Wiretapping is the act of recording communications between parties, often without their consent. While wiretaps can be a powerful tool for authorities conducting criminal investigations, they are also legally at odds with the right to privacy...
THE LEGAL PROCESS
with prejudice
When a court dismisses an action, they can either do so “with prejudice” or “without prejudice.” Dismissal with prejudice means that the plaintiff cannot refile the same claim again in that court.
The reason that dismissal...
withdrawal
A withdrawal is removing cash or any other asset from the place where it is held.
In the context of a criminal conspiracy, withdrawal is leaving the conspiracy before the target crime has been committed. State laws differ on...
without recourse
Without recourse is a phrase meaning that one party has no legal claim against another party. It is often used in two contexts:
In litigation, someone without recourse against another party cannot sue that party, or at least cannot...witness
In legal proceedings, witnesses can serve as sources of evidence, offering firsthand accounts that can corroborate or refute claims made by parties involved. Their testimony can influence the outcome of a case by providing insights that might...
witness stand
The witness stand is the location in a courtroom where a witness sits or stands while giving testimony. This is usually a platform to the left and slightly below the judge's seat. A witness called to testify is said to "take the stand."...
witness tampering
The act of obstructing justice by improperly interacting with a witness before or after trial. Examples include influencing, threatening, harassing, or physically harming the witness.
wobbler
A wobbler is a special class of crimes involving conduct that varies widely in its level of seriousness. Wobbler statutes cover a wide range of offenses, including assault with a deadly weapon, vehicular manslaughter, money laundering, and...
Woodson v. North Carolina (1976)
Woodson v. North Carolina (1976) is the U.S. Supreme Court case holding that North Carolina’s mandatory death penalty for individuals convicted of first-degree murder violated the Eighth Amendment. Find the full opinion: Woodson v. North...
work product
Work product is material prepared in anticipation of litigation. Generally, work product is privileged, meaning it is exempt from discovery. However, there are exceptions. Work product is divided into two categories: ordinary and opinion....