mandamus
- A writ by which a court commands the
performance of a particular act.
manslaughter - A person recklessly causes the death of another, or
acting under extreme emotional disturbance, causes the death of another, or acting under circumstances when a
person reasonably believes the circumstances provide a legal justification or excuse for his conduct constitutes
manslaughter.
material
evidence - Evidence which is
relevant to the issues in a case.
mens rea
- Literally, "guilty mind." The intent
required to commit the crime. One of the two basic requirements, along with the guilty act (actus reus) which
constitute a crime.
Miranda
rule - The rule, pronounced in
Miranda v. Arizona, that confessions are inadmissible in a criminal prosecution if the police do not advise the
suspect in custody of certain rights before questioning. The rights include:
-
a. The right to
remain silent and to refuse to answer any questions;
-
b. The right to know
that anything the suspect says can and will be used against the suspect in a court of law;
-
c. The right to
consult with an attorney and to have an attorney present during questioning;
-
d. The right to have
counsel appointed at public expense, prior to any questioning if the suspect cannot afford counsel.
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