Idea Transcript
VOCABULARY LISTS
Criminal Law vs. Civil Law July 13, 2010 By Amanda C.
wrongful death a death that results from a wrongful act or from negligence You are not alone in being confused about how a person acquitted of murder in a criminal trial can be held liable for a victim's wrongful death in a civil trial.
burden of proof the duty of proving a disputed charge The first step to understanding this seeming contradiction is to know that a criminal prosecution involves different laws, a different court system, and different burdens of proof.
football hero a football player who has achieved a reputation for success Is the former football hero Orenthal James Simpson a murderer?
wrongful not just or fair You are not alone in being confused about how a person acquitted of murder in a criminal trial can be held liable for a victim's wrongful death in a civil trial.
first degree a degree of one Specifically, the definition of first degree murder in the context of the O.J. case requires that the act be done deliberately and with a great deal of malice directed toward the victim.
punitive damages compensation in excess of actual damages But, to get punitive damages, as the plaintiffs did in the O.J. case, you have to show that the defendant acted recklessly.
criminal prosecution the institution and conduct of legal proceedings against a defendant for criminal behavior The first step to understanding this seeming contradiction is to know that a criminal prosecution involves different laws, a different court system, and different burdens of proof.
preponderance exceeding in heaviness; having greater weight The burden of proof in a civil case is preponderance of the evidence -- a much lesser burden than is required in a criminal case.
recklessly in a reckless manner But, to get punitive damages, as the plaintiffs did in the O.J. case, you have to show that the defendant acted recklessly.
criminal court a court having jurisdiction over criminal cases And to convict in the criminal court, the case against the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
defendant someone against whom an action is brought in a court of law And to convict in the criminal court, the case against the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
criminal someone who has committed a punishable act You are not alone in being confused about how a person acquitted of murder in a criminal trial can be held liable for a victim's wrongful death in a civil trial.
punitive inflicting punishment But, to get punitive damages, as the plaintiffs did in the O.J. case, you have to show that the defendant acted recklessly.
jury a body of citizens sworn to give a verdict in a court of law So, while a criminal jury might reasonably fail to find guilt beyond a reasonable doubt and acquit the accused, a civil jury might also reasonably find by a preponderance of the evidence that he or she acted recklessly and should be held civilly accountable for the death.
acquit pronounce not guilty of criminal charges You are not alone in being confused about how a person acquitted of murder in a criminal trial can be held liable for a victim's wrongful death in a civil trial.
civilly in a civil manner So, while a criminal jury might reasonably fail to find guilt beyond a reasonable doubt and acquit the accused, a civil jury might also reasonably find by a preponderance of the evidence that he or she acted recklessly and should be held civilly accountable for the death.
reasonably to a moderately sufficient extent or degree So, while a criminal jury might reasonably fail to find guilt beyond a reasonable doubt and acquit the accused, a civil jury might also reasonably find by a preponderance of the evidence that he or she acted recklessly and should be held civilly accountable for the death.
accountable responsible for one's actions So, while a criminal jury might reasonably fail to find guilt beyond a reasonable doubt and acquit the accused, a civil jury might also reasonably find by a preponderance of the evidence that he or she acted recklessly and should be held civilly accountable for the death.
contradiction opposition between two conflicting forces or ideas The first step to understanding this seeming contradiction is to know that a criminal prosecution involves different laws, a different court system, and different burdens of proof.
confuse mistake one thing for another You are not alone in being confused about how a person acquitted of murder in a criminal trial can be held liable for a victim's wrongful death in a civil trial.
civil of or occurring between or among citizens of the state You are not alone in being confused about how a person acquitted of murder in a criminal trial can be held liable for a victim's wrongful death in a civil trial.
reasonable showing sound judgment And to convict in the criminal court, the case against the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
plaintiff a person who brings an action in a court of law But, to get punitive damages, as the plaintiffs did in the O.J. case, you have to show that the defendant acted recklessly.
