Simple English definitions for legal terms
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Definition: A stool pigeon is a slang term used to describe an informant, especially a police informant. It can also refer to a person who acts as a decoy, either on behalf of a gambler or swindler, or for the police to help make an arrest.
Examples:
The first example illustrates the use of stool pigeon as an informant for the police. The criminal decides to become a stool pigeon to provide information to the police about his accomplices in exchange for a reduced sentence or other benefits.
The second example illustrates the use of stool pigeon as a decoy for a gambler. The gambler uses a stool pigeon to distract the other players and cheat at the game. The stool pigeon acts as a decoy to help the gambler win.