Misdemeanour: Legal Definition, Classification, Severity and Expungement
What is a Misdemeanour? A misdemeanour is a criminal offence less severe than a felony but more serious than an infraction, often punishable by a…
Author: Ben Shaw-Parker, Ph.D.
Ben is a university law professor. He has an LLM in Public International Law and a Doctorate in Humanitarian Law. Ben's specialty is in the area of Human Rights, Crime Law, Socio-legal Studies, Common Law, Comparative Law, Public Law and Environmental Law. He has contributed to several law journals.
Manslaughter: Legal Definition, Classifications, Unlawful Killing, Excessive Force and Wrongful Death
What is Manslaughter? Manslaughter is the unlawful killing of a human without malice aforethought, typically categorised as voluntary, occurring in the heat of passion, or…
Homicide vs Murder: Legal Meaning, Gravity of Offences and Legal Ramifications
What is the Difference between Homicide and Murder? Homicide is a broad legal term for the act of one person causing the death of another,…
Beyond a Reasonable Doubt: Legal Meaning, Burden of Proof, Evidence and Verdict
What is the Legal Meaning of Beyond a Reasonable Doubt? Beyond a reasonable doubt is the highest standard of proof in criminal trials, requiring the…
Preponderance of the Evidence: Legal Meaning, Standard of Proof and Preponderance in Civil Cases
What is Preponderance of the Evidence? Preponderance of the evidence is a legal standard in civil cases that requires a party to prove that their…
Decree Nisi vs Decree Absolute: Legal Definition, Requirement and Application Process
What is the Difference Between Decree Nisi and Decree Absolute? A Decree Nisi is a provisional court order indicating no legal reason to prevent a…
Actual Bodily Harm vs Grievous Bodily Harm: Legal Definition, Severity and Penalties
What is the Difference between Actual Bodily Harm vs Grievous Bodily Harm Actual Bodily Harm vs Grievous Bodily Harm: Actual bodily harm (ABH) refers to…
Third-Degree Arson: Legal Definition, Criminal Damage, Evidence and Defences
What is Third-Degree Arson? Third-degree arson refers to intentionally setting fire to property without the intent to harm or endanger anyone, often involving unoccupied or…
Second-Degree Arson: Legal Definition, Criminal Damage, Intention, Punishment and Defences
Second-degree arson generally refers to the intentional setting of a fire or causing an explosion that damages any building, occupied structure or unoccupied structure that…
Battery vs Assault: Legal Definition, Physical Contact, Intent, Harm and Defences
What is Battery and Assault? Battery involves physical contact with another person without consent, whereas assault is putting someone in fear of imminent physical harm…