More Articles by Deborah C. England

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.

Parental Responsibility for a Child's Criminal Actions

Each state imposes legal responsibility on parents and legal guardians for the delinquent and criminal acts of minors in their charge.

Criminal defendants have a Sixth Amendment right to a public trial by an impartial jury. An impartial jury must represent a fair cross-section of the community, which begins with a jury pool and then jury selection.

Now That Personal Use of Marijuana Is Legal in Washington, Can an Employer Still Test for Use?

Employers in Washington, like employers in most states, may continue to test for marijuana. But there are certain limits.

Online Threats Versus The First Amendment

Question: Can a person be convicted of a crime for posting a threat on the Internet, even one that is part of a rap lyric? Doesn't the First Amendment protect expressions like this?

Is Sexual Harassment in the Workplace a Crime?

Sexual harassment, if accomplished by acts that are crimes, can become a criminal matter.

State Civil Commitment for Sex Offenders

Sex offender registration is one of the post-sentence penalties that states impose on people convicted of certain sexual offenses. Twenty states (and the federal government) also have “sexual predator” laws.

Parents' Civil Liability for a Child's Acts

Courts can order parents to pay damages for harm caused by their children. These laws encourage parents to supervise and control their children.