Simple English definitions for legal terms
Read a random definition: Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act
Term: Fresh Complaint
Definition: Fresh complaint means reporting a problem or issue to someone trustworthy as soon as possible. This is especially important when reporting a sexual assault. It is important to tell someone you trust right away so that they can help you get the support and help you need.
Definition: A fresh complaint is when someone reports a grievance or a problem in a reasonably prompt manner. This is especially important in cases of sexual assault, where the victim should report the incident to someone trustworthy as soon as possible.
Example 1: Sarah was sexually assaulted by her coworker. She immediately reported the incident to her supervisor, which is considered a fresh complaint.
Example 2: John was robbed at gunpoint. He waited a week before reporting the incident to the police. This is not considered a fresh complaint.
Example 3: Maria was harassed by her boss for months before finally reporting it to HR. Although it was not a one-time incident, her report was still considered a fresh complaint because it was made in a reasonably prompt manner.
These examples illustrate how important it is to report incidents of sexual assault or harassment as soon as possible. A fresh complaint can help ensure that the perpetrator is held accountable for their actions and that the victim receives the support they need.