We've discussed what "beyond a reasonable doubt" means several times before, here and here. However, it's necessary in this case to show the connection between this idea and "innocent until proven guilty." If you recall from last week, this phrase means that the court needs to assume the innocence of the accused until the facts [...]
You've heard the phrase "innocent until proven guilty" before. Maybe from a movie, TV show, in your own case, or even from this website. But what does "innocent until proven guilty" mean? Does it apply to all court cases and trials? Furthermore, what does it have to do with "guilty beyond a reasonable doubt"? Most [...]
So far in our series on court 101, we've covered courtroom positions and personnel, how a trial works, and the steps and process of a courtroom trial. Our goal in this series is to introduce our readers to very basics of the legal process so they might be prepared if they ever have to endure [...]
Over the past couple of weeks, we've talked about courtroom personnel and how the courtroom process works. These have all been part of our series where we explain the most pieces of the legal process and how it works. After all, the more you know the more you can help your case. With that in [...]
For our final installment in our series on landmark criminal cases in United States history, we're taking a look at Dusky vs. United States (1960). You might have heard the phrase "competent to stand trial" quickly mentioned in court dramas like Law & Order. What does this phrase mean? When does it apply? How might [...]
If you've been following our blog for some time, you may have noticed that there are times when certain rights apply, and other times when they do not. At least according to the law. For example, we all have freedom of speech, but that isn't absolute. You can't threaten to kill someone. Thus, the same [...]
In the past, seeing someone meant you had to physically be in their presence. Robbing a bank required actually going to a bank. Tracing someone's travel patterns involved literally following them. But not anymore. As technology continues to advance, it often takes several years for the law to catch up. The landmark case of Riley [...]
In order for the police to search your home, they need a search warrant from a judge. If the police search your home without one, then they have broken the law and anything they find will not be admissible evidence in court. But what about your car? Can they search your car without a warrant? [...]
So far in our series on landmark criminal cases in U.S. history, we've covered Miranda vs. Arizona and Gideon vs. Wainright. Each of these are related to your rights under the Fourth Amendment. But for our third installment, we're reviewing Kennedy vs. Louisiana (2008). This was a vital Eighth Amendment case that specifically dealt with [...]
This week here at Catanzaro Law, we are starting yet another new series of articles. This time we're going to review landmark criminal trials in United States history. As you may know, the concept of legal precedent remains hugely influential in court decisions to this day. So, it's vital to know some legal history in [...]