context the set of facts or circumstances that surround a situation Specifically, the definition of first degree murder in the context of the O.J. case requires that the act be done deliberately and with a great deal of malice directed toward the victim.
proven established beyond doubt And to convict in the criminal court, the case against the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
burden weight to be borne or conveyed The first step to understanding this seeming contradiction is to know that a criminal prosecution involves different laws, a different court system, and different burdens of proof.
acquitted declared not guilty of a specific offense or crime You are not alone in being confused about how a person acquitted of murder in a criminal trial can be held liable for a victim's wrongful death in a civil trial.
damages a sum of money paid in compensation for loss or injury But, to get punitive damages, as the plaintiffs did in the O.J. case, you have to show that the defendant acted recklessly.
specifically in distinction from others Specifically, the definition of first degree murder in the context of the O.J. case requires that the act be done deliberately and with a great deal of malice directed toward the victim.
legally by law; conforming to the law In a civil case for wrongful death, on the other hand, you have to show only that the defendant was legally responsible for the death.
first step the first of a series of actions The first step to understanding this seeming contradiction is to know that a criminal prosecution involves different laws, a different court system, and different burdens of proof.
Simpson United States divorcee whose marriage to Edward VIII created a constitutional crisis leading to his abdication Is the former football hero Orenthal James Simpson a murderer?
murder unlawful premeditated killing of a human being You are not alone in being confused about how a person acquitted of murder in a criminal trial can be held liable for a victim's wrongful death in a civil trial.
accuse blame for; make a claim of wrongdoing or misbehavior against So, while a criminal jury might reasonably fail to find guilt beyond a reasonable doubt and acquit the accused, a civil jury might also reasonably find by a preponderance of the evidence that he or she acted recklessly and should be held civilly accountable for the death.
case an occurrence of something Specifically, the definition of first degree murder in the context of the O.J. case requires that the act be done deliberately and with a great deal of malice directed toward the victim.
malice feeling a need to see others suffer Specifically, the definition of first degree murder in the context of the O.J. case requires that the act be done deliberately and with a great deal of malice directed toward the victim.
prosecution legal proceedings against a defendant for criminal behavior The first step to understanding this seeming contradiction is to know that a criminal prosecution involves different laws, a different court system, and different burdens of proof.
lesser of smaller size or importance The burden of proof in a civil case is preponderance of the evidence -- a much lesser burden than is required in a criminal case.
death the permanent end of all life functions in an organism You are not alone in being confused about how a person acquitted of murder in a criminal trial can be held liable for a victim's wrongful death in a civil trial.
victim an unfortunate person who suffers from adverse circumstances You are not alone in being confused about how a person acquitted of murder in a criminal trial can be held liable for a victim's wrongful death in a civil trial.
liable subject to legal action You are not alone in being confused about how a person acquitted of murder in a criminal trial can be held liable for a victim's wrongful death in a civil trial.
definition a concise explanation of the meaning of a word or phrase Specifically, the definition of first degree murder in the context of the O.J. case requires that the act be done deliberately and with a great deal of malice directed toward the victim.
proof any evidence that helps to establish the truth of something The first step to understanding this seeming contradiction is to know that a criminal prosecution involves different laws, a different court system, and different burdens of proof.
seeming appearing as such but not necessarily so The first step to understanding this seeming contradiction is to know that a criminal prosecution involves different laws, a different court system, and different burdens of proof.
require have need of Specifically, the definition of first degree murder in the context of the O.J. case requires that the act be done deliberately and with a great deal of malice directed toward the victim.
involve contain as a part The first step to understanding this seeming contradiction is to know that a criminal prosecution involves different laws, a different court system, and different burdens of proof.
deliberately in a careful unhurried manner Specifically, the definition of first degree murder in the context of the O.J. case requires that the act be done deliberately and with a great deal of malice directed toward the victim.
murderer a criminal who commits homicide Is the former football hero Orenthal James Simpson a murderer?
