Deborah C. England

Attorney · Seattle University School of Law

More Articles by Deborah C. England

Articles 21-30 out of 41

Perjury: Laws and Penalties
Perjury, the crime of lying under oath, is a serious offense because it can derail the basic goal of the justice system—discovering the truth. Learn what perjury is and how it's punished.
Crack vs. Powder Cocaine: One Drug, Two Penalties
For decades, federal crack offenses resulted in longer prison sentences than powder cocaine offenses. Two federal laws reduced this sentencing disparity, but crack and powder cocaine offenses still are not treated equally in federal prosecutions.
Caught Having Sex in Public: Laws, Charges, and Penalties
In most states, the laws that criminalize public sex make it a misdemeanor. Some state laws explicitly criminalize public sexual activity. Other laws are broader and cover a variety of indecent or lewd conduct.
Civil Liability
If you intentionally or even just mistakenly injure someone or damage someone's property, you could end up being responsible for paying for the other person's losses. This is known as "civil liability."
Teen Cyberbullying and Harassment Laws
Teenage bullying is nothing new, but it's become even more prevalent and problematic through the use of technology.
Discrediting Evidence in a Criminal Trial
Discrediting evidence can be the best line of defense.
What Is a Prima Facie Case?
A prima facie case is an early screen for a court to determine whether the prosecution can go forward to try the defendant fully for the crime.
Mens Rea in Criminal Cases
Mens rea is a Latin term meaning guilty mind. To be convicted of a crime, the law (for the most part) requires the defendant to be deserving of punishment based on culpability or blameworthiness.
When Can the Police Search My Car?
The constitution says that you have a right to be free from unreasonable searches of your home, your person, and your car. Car searches rarely involve a search warrant issued.
If someone gives me permission to sign their name, have I committed forgery?
Signing another's name with permission is not forgery, but be sure that you sign in a way that reveals the permission.
<< < 2 3 4 5 > >>