Crime against nature is an umbrella term encompassing sexual offenses that are deemed “unnatural” or "contrary to the order of nature." Some jurisdictions have codified laws against the individual offenses. For example, California originally...
constitutional law
critical stages of proceedings
A critical stage of proceeding is a term used in criminal procedure to denote the stage at which a person accused of a crime will receive the right to counsel and, at which, if that right is denied, later proceedings will be prejudiced. This...
cruel and unusual punishment
Overview:
Cruel and unusual punishment is a phrase mentioned in the Eighth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. Specifically, the Eighth Amendment prohibits cruel and unusual punishment. However, the Constitution does not give more guidance...
Cruzan v. Missouri Department of Health (1990)
Overview:
Cruzan v. Missouri Department of Health (1990) is an important United States Supreme Court case involving an incompetent young adult and the “right to die.” This case was the first "right to die" case heard by the Supreme Court. In...
CSS
Reno v. Catholic Social Services, Inc.(CSS) is a case from the Ninth Circuit and U.S. Supreme Court where the Circuit court upheld an Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) regulation that required illegal immigrants to obtain INS...
curtilage
Curtilage includes the area immediately surrounding a dwelling, and it counts as part of the home for many legal purposes, including searches and many self-defense laws. When considering whether something is in a dwelling's curtilage, courts...
custodial interrogation
Custodial interrogation refers to the questioning of a detained person by the police in connection with a criminal investigation. A person qualifies as detained not only when under arrest, but also whenever they are not free to leave for...
Department of Justice (DOJ)
The Department of Justice (DOJ) is the federal executive agency charged with enforcing federal law. Also referred to as the Justice Department or the DOJ. Its mission statement is “to enforce the law and defend the interests of the United...
desecration
Desecration refers to the act of treating a sacred place, object, or concept with disrespect, irreverence, or contempt. In law, desecration involves intentionally defacing, damaging, or physically mistreating a public monument, structure,...
disturbance of the peace
Disturbance (or breach) of the peace is a generic term encompassing a variety of conduct that violates public order, disturbs the public, or incites violence, including any violation of any law enacted to preserve peace and good order. It is...