guilt the state of having committed an offense So, while a criminal jury might reasonably fail to find guilt beyond a reasonable doubt and acquit the accused, a civil jury might also reasonably find by a preponderance of the evidence that he or she acted recklessly and should be held civilly accountable for the death.
beyond farther along in space or time or degree And to convict in the criminal court, the case against the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
football any of various games played with a ball (round or oval) in which two teams try to kick or carry or propel the ball into each other's goal Is the former football hero Orenthal James Simpson a murderer?
trial the act of testing something You are not alone in being confused about how a person acquitted of murder in a criminal trial can be held liable for a victim's wrongful death in a civil trial.
responsible for being the agent or cause In a civil case for wrongful death, on the other hand, you have to show only that the defendant was legally responsible for the death.
confused unable to think with clarity or act intelligently You are not alone in being confused about how a person acquitted of murder in a criminal trial can be held liable for a victim's wrongful death in a civil trial.
different unlike in nature, quality, form, or degree The first step to understanding this seeming contradiction is to know that a criminal prosecution involves different laws, a different court system, and different burdens of proof.
evidence knowledge on which to base belief The burden of proof in a civil case is preponderance of the evidence -- a much lesser burden than is required in a criminal case.
doubt the state of being unsure of something And to convict in the criminal court, the case against the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
convict find or declare guilty And to convict in the criminal court, the case against the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
damage the occurrence of a change for the worse But, to get punitive damages, as the plaintiffs did in the O.J. case, you have to show that the defendant acted recklessly.
accused a defendant in a criminal proceeding So, while a criminal jury might reasonably fail to find guilt beyond a reasonable doubt and acquit the accused, a civil jury might also reasonably find by a preponderance of the evidence that he or she acted recklessly and should be held civilly accountable for the death.
degree a specific identifiable position in a continuum or series Specifically, the definition of first degree murder in the context of the O.J. case requires that the act be done deliberately and with a great deal of malice directed toward the victim.
responsible worthy of or requiring trust; held accountable In a civil case for wrongful death, on the other hand, you have to show only that the defendant was legally responsible for the death.
act behave in a certain manner Specifically, the definition of first degree murder in the context of the O.J. case requires that the act be done deliberately and with a great deal of malice directed toward the victim.
a great deal to a very great degree or extent Specifically, the definition of first degree murder in the context of the O.J. case requires that the act be done deliberately and with a great deal of malice directed toward the victim.
great deal (often followed by `of') a large number or amount or extent Specifically, the definition of first degree murder in the context of the O.J. case requires that the act be done deliberately and with a great deal of malice directed toward the victim.
on the other hand (contrastive) from another point of view In a civil case for wrongful death, on the other hand, you have to show only that the defendant was legally responsible for the death.
court an assembly to conduct judicial business The first step to understanding this seeming contradiction is to know that a criminal prosecution involves different laws, a different court system, and different burdens of proof.
committed bound or obligated, as under a pledge to a cause or action A criminal jury was unable to find beyond a reasonable doubt that O.J. committed first degree murder.
do in get rid of (someone who may be a threat) by killing But, to get punitive damages, as the plaintiffs did in the O.J. case, you have to show that the defendant acted recklessly.
understanding the condition of someone who knows and comprehends The first step to understanding this seeming contradiction is to know that a criminal prosecution involves different laws, a different court system, and different burdens of proof.
unable lacking necessary physical or mental ability A criminal jury was unable to find beyond a reasonable doubt that O.J. committed first degree murder.
directed (often used in combination) having a specified direction Specifically, the definition of first degree murder in the context of the O.J. case requires that the act be done deliberately and with a great deal of malice directed toward the victim.
held occupied or in the control of; often used in combination You are not alone in being confused about how a person acquitted of murder in a criminal trial can be held liable for a victim's wrongful death in a civil trial.
commit engage in or perform A criminal jury was unable to find beyond a reasonable doubt that O.J. committed first degree murder.
find discover or determine the existence, presence, or fact of So, while a criminal jury might reasonably fail to find guilt beyond a reasonable doubt and acquit the accused, a civil jury might also reasonably find by a preponderance of the evidence that he or she acted recklessly and should be held civilly accountable for the death.
hero someone who fights for a cause Is the former football hero Orenthal James Simpson a murderer?
required necessary by rule The burden of proof in a civil case is preponderance of the evidence -- a much lesser burden than is required in a criminal case.
likely having a good chance of being the case or of coming about A civil jury found it more likely than not that he caused the death of his wife and her friend.
