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Simple English definitions for legal terms
Sherman–Sorrells doctrine
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A quick definition of Sherman–Sorrells doctrine:
The Sherman-Sorrells doctrine is a rule that says a person accused of a crime can argue that they were not planning to commit the crime until a police officer or other official encouraged them to do so. This defense is called entrapment and is recognized in most states and in the federal system. The doctrine was established in two court cases, Sherman v. United States and Sorrells v. United States.
A more thorough explanation:
The Sherman-Sorrells Doctrine is a legal principle that allows a defendant to claim that they were not inclined to commit a crime until a public official, such as an undercover police officer, encouraged them to do so. This defense is known as entrapment and is recognized in the federal system and most states.
For example, if an undercover police officer convinces someone to sell drugs, and that person had no prior intention of doing so, they may be able to use the Sherman-Sorrells Doctrine as a defense in court.
The Sherman-Sorrells Doctrine was established in two Supreme Court cases: Sherman v. United States in 1958 and Sorrells v. United States in 1932. It is also known as the subjective method of defense.