Simple English definitions for legal terms
Read a random definition: Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement
Term: MAPP HEARING
Definition: A Mapp hearing is a legal proceeding held to determine if evidence against a person was obtained through an illegal search and seizure. If the evidence was obtained illegally, it may be suppressed and not used in court. This hearing is named after the landmark case Mapp v. Ohio, which established the exclusionary rule in the United States.
Term: MAQUILADORA
Definition: A maquiladora is a type of Mexican corporation that has a permit to import raw materials, equipment, and other items duty-free for the purpose of manufacturing finished goods for export. This special customs regime allows companies to take advantage of lower labor costs in Mexico while still exporting goods to other countries. The term "maquiladora" comes from the Spanish word for "gristmill."
A Mapp hearing is a legal proceeding held to determine whether evidence that implicates the accused was obtained through an illegal search and seizure. The purpose of the hearing is to decide whether the evidence should be suppressed or not.
For example, if the police searched a suspect's home without a warrant and found incriminating evidence, a Mapp hearing would be held to determine whether the evidence can be used in court. If the judge determines that the search was illegal, the evidence would be suppressed and cannot be used against the suspect.
A maquiladora is a Mexican corporation that holds a permit to operate under a special customs regime. This regime allows the corporation to import various raw materials, equipment, machinery, replacement parts, and other items needed for the assembly or manufacture of finished goods for export duty-free into Mexico.
For example, a U.S. company may set up a maquiladora in Mexico to take advantage of the lower labor costs and tax benefits. The maquiladora would import the necessary materials and equipment to manufacture goods, assemble them in Mexico, and then export them back to the U.S. or other countries.
The maquiladora program was created to promote economic development in Mexico and increase trade between Mexico and other countries.