conviction; and [3] multiple punishments for the same offense.' Separate punishments in multiple criminal prosecution are constitutionally permissible, however, if the punishments are not based upon the same offenses." | |
| Double Jeopardy | |
| Double Jeopardy | "'The constitutional prohibition against 'double jeopardy' was designed to protect an individual from being subjected to the hazards of trial and possible conviction more than once for an alleged offense. . . . The underlying idea, one that is deeply ingrained in at least the Anglo-American system of jurisprudence, is that the State with all its resources and power should not be allowed to make repeated attempts to convict an individual for an alleged offense, thereby subjecting him to embarrassment, expense and ordeal and compelling him to live in a continuing state of anxiety and insecurity, as well as enhancing the possibility that even though innocent he may be found guilty.'' " |
| Punishment | "According to the Bureau of Justice Statistics, the median sentence for murder is 15 years, the median time served for murder is 5.5 years; for rape, 8 years sentence -- 3 years served; robbery, 6 years sentence -- 2.2 years served; assault, 4 years median sentence -- 1.2 years time served. 42% of inmates were on parole or probation for an earlier conviction." |
| Criminal Punishment What Happens After Conviction | "After your trial, the court will impose its sentence on you for the crime you committed. The Eight Amendment to the U.S. Constitution prohibits the court from subjecting you to "cruel and unusual punishment." Among other things, this means that the punishment must fit the crime. But deciding what punishment is permissible in light of the Eighth Amendment can be a difficult task." |
| Punishment for Criminal Offenses | (Virginia - example) "Criminal offenses are considered either felonies or misdemeanors. Offenses are classified in the following manner:" |
| Correctional Services of Canada | "Canadians play an active role in public safety. Citizens are involved in Correctional Service Canada (CSC) operations on a daily basis. They attend outreach events, participate in consultations, volunteer at our institutions and community offices, as well as take part in our Advisory Committees." |
| Appellate Procedure | "Appellate procedure focuses on several main themes: what judgments are appealable, how appeals are brought before the court, what will be required for a reversal of the lower court , and what procedures parties must follow." |
| Appealing a Case | "An appeal normally may be taken by the party who loses or did not get all the relief he, she or it sought. If both parties are dissatisfied, each may appeal part of the decision." |
| Parole & Probation | "Probation is a sentence ordered by a judge, usually instead of, but sometimes in addition to, serving time in jail. Parole is the conditional release of a prison inmate after serving part (if not all) of his or her sentence, allowing the inmate to live in the community under supervision of the parole period." |
| American Probation and Parole Association | "At the vanguard in exploring issues relevant to the field of community-based corrections. APPA provides training and technical assistance, clearinghouse services and advocacy." |
| Rights of Institutionalized Persons | "Below you will find information on the legal rights of people who have been institutionalized in jails and prisons, state-run mental facilities, and other government-operated treatment centers" |
Criminal Law (section 4)
Criminal Law
| "In the American legal system, individuals or groups accused of a crime have the right to a trial in which they can make a plea to a jury of their peers. In order to assure this for all individuals tried in an American court, all adult American citizens and those with permanent residency status are required to serve as a member of a jury from time to time. This service is referred to as jury duty." | |
| What is Jury Duty | |
| Juror Service in Federal Courts | "Jury service is one of the most important civic duties. You do not need any knowledge of the legal system to be a juror. The protection of rights and liberties of litigants in federal courts is largely achieved through the teamwork of judge and jury." |
| Environmental Crime: Evidence Gathering and Investigative Techniques | "Environmental crime investigation presents a most unique challenge for law enforcement today. The criminal environmental investigator--a new breed of law enforcement officer--must have extensive training and experience in the environmental sciences and remain familiar with criminal investigative techniques, as well." |
| Family Friendly Jury Duty | "Jury Service is an important civic responsibility. Family friendly jury duty laws ensure these obligations would be met as soon as children are older, and not in need of constant care, or when family care-giving responsibilities have ceased." |
| Preparing for Jury Duty | "Jury duty is as important to citizenship as voting - maybe more so. Certainly, a citizen has more influence and power when serving as a juror than as a voter." |
| Court Trials | "In the American judicial system, trial courts are the foundation of the judicial process. This is the forum where disputed facts are decided. These courts hear the testimony of witnesses, examine the evidence, evaluate the merits of the case according to legal precedents, and resolve the dispute." |
| Do You Have A Right To A Jury Of Your Peers? | "The 6th Amendment guarantees the accused the right to a speedy and public trial by an impartial jury. The phrase "jury of one's peers" is not included in the Amendment, however, the courts interpret peer to mean equal, i.e., the jury pool must include a cross section of the population of the community in terms of gender, race, and national origin. The jury selection process must not exclude or intentionally narrow any particular group of people." |
