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Simple English definitions for legal terms

curtilage

Read a random definition: cardinal-change doctrine

A quick definition of curtilage:

Curtilage: The area around a house that is considered part of the home for legal purposes. This includes the space immediately surrounding the dwelling and is determined by four factors: how close something is to the house, whether it is enclosed, what it is used for, and whether steps were taken to protect it from being seen or accessed by others. If something is not part of the curtilage, it is considered an "open field" and can be searched without a warrant.

A more thorough explanation:

Definition: Curtilage refers to the area immediately surrounding a dwelling, which is considered part of the home for many legal purposes. It includes the space where people live and do things like gardening, playing, or relaxing.

When determining whether something is within a dwelling's curtilage, courts consider four factors:

  • The proximity of the thing to the dwelling.
  • Whether the thing is within an enclosure surrounding the home.
  • What the thing is used for.
  • What steps, if any, the resident took to protect the thing from observation/access by people passing by.

For example, a backyard garden that is enclosed by a fence and located close to the house would likely be considered part of the curtilage. However, a shed located far away from the house and not enclosed by a fence may not be considered part of the curtilage.

In the context of criminal procedure, any part of the property surrounding a dwelling that is not part of the curtilage is called an "open field." Officers are allowed to make a warrantless search of an open field, but a warrant is required to search the curtilage.

For example, if a police officer sees someone hiding in a field far away from a house, they can search that field without a warrant. However, if the officer sees someone hiding in a garden that is part of the curtilage, they would need a warrant to search that area.

curtesy | custodial interference

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medicine is a scam
join the ethically ambiguous legal field instead
Dkk
18:57
I want to meet an attorney that defends clients who run into flat earth problems. I want an attorney that knows and believes in flat earth theory.
19:05
i want a flat earther for president. i want a guy who posts on 4chan for president. i want someone who mogs for president.
Dkk
19:18
Exactly. My version of that awful poem.
Dkk
19:19
I can accept a president with maybe one or two of the poems traits hut good God, all of them??? No ty.
windyMagician
19:20
president who respects sex is crazy
windyMagician
19:20
we had bill clinton already
Dkk
19:21
Bill Clinton, first and last black president
windyMagician
19:23
I want to go running but my leg feels weird
windyMagician
19:23
it doesn't hurt its just tingly
Dkk
19:26
It needs more alcohol. You tingle when your nerves need watering.
19:27
try stretching it maybe to see what's up
windyMagician
19:27
stretches make me think it's just soreness
windyMagician
19:27
I'm sober lol
Dkk
19:38
Anyone else get the google notification that your LSD password has been compromised lol. LSD got hacked.
20:48
what.jpg @Dkk
CynicalOops
21:03
You think you just fell out of a coconut tree?
jackfrost11770
21:10
nope dk
CynicalOops
22:37
Calvinamala Harris
jackfrost11770
23:16
should i start using letterboxed again
Dkk
23:25
@jackfrost11770: if you want but like it aint for me
dk do u ever eat at bk
Dkk
23:48
@chickenburgahfart: I would do that in the Army if really desperate for food or if I had to work through lunch. One of the few fast food places I go to.
bk so slept on
Dkk
0:23
I will take In N Out everyday over it when I can though.
texaslawhopefully
1:22
In N Out is not only the best fast food place, but the prices too are fantastic
Dkk
1:27
Indeed, indeed.
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