Also known as: charges · charged · charging · accusation · jury charge · lien
Written by attorneys · grounded in primary & secondary sources — see below
3 senses
A formal accusation of a specific crime contained in an indictment or complaint that initiates prosecution against the defendant.
A formal accusation of a specific crime contained in an indictment or complaint that initiates prosecution against the defendant.
Select any source to read its text and confirm it supports the definition.
The oral instructions given by the judge to the jurors immediately before deliberations begin.
Select any source to read its text and confirm it supports the definition.
An encumbrance or deduction imposed on an interest in property or an allowance to satisfy an obligation or prior distribution.
Cynthia Cortez borrows funds from Canyon Construction secured by her home. Under the jurisdiction's title theory, the lender receives legal title while Cortez retains only the equity of redemption. The mortgage therefore charges the property with the debt and limits her possession rights until repayment.
Cecilia Cabrera agrees to lease commercial space from Crestview Holdings for five years at a stated monthly rent. The parties execute a signed writing that identifies the parties, premises, duration, and rent. The lease satisfies the statute of frauds and validly charges the tenant with the rental obligation.
The oral instructions given by the judge to the jurors immediately before deliberations begin.
An encumbrance or deduction imposed on an interest in property or an allowance to satisfy an obligation or prior distribution.
Each sense below has its own examples, sources, and questions.
Christian Coleman and Colin Chambers agree to rob a bank that, unknown to them, has already closed permanently. Prosecutors bring a charge of conspiracy against both men. The court rejects any defense based on the factual impossibility of completing the robbery because the agreement and criminal intent alone complete the offense.
Charles Cunningham is arrested and faces a charge of felony assault. At his initial appearance the court informs him of the nature and cause of the accusation as required by the Sixth Amendment. Cunningham then exercises his right to counsel to prepare a defense to the charge.
Cade Carpenter is prosecuted for felon-in-possession of a firearm. Because his status as a felon is an essential element of the charge, the prosecution offers specific instances of his prior convictions under Rule 405(b). The court admits the evidence to prove the character trait directly at issue.
No. The agreement and intent to commit the unlawful act remain sufficient for guilt even when external facts make the objective impossible to accomplish.
It guarantees the right to a speedy public trial by an impartial jury, notice of the nature and cause of the accusation, confrontation of witnesses, compulsory process, and assistance of counsel.
When the trait is an essential element of the charge, claim, or defense, relevant specific instances may be admitted to prove it.
After the death of her spouse, Copperfield Mining's surviving spouse receives the family home under a constitutional homestead right. The probate court charges the value of that homestead against her separate homestead allowance because the home forms part of the decedent's estate.
The writing must identify the parties and premises, specify the lease duration, state the rent, and be signed by the party to be charged.
…83, 101 (1968), and Sierra Club v. Morton , 405 U. S. 727, 732 (1972)? And what effect did the pendency of criminal abortion charges against Dr. Hallford in state court have upon the propriety of the federal court's granting relief to him as a plaintiff-intervenor? A. Jane Roe. Despite the use of the pseudonym, no…