This principle shifts the burden of proof to the prosecution and protects individual rights. It ensures that an accused person is treated fairly until evidence proves otherwise.

The Constitution establishes the fundamental principles and framework of government and law. It serves as the highest legal authority, guiding the creation and application of other laws.

A judge's main responsibility is to ensure that the law is correctly interpreted and applied during a trial. They oversee court proceedings to guarantee fairness and uphold justice.

A statute is a law passed by a legislative body, establishing rules to be followed within a jurisdiction. It is a primary source of law distinct from judicial opinions and other legal instruments.

Criminal law deals with offenses against society as a whole, while civil law handles disputes between private individuals. This fundamental division helps structure legal analysis and court procedures.

Due process ensures that all individuals receive fair treatment under the law with proper procedural safeguards. It is a critical protection against arbitrary government actions.

Judicial precedent reinforces a consistent legal framework by relying on previous court decisions to inform current cases. This adherence to past rulings underpins the doctrine of stare decisis.

Criminal law is focused on offenses that harm society, leading to prosecution by the state. Civil law, however, concerns disputes between private parties and typically results in compensation rather than punishment.

Habeas corpus is a legal safeguard that protects individuals from being detained arbitrarily. It requires that authorities provide a legitimate reason for detention, ensuring legal accountability.

One of the foundational elements of negligence is proving that the defendant owed a duty of care to the plaintiff. Without establishing this duty, the other components of negligence cannot be effectively argued.

Double jeopardy is a constitutional protection that bars multiple prosecutions for the same alleged criminal act. This principle preserves the finality of verdicts and prevents government harassment of individuals.

Common law relies heavily on the doctrine of stare decisis, meaning that past judicial decisions shape future legal interpretations. This reliance helps ensure consistency and fairness in the application of the law.

The complaint is the formal legal document that initiates a civil lawsuit by outlining the plaintiff's claims against the defendant. It sets the foundation for the legal process by stating the causes of action.

Mediation employs a neutral mediator to assist parties in reaching a mutually acceptable resolution without resorting to a formal trial. This process is typically faster, less expensive, and more flexible than traditional litigation.

This maxim stresses that everyone is presumed to have knowledge of the law. As a result, not knowing the law does not provide a legal defense against its violation.

Judicial review allows courts to determine whether laws and executive actions comply with the constitution. This power is essential for maintaining the balance of power among the branches of government.

The strict scrutiny standard is the highest level of judicial review, applied when fundamental rights are at stake. It demands that the challenged law pursue a compelling state interest and be precisely tailored to achieve that aim.

Consideration refers to what each party gives up in exchange for the benefits of the contract. This exchange of value is essential for a contract to be enforceable under the law.

Res ipsa loquitur, meaning 'the thing speaks for itself', allows courts to presume negligence based on the nature of an accident. This doctrine is employed when direct evidence is not available but the circumstances strongly suggest wrongful conduct.

Equity focuses on fairness and justice by supplementing rigid legal rules when they produce outcomes that are too harsh or impractical. It provides courts with the flexibility to tailor remedies to the specific circumstances of a case, ensuring that justice is achieved.