| MARITIME JURISDICTION OF THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT |
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| In accordance with Article III of the United States Constitution, the federal government has jurisdiction over all admiralty and maritime cases. This means that the federal government has jurisdiction over all criminal offenses that are committed on the high seas, on any other waters within the jurisdiction of the United States, or on any vessel that belongs to the United States, to a United States citizen, or to a corporation, which vessel is located within the admiralty or maritime jurisdiction of the United States and not within the jurisdiction of a state.
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| ABUSE OF PUBLIC OFFICE & MISUSE OF OFFICIAL INFORMATION |
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| A public servant commits the offense of abuse of public office when he or she intentionally or knowingly and with the intent to obtain a personal benefit violates a law regarding his or her office or misuses government property, services, personnel, or anything of value, which has come into his or her possession by virtue of his or her office or employment. The word "misuse" means to deal with property contrary to any agreement, any contract, or any law. More... |
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| Opening Statements during a Criminal Trial |
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| In a criminal proceeding each side has the opportunity to present an opening statement to the judge or jury. The prosecution presents its opening statement first and then the defendant presents his opening statement. In some states, the trial judge permits the defendant to defer giving his opening statement until the close of the prosecution's case. If there are multiple defendants being tried in one case, each attorney may give an opening statement for each defendant. More... |
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| Embezzlement of Government Property |
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| Embezzlement is defined as an improper fraudulent appropriation of property by a defendant to whom such property was entrusted. The defendant is entrusted with property if a fiduciary relationship exists between the defendant and the United States or a relationship exists in which the defendant has access and control over the government's property. More... |
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| Lie Detector Tests and Polygraphs |
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| A lie detector test or a polygraph test is used to determine whether the defendant or witness shows physiological and psychological reactions in response to certain questions. These tests are typically given if it is believed that the defendant or a witness is intentionally trying to deceive authorities or attorneys. There are various types of lie detector tests.
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