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commutation of sentence

(Encyclopedia)commutation of sentence, in criminal law, reduction of a sentence for a criminal act by action of the executive head of the government. Like pardon, commutation of sentence is a matter of grace, not o...

perjury

(Encyclopedia)perjury pûrˈjərē [key], in criminal law, the act of willfully and knowingly stating a falsehood under oath or under affirmation in judicial or administrative proceedings. If the person accused of ...

punishment

(Encyclopedia)punishment: see capital punishment; corporal punishment; criminal law; prison. ...

assault

(Encyclopedia)assault, in law, an attempt or threat, going beyond mere words, to use violence, with the intent and the apparent ability to do harm to another. If violent contact actually occurs, the offense of batt...

crime

(Encyclopedia)crime: see criminal law; criminology; gang; juvenile delinquency; organized crime. ...

Law, Andrew Bonar

(Encyclopedia)Law, Andrew Bonar bŏnˈər [key], 1858–1923, British statesman, b. Canada. He went to Scotland as a boy and in 1900, after a business career, was elected to Parliament as a Conservative. He soon be...

Gay-Lussac's law

(Encyclopedia)Gay-Lussac's law: see gas laws.

inheritance, in law

(Encyclopedia)inheritance, in law: see heir.

common-law marriage

(Encyclopedia)common-law marriage: see under husband and wife. ...

counselor at law

(Encyclopedia)counselor at law: see attorney.