You’ve almost certainly heard the phrase “guilty beyond a reasonable doubt,” but have you ever thought about the specific meaning of “reasonable doubt?” As an American, you should. That’s because this phrase is a cornerstone of our national justice system. Rather than some countries that consider you guilty until you are proven innocent, the American […]
Is It Legal to Kill A Zombie in California?
The Walking Dead shambled back on the air last week with record ratings, making it the most-watched episode of any drama show in basic cable history. But with all the focus on the morality of life after a zombie outbreak, few people consider the legality of killing the undead. Let’s Assume There’s Still a Justice […]
Sometimes Ignorance of the Law May be an Excuse
You’ve no doubt heard the expression that “ignorance of the law is no excuse,” and while that’s true in most cases, it’s not the full story. For one thing, there are a handful of laws that are only crimes if the defendant knew they were breaking the law -for example, it is illegal to bring […]
What is BAC Used for in California DUIs?
BAC is an abbreviation for Blood Alcohol concentration, which estimates how intoxicated someone is while driving. Under California law, the maximum BAC someone can have while driving is typically 0.08%, but commercial drivers must have a BAC below 0.04%, and minors must not have a BAC above 0.01%. If your BAC is above the legal […]
