Law Dictionary Definitions

rapina (r<<schwa>>-pI-n<<schwa>>). [Latin “robbery, pillage”] Roman & civil law. The forcible taking of another’s movable property with the intent to appropriate it to one’s own use. “Rapina is the taking away of a thing by violent means. It gives rise to the praetorian actio vi bonorum raptorum ….” Rudolph Sohm, The Institutes: A Textbook of…

rape under age.See statutory rape under RAPE. [Blacks Law 8th]

rape shield statute.See SHIELD LAW(2). [Blacks Law 8th]

rape shield law.See SHIELD LAW(2). [Blacks Law 8th]

rape,n.1. At common law, unlawful sexual intercourse committed by a man with a woman not his wife through force and against her will. • The common-law crime of rape required at least a slight penetration of the penis into the vagina. Also at common law, a husband could not be convicted of raping his wife.…

rap,n. Slang. 1. Legal responsibility