Glossary: L

Labeling Theory.  A theory developed by Edwin Lemert which holds that people perceive themselves as delinquent or criminal because of labels applied to them by others.

Landmark Decision (also Landmark Case).  A holding handed down by the Supreme Court that becomes law and serves as precedent for the lower courts.

Larceny.  The wrongful taking  and carrying away the property of another with the intent to permanently deprive the owner of its possession. 

Law.  "A rule of civil conduct prescribed by the supreme power in a state, commanding what is right and prohibiting what is wrong." Blackstone.

Legal Impossibility.  In the law of attempt, the defense that what the actor attempted was not a crime. 

Legal Pragmatism.  See entry for the Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy. 

Legalistic Style (of Policing).  A policing style that emphasizes the role of the law enforcement officer as crime fighter and rule enforcer. 

Legis Henrici.  Historical law of England issued by Henry I which established judicial districts and gave the government broad criminal justice powers. 

Legislative waivers.  Provisions that force juveniles into adult court.

Lex Non Scripta.  [Latin]. "The unwritten law."  The common law; laws not written down in codified form.  

Lex Talionis. [Latin.] The law of retaliation or retribution; "An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth." Leviticus - Chapter 24

Libel.  A tort of defamation through published writings or pictures that are critical of the plaintiff.  Compare with Slander. 

Life Imprisonment.  A term of imprisonment that presumably exceeds the life of the offender; in practice, most offenders with life sentences eventually get out of prison.

Limited Jurisdiction.  A court that is restricted to dealing with certain types of cases, such as family and juvenile courts.

Linkage.  The connection between a suspect and a victim or a crime scene.\

Litigation.  Civil prosecution as opposed to criminal proceedings.

Local Law Enforcement.  Municipal or county law enforcement agencies; also special police agencies of a limited jurisdiction, such as campus police departments.

Loiterers.  People who stand around idly with no business in that particular location.

Luther, Martin.  See entry for the Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy. 

This page available at: