Cannibalism is defined as the consumption of another human's body matter, whether consensual or not. In the United States, there are no laws against cannibalism per se, but most, if not all, states have enacted laws that indirectly make it...
criminal law
capital case
Capital cases are cases that, if the defendant is guilty, he or she will face the death penalty. First-degree murder cases, either on grounds of premeditation or cases that based on the felony-murder doctrine are generally capital cases.
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capital offense
A capital offense is a criminal charge that is punishable by the death penalty. It is not necessary that the actual punishment imposed was the death penalty, but rather a capital office is classified as such if the permissible punishment...
capital punishment
Capital punishment, which is also known as the death penalty, is criminal punishment that takes the defendant’s life as the punishment for the defendant’s crime. The sentence ordering capital punishment is called the death sentence, and the...
carnal knowledge
Carnal knowledge is sexual intercourse between two people, typically requiring at least some slight penetration. Carnal knowledge is a necessary element of many sex crimes such as rape, child molestation, or consensual sexual relations with...
castle doctrine
The castle doctrine refers to an exception to the duty to retreat before using deadly self-defense if a party is in their own home.
Under the doctrine of self-defense, a party who reasonably believes they are threatened...
cause
Usually describes the reason something happens. The concept of cause has been used in many areas of law.
In tort law, the plaintiff must prove that the defendant caused the alleged tort. Factual (or actual) cause and proximate cause are the...
character evidence
Character evidence is evidence on an individual’s personality traits, propensities, or moral standing.
Generally, under the common law character evidence is inadmissible in criminal cases unless the defendant raises the...
character witness
Character witnesses can testify on behalf of another as to that person's positive or negative character traits and the person's reputation in the community. Such character evidence is often used in criminal cases. Its usage is limited in civil cases...
charge
In criminal cases, a charge is a formal accusation of criminal activity. The prosecuting attorney decides on the charges, after reviewing police reports, witness statements, and any other evidence of wrongdoing. Formal charges are announced at an...