Simple English definitions for legal terms
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An informer is someone who provides information to authorities about illegal activities or wrongdoing. This can be a private citizen who brings a penal action to recover a penalty. In some cases, a private citizen is required to sue the offender for a penalty before any criminal liability can attach. This person is also known as a common informer. The informer's privilege refers to the protection of the identity of an informant. In foro means in a forum, court, or tribunal, while in foro conscientiae means privately or morally rather than legally.
Definition: An informer is someone who provides information to authorities about illegal or criminal activities. They can also be a private citizen who brings a penal action to recover a penalty.
For example, if someone witnesses a crime and reports it to the police, they are an informer. Another example is a private citizen who sues an offender for a penalty before any criminal liability can attach.
The term "common informer" is also used to refer to a private citizen who brings a penal action to recover a penalty.
The informer's privilege is a legal protection that allows informers to keep their identity confidential in certain situations.