As noted in the concurring opinion of Myers v. Schneiderman, physician-assisted suicide is when the patient performs a life-ending act with the assistance of a physician. By early 2024, physician-assisted suicide has been legalized in Oregon...
constitutional law
piracy (maritime)
Piracy (within the context of maritime law) is when non-state actors commit war-like acts against ships, such as hijacking a ship, taking hostages, etc. In the United States, piracy is governed by admiralty law. Piracy is prohibited by both...
plain view doctrine
Plain view doctrine is a rule of criminal procedure which allows an officer to seize evidence of a crime without a warrant when the evidence is clearly visible. This doctrine acts as an exception to the Fourth Amendment’s right to be free...
plea bargain
A plea bargain, also known as “negotiating a plea,” is an agreement between the prosecution and the defendant where the defendant agrees to plead guilty to the charges against them. A plea is a criminal law term referring to the accused...
plea colloquy
A plea colloquy is the conversation between a judge and a criminal defendant after the defendant enters a plea of guilty or nolo contendere, but prior to the judge accepting the plea. The plea colloquy is intended to ensure that the defendant...
plenary authority
Plenary authority refers to the complete or absolute power that is wide-ranging, broadly construed, and often limitless regarding a specific issue. When an individual is granted plenary authority, they have full discretion and decision-making...
plenary power
Plenary power refers to the complete or absolute authority granted to a governing body over a specific area without limitations, enabling them to exercise significant control and discretion over relevant matters.
This term...
Plessy v. Ferguson (1896)
Plessy v. Ferguson (1896) is the Supreme Court case that had originally upheld the constitutionality of “separate, but equal facilities” based on race. It was subsequently since overturned by Brown v. Board of Education (1954).
...political question doctrine
Overview
Political Question doctrine is the rule that Federal courts will refuse to hear a case if they find that it presents a political question. This doctrine refers to the idea that an issue is so politically charged that federal courts...
Postal power
Under Article I, Section 8, Clause 7 of the U.S. Constitution, postal power allows Congress to establish Post Offices and Post Roads.
The United States Supreme Court in Ex parte Jackson observed that the postal power allows...