Self-defense is considered a “perfect defense,” meaning you automatically qualify for a full acquittal if the defense succeeds. However, even with a top criminal attorney, it can be difficult to prove all of the requirements for self defense, particularly in a case involving murder. When it’s impossible to prove self defense in a murder case […]
The Crimes Committed in Home Alone: Harry and Marv are Destined for Prison
Home Alone is considered a Christmas classic these days, and it’s no wonder when the plot revolves around a scared little boy fighting off two seriously bad dudes while trying to make the most of the holiday season. As a tribute to this holiday staple, lawyer Peter M. Liss is taking the opportunity to explore […]
Is Mutual Combat a Defense Against Assault Charges in California?
On any given day in any given city in the US, chances are that two people will engage in a verbal disagreement that ends up in a fistfight. But can you fight someone if you both agree? It depends where you are, but in California, fist fights are technically against the law, whether or not […]
What is the Penalty for Hiring a Hitman? California Murder Solicitation Law
A recent article in the New York Times uncovered a strange side of the dark web, where murder-for-hire sites are plentiful, but assassins are non-existent. While the hitmen may be fake, real people do visit these sites looking to hire someone to kill another person. Though it is legal to access these types of sites, […]
Can You be Charged with Murder if There is No Body?
Many people have heard that habeas corpus translates to “bring forth the body” or something similar. As a result, they may mistakenly believe that the US Constitution requires a dead body to be discovered for the government to prosecute a murder charge. But habeas corpus, while an important legal doctrine, has nothing to do with dead […]
Is Suicide Illegal In California?
Suicide isn’t an easy discussion topic for most people, but it’s also subject to several myths when it comes to the law. For example, many people think it is a crime to kill yourself in California and that you can be charged with attempted suicide if your attempt fails. In actuality, suicide (and attempted suicide) […]
Count Olaf Doesn’t Go to Jail for His Crimes, But he Should
endanger Fans of Lemony Snicket have long shuddered at the atrocities committed by Count Olaf. Thanks to Netflix, even more people now know just how evil the frequent not-so-legal guardian of the Baudelaire children really is. While readers and viewers know they should have heeded warnings to “look away,” the tragic tale is now etched […]
It’s a Crime to Refuse Medical Treatment to Your Child
When most people are dangerously ill, they visit a doctor. However, a small segment of the population believes that if they are meant to heal, prayer will cure their ailments. While this could result in deadly consequences for diseases that may be easily treatable with medication, it is still that person’s choice to trust in […]
What is Capital Murder in California? Special Circumstances and the Death Penalty
Have you ever wondered why some people get the death penalty for murder while others do not? The answer comes down to the specific details that make a crime a “capital murder” versus a typical first-degree murder. That’s because while capital punishment is still entirely legal, it is only applicable in a handful of murder […]
Why Frank Castle Deserves a New Trial in Daredevil
One of the defining character-building moments of Netflix’s Daredevil series is the complete and utter failure of Matt Murdock as a defense lawyer in the courtroom trial of Frank Castle, a.k.a. The Punisher. While Murdock and his legal partner, Foggy Nelson, always had the deck stacked against them in this case (Frank Castle is undoubtedly […]
