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Simple English definitions for legal terms

totality-of-the-circumstances test

Read a random definition: Visual Artists Rights Act

A quick definition of totality-of-the-circumstances test:

Term: Totality-of-the-circumstances test

Definition: The totality-of-the-circumstances test is a way to decide if information (like a tip from someone) is reliable enough to use as evidence for an arrest or search warrant. Instead of just looking at one thing, the whole situation is considered to see if the information is trustworthy. This test replaced an older way of deciding called the Aguilar-Spinelli test.

A more thorough explanation:

Definition: The totality-of-the-circumstances test is a standard used in criminal procedure to determine whether hearsay, such as an informant's tip, is reliable enough to establish probable cause for an arrest or search warrant. This test considers the entire situation described in the probable-cause affidavit, rather than focusing on any one specific factor. It replaced the two-pronged approach of the Aguilar-Spinelli test.

Example: In Illinois v. Gates, the Supreme Court used the totality-of-the-circumstances test to determine whether an anonymous letter was reliable enough to establish probable cause for a search warrant. The court considered the content of the letter, the credibility of the informant, and other factors to determine that the letter was reliable enough to establish probable cause.

This example illustrates how the totality-of-the-circumstances test considers all relevant factors in determining the reliability of hearsay, rather than relying on a specific set of criteria.

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16:44
Yeah, I would have definitely gone to the hotel if I knew they booked a room for me. At the very least, it would be proper to show up personally and explain your extraneous circumstances
Law-Shark
16:44
Nah but it's in your name. I went to an ASD. I asked the school for an extra night and they gave it to me. You just need to plan things better.
Law-Shark
16:45
This is like peak disconenct between the male and female brain.
16:45
i think that's where i was confused then
Law-Shark
16:45
disconnect*
Law-Shark
16:45
You live and you learn
16:45
because i did let one of the staff know i'd be leaving early and thought that would be enough
16:46
but i was confused why i got an e-mail with a room cuz I didn't ask for it at all
Law-Shark
16:46
Well, you know now what to do.
16:47
well on their end they prob shouldn't just be buying hotel rooms for ppl who don't request it and then getting mad I didn't go
16:48
goof
16:48
Did you get any materials for admitted students day explaining that they would be booking hotel rooms?
16:49
there was an opt in on the form but I didn't select yes
16:49
Hmm, that's weird
16:50
i think it's unprofessional of them to call you like what if you had an emergency and had to leave? why is it their business why you didn't stay? not like they're lacking money and $100.00 hotel room is gona make them bankrupt
16:50
i figured it was an error and I was on the road so I didn't read into it. plus it would make more sense for it to be the night before cuz it started at 9am? so I was like uhhh and paid it no mind
16:51
@bigfatsloth: that's what i'm saying, they were gonna pay no matter what
16:54
"This is like peak disconenct between the male and female brain." like bffr
16:55
It was probably an administrative error then. I can't imagine why they would book hotel rooms for people that didn't select yes. I would maybe follow up with them and apologize for the misunderstanding to avoid any awkwardness
Denny
16:56
who watch that arsenal game
16:56
I'm a Chelsea fan unfortunately
damn why are yall fighting i the lsd.law gc
Denny
17:14
@ET025: but ur not watching champions league?
Denny
17:15
declan rice did a madness
17:20
@Denny: Not today. Doing more LSAT studying this afternoon, but I saw that. I think Chelsea missed out on him. (this is probably more suited for OT)
Does anyone have experience getting their aid package reconsidered at WashU? How long does it take to hear back after sending the form?
MrThickRopes
21:01
fo pm gon be good to us tmrw
Mr ropes is hopeful again so I am too
21:33
lets go ropes
21:53
[deleted by starfishies]
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