Paedophile :
A paedophile is a adult who is sexually attracted to children under the age of consent. UK states that anyone convicted of a sexual offence against a child of either sex under the age of 16 must have their name and address kept on the national sex offender's register. (See Child abuse.)
If you've been the victim of any form of child abuse or sexual offence visit the Support For You section for help and advice.
Parole :
Parole describes the release of an offender from prison after a percentage of the sentence has been served. Despite being released into the outside world, being on parole comes with certain restrictions such as community punishment. To gain parole, an offender must be recommended for a Parole Board, where their parole officer and a local review committee decide whether they are eligible.
Piracy :
Piracy is the term used for both an illegal act of violence or robbery on board a ship for personal gain or revenge, and also an infringement of copyright. In modern times, piracy of DVDs, music and clothes is big business often linked to organised crime.
Plaintiff :
The plaintiff is the person who begins court proceedings against another person in order to protect him or herself or gain justice for a crime. The reasons for beginning a legal action against someone vary from criminal and civil law suits. The person being accused or subjected to a court action is called the defendant.
Plea :
A plea is a formal response, made by an person, to charges brought against them in a court of law. A plea can be guilty or not guilty and is usually asked for at the beginning of the court proceedings, because it affects how the trial continues.
Previous convictions :
Evidence regarding the previous criminal convictions of a witness or defendant is not allowed to be mentioned in a civil or criminal case under normal circumstances. However, in cross-examination the criminal history of a witness can be brought up in order to discredit them.
Private nuisance :
Private nuisance is a civil offence that relates to any damage or interference to a person's property or well being on their land. This can include actual damage and excessive noise, fumes and dust. The nuisance must be removed or the parties involved receive an injunction. (See public nuisance.)
Probation :
Probation is a form of sentence given out in court that allows the offender to be supervised by a probation officer instead of being imprisoned. A probation order may come with certain conditions such as requiring the offender to carry out community punishment, to stay at a hostel and even receive treatment for their drugs addiction or mental disorder. Regular appointments with the probation officer are compulsory, and the aim of the order is to assist the offender to move away from his or her criminal lifestyle. Failure to comply with the conditions of this order mean the offender has to return to court and risks further sentencing, which can include imprisonment.
Find out more about probation and the National Probation Service in the Crime Fighters section.
Probation Officer:
A probation officer is a representative of the National Probation Service who monitors the progress of offenders put in his or her charge. When an offender is given a probation order, the probation officer arranges regular appointments to advise and assist the individual so that they adhere to the requirements of the order. They have the power to send the offender back to court or prison if they fail to stick to their demands of the probation order.
Prosecution :
Prosecution is the term used to describe criminal proceedings where the individual who brings the legal action is hoping to prosecute the accused individual. Most criminal prosecutions are carried out on behalf of the Crown, because the offence has been against the general public. In a summary prosecution, a member of the police or the victim of a crime will be the named party in the prosecution. The legal team who represent the Crown or the plaintiff are often referred to as the prosecution in general conversation.
Probate :
Probate is the term used to describe a document that validates a will in civil law. This certificate of authenticity allows the executors of a will to carry out the instructions left in the document. The term probate is commonly used to describe all legal matters relating to wills and estates.
Procurator Fiscal :
The procurator fiscal is an legal representative of the Sheriff Courts in Scotland who conducts preliminary criminal investigations into cases to see if they have enough evidence to go to court. The Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal carry out a similar role to the Crown Prosecution Service in England and Wales, but they also investigate sudden and suspicious deaths like the Coroners Court.
Learn more about the differences between Scottish and English legal systems in the Crime Fighters section.
Public nuisance :
Public nuisance is a criminal offence that relates to any damage or interference with public property in general. This can come from actual damage to public buildings and thoroughfares, and from excessive fumes, dust and noise. The nuisance must be removed or the parties involved receive an injunction. (See private nuisance.)
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