Simple English definitions for legal terms
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People: The word used to describe the government in a criminal case. For example, if someone is accused of a crime, the case might be called People v. Smith. This can also be called State v. Smith if it's a state case or United States v. Smith if it's a federal case.
Definition: In a criminal case, "People" refers to the government or state that is prosecuting the case. For example, in the case of Al Capone, the case would be called "People v. Capone." If the case is being prosecuted by a state, it may be called "State v. Davis," and if it is a federal case, it may be called "United States v. Miller."
Example: In the case of People v. Smith, the government is prosecuting Mr. Smith for a crime he allegedly committed.
Explanation: The term "People" is used to refer to the government or state that is bringing the case against the defendant. In this example, the government is prosecuting Mr. Smith, and the case is called "People v. Smith."
Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC) | People v. William Freeman (1847)