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Simple English definitions for legal terms
exception
Read a random definition: hanging in chains
A quick definition of exception:
Exception: Something or someone that doesn't follow the usual rule or is not included in a general statement. For example, if a person accused of a crime says they are innocent because of a special circumstance, that's called an exception. In contracts or deeds, an exception means that something is not included. If a lawyer disagrees with a judge's decision, they might "take exception" to it.
A more thorough explanation:
Exception is a term used to describe something or someone that does not follow the usual rule or is excluded from a general statement or condition.
- In criminal law, an exception is an affirmative defense that a defendant can use to prove their innocence. For instance, in the case of State of Oregon v. Moravek 297 Or. App. 763, the defendant relied on an exception to avoid conviction.
- In contracts, statutes, and deeds, an exception is a statement that something is not included. For example, a landlord may rent out a property to a tenant with the exception of a storage room.
- When a lawyer disagrees with a judge's ruling, they may "take exception" to it.
These examples illustrate how the term "exception" is used in different contexts. In each case, the exception refers to something that is different from the norm or excluded from a general statement or condition.