James disciple of Jesus Is the former football hero Orenthal James Simpson a murderer?
first preceding all others in time or space or degree The first step to understanding this seeming contradiction is to know that a criminal prosecution involves different laws, a different court system, and different burdens of proof.
direct proceeding without deviation; straight and short Specifically, the definition of first degree murder in the context of the O.J. case requires that the act be done deliberately and with a great deal of malice directed toward the victim.
hold have in one's hands or grip You are not alone in being confused about how a person acquitted of murder in a criminal trial can be held liable for a victim's wrongful death in a civil trial.
show make visible or noticeable In a civil case for wrongful death, on the other hand, you have to show only that the defendant was legally responsible for the death.
fail be unable So, while a criminal jury might reasonably fail to find guilt beyond a reasonable doubt and acquit the accused, a civil jury might also reasonably find by a preponderance of the evidence that he or she acted recklessly and should be held civilly accountable for the death.
former the first of two or the first mentioned of two Is the former football hero Orenthal James Simpson a murderer?
system a group of independent elements comprising a unified whole The first step to understanding this seeming contradiction is to know that a criminal prosecution involves different laws, a different court system, and different burdens of proof.
prove establish the validity of something And to convict in the criminal court, the case against the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
deal be in charge of, act on, or dispose of Specifically, the definition of first degree murder in the context of the O.J. case requires that the act be done deliberately and with a great deal of malice directed toward the victim.
might physical strength So, while a criminal jury might reasonably fail to find guilt beyond a reasonable doubt and acquit the accused, a civil jury might also reasonably find by a preponderance of the evidence that he or she acted recklessly and should be held civilly accountable for the death.
cause events that provide the generative force of something A civil jury found it more likely than not that he caused the death of his wife and her friend.
step the act of changing location by raising the foot and setting it down The first step to understanding this seeming contradiction is to know that a criminal prosecution involves different laws, a different court system, and different burdens of proof.
alone isolated from others You are not alone in being confused about how a person acquitted of murder in a criminal trial can be held liable for a victim's wrongful death in a civil trial.
understand know and comprehend the nature or meaning of The first step to understanding this seeming contradiction is to know that a criminal prosecution involves different laws, a different court system, and different burdens of proof.
person a human being You are not alone in being confused about how a person acquitted of murder in a criminal trial can be held liable for a victim's wrongful death in a civil trial.
wife a married woman; a man's partner in marriage A civil jury found it more likely than not that he caused the death of his wife and her friend.
law the collection of rules imposed by authority The first step to understanding this seeming contradiction is to know that a criminal prosecution involves different laws, a different court system, and different burdens of proof.
done having finished or arrived at completion Specifically, the definition of first degree murder in the context of the O.J. case requires that the act be done deliberately and with a great deal of malice directed toward the victim.
may thorny shrub of a small tree having white to scarlet flowers So, while a criminal jury might reasonably fail to find guilt beyond a reasonable doubt and acquit the accused, a civil jury might also reasonably find by a preponderance of the evidence that he or she acted recklessly and should be held civilly accountable for the death.
friend a person you know well and regard with affection and trust A civil jury found it more likely than not that he caused the death of his wife and her friend.
also in addition So, while a criminal jury might reasonably fail to find guilt beyond a reasonable doubt and acquit the accused, a civil jury might also reasonably find by a preponderance of the evidence that he or she acted recklessly and should be held civilly accountable for the death.
found food and lodging provided in addition to money A civil jury found it more likely than not that he caused the death of his wife and her friend.
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