| Jury Duty Fraud | Describes how Identity Theft is carried out through a judy duty scam |
| The Federal Grand Jury: Ten Tips for the Unwary | "Other than violating certain testimonial and constitutional privileges, the federal grand jury can pretty much do what it wants. Here you will find 10 tips you must know about the federal grand jury." |
| Jury Proceedings | "The 6th Amendment guarantees the accused the right to a speedy and public trial by an impartial jury. The phrase "jury of one's peers" is not included in the Amendment, however, the courts interpret peer to mean equal, i.e., the jury pool must include a cross section of the population of the community in terms of gender, race, and national origin. The jury selection process must not exclude or intentionally narrow any particular group of people." |
| Do You Have A Right To A Jury Of Your Peers? | |
| Grand Jury Proceedings | "In more modern times, the policies protected by grand jury secrecy have been set forth as “preventing the escape of those who may be indicted, preventing attempts to influence grand jurors or witnesses, encouraging free disclosure by those who have information about crimes, and protecting the innocent accused who is later exonerated.”" |
| The Modern Jury Selection Philosophy | "The purpose of this article is to discuss the modern jury selection methodology and philosophy used by trial lawyers and recommended by jury psychologists throughout the country. The days of asking the prospective jury panel several limited, leading questions about their ability to follow the law and to be fair and unbiased are gone. The current jury selection process requires an open-ended, free discussion with the potential jury members about their feelings, life experiences, and opinions regarding the major issues in the case." |
| A Way to Improve the Art of Jury Selection | "It is reasonable to assume that the outcome of many trials will still rest to a large extent on an attorney's ability to select jurors on the basis of their responses to a jury questionnaire and voir dire inquiry." |
| Deliberations | (Blog) "Law, news, and thoughts on juries and jury trials." |
| How to Meet Jury Member Responsibilities | "In preparation to serve on a jury, the jurors are informed of their responsibilities in the trial. Knowledge of these responsibilities helps each jury member take the trial seriously and arrive at a verdict after proper consideration." |
| How to Meet Jury Foreman Responsibilities | "Meet with other jurors in the jury room when it is time for deliberations. It is one of the foreman's responsibilities to make sure every member of the jury is present before the discussions can begin...." |
| The Role of the Jury | "Each juror’s vote of guilty or not guilty must be respected by other members of the jury and by the court. To yield one’s own conviction to the pressure of the majority is to fail in responsibility as a juror." |
"A defendant who waives jury trial must do so in open court. The waiver must also be in writing. The defendant waving jury trial must be fully aware of the consequences of the waiver." |
|
| Choosing Between a Jury or Non-jury Trial. | |
| Criminal Law Bench Trials - No Jury Required | "A bench trial is a trial conducted by the court without a jury. The judge, or a panel of judges, acts as the fact finder and makes the ruling on the case. A bench trial is often referred to as a non jury trial. " |
| Bench Trial or Non-jury Trial | "Also known as a court trial, a bench trial is one in which the parties have waived the right to a jury, and therefore presents the case to the judge only. In criminal cases, only the defendant can waive the right to a jury trial. In civil proceedings however, at least one of the parties must specifically request a jury and be prepared to pay a fee; otherwise, a bench trial is held." |
| Non Jury Trials | UK "The prosecution may apply to a judge of the Crown Court at a preparatory hearing for a trial to be conducted without a jury under Section 44 (2). Under Section 44 (3) the judge must grant the application if he is satisfied that the conditions in Section 44 (4) and Section 44 (5) are fulfilled. If he is not so satisfied, he must refuse the application." |
| Non-Jury Procedures | Pennsylvania example "The waiver shall be in writing, made a part of the record, and signed by the defendant, the attorney for the Commonwealth, the judge, and the defendant's attorney as a witness." |
| "AnimalLaw.com allows users to access its numerous features directly from the home page or through subsequent search pages in this site. Some of AnimalLaw.com's features link users directly to state or federal host sites to receive the most current and authoritative information available. Other features, such as model laws and case law digests, are produced through the International Institute for Animal Law and are posted directly on this site." | |
| International Institute for Animal Law | |
| Cruelty to Animal Acts | "All states have laws that prohibit cruelty to horses and other animals. Every state makes it a crime to engage in certain cruel acts toward animals. Most states permit the government to seize and destroy or sell an animal that has been found to have been cruelly treated." |
| Prevention of Cruelty to Animal Acts (Canada) | "This Act does not apply to wildlife, as defined in the Wildlife Act, that is not in captivity." |
| Animal Cruelty in Canada | "Judges, when faced with animal cruelty cases, are hesitant to impose sentences which would have a more appropriate deterrent effect. Rare is the six-month jail term for animal cruelty." |
| Pet Law | Lists nine specific states as well as several categories about laws and regulations dealing with animals. |
| Pet Abuse.com | "If you had asked us before October 16 of 2001 if we thought for one second that our cats were in danger in the peaceful town of Del Mar, California, we would have said no. If you asked us if 2 days later we would be mourning the loss of one of our most cherished family members, we would surely have said no. All of our cats are healthy and well-loved." |
| "The EPA is supposed to monitor and analyze the environment, conduct research, and work closely with state and local governments to devise pollution control policies. NEPA has been described as one of Congress's most far reaching environmental legislation ever passed. The basic purpose of NEPA is to force governmental agencies to consider the effects of their decisions on the environment." | |
| Environmental Law | |
| Articles and links | |
| Natural Resource Law | "Natural resources, as defined as encompass land, fish, wildlife, biota, air, water, ground water, drinking water supplies, and other such resources belonging to, managed by, held in trust by, appertaining to, or otherwise controlled by the United States, any State or local government, or any foreign government." |
| Environmental Law Center | "Environmental law is concerned with balancing environmental concerns of the public generally, with the rights of a property owners (individual, business and governmental) to develop and use their property. It is reflected both in explicit environmental laws and other statutes and regulations, such as local building codes, zoning ordinances, condemnation policies and land use restrictions." |
| Canadian Environmental Law Association | "The Canadian Environmental Law Association (CELA) is a non-profit, public interest organization established in 1970 to use existing laws to protect the environment and to advocate environmental law reforms. It is also a free legal advisory clinic for the public, and will act at hearings and in courts on behalf of citizens or citizens’ groups who are otherwise unable to afford legal assistance." |
| Canadian Environmental Protection Act | "An Act respecting pollution prevention and the protection of the environment and human health in order to contribute to sustainable development..." |
| Energy Law | "The energy crises of the 1970s forced the federal government to consolidate its scattered regulatory framework that had developed piecemeal in the previous decades. With the creation of the Department of Energy in 1977, a national energy plan emerged for the first time. The stated purpose of federal energy laws and regulations is to provide affordable energy by sustaining competitive markets, while protecting the economic, environmental, and security interests of the United States." |
| Canadian Environmental Law | "Environmental regulation addresses issues such as air, water and noise pollution and deals with issues arising out of waste management, sustainable development, planning and development, environmental prosecutions and defenses, and liability of officers and directors." |
| Earth Justice | "Dedicated to protecting the magnificent places, natural resources, and wildlife of this earth, and to defending the right of all people to a healthy environment. We bring about far-reaching change by enforcing and strengthening environmental laws on behalf of hundreds of organizations, coalitions and communities." |
| The Most Common Environmental Crimes | "Environmental crimes of large corporations often have extensive coverage in the media, but crimes of smaller businesses and individuals are just as common. States and counties deal with several types of environmental crimes. The number one criminal environmental activity is the improper disposal of hazardous wastes, both by companies and individuals." |
• Florida It is illegal to sell you children and to have sex with a porcupine. |
|
| Odd and Unusual Laws Still On Record in Many States | |
| Unusual Laws | · California- Anyone setting a trap for a mouse had to have a permit |
| Unusual Laws That Remain In US State Codes Despite Being Outdated | "There are many laws that still exist on the books that are out dated. Most of them are no longer enforced. They remain laws because it isn't worth the legislators time to remove them, they should and do have better things to take care of." |
| Dog Bite Laws | "A non-commercial website, updated daily, authored by the USA's leading legal expert in dog bite law. Over 1 million people per year (3,300 each day) spend an average of 8 minutes reading www.dogbitelaw.com. Numerous legal publications and articles cite www.dogbitelaw.com as authority, and more than 2,500 websites throughout the world link to it or cite it, including the U.S. Department of Agriculture and other governmental websites." |
| Big Government. Small Brains. Dumb Laws. | "Dumb Laws aren't a just thing of the past. We're tracking down breaking news in the world of crazy laws. Keep checking back, because there are new stories every week. The next one could be in your hometown" |
| Quizzes : Unusual Laws | * In Chicago, Illinois, it is illegal to eat in a restaurant that is this? * At one time in Vermont, it was illegal to tie what animal to a telephone pole? |
| Unusual Laws | In Denmark, before starting your car, you are legally required to make a visual check to make sure there are no children underneath your car. |
The Obvious Legal Statement.
The folks at Slightly Creaky are volunteers. None of us get any salary or compensation in any form. We are not a corporation, just a few folks working out of our houses. If anything on this site bothers you, if you notice mistakes, please let us know.
While we do maintain editorial rights, things slip past. The submitted columns and news articles belong to the contributor(s), not to the Slightly Creaky team. We are simply a vehicle bringing you information to the best of our ability. We have no control over the sites we link to. Web site contents frequently change. If you find anything improper, objectionable or not working, please notify us.
Be sure to read our complete Legal Information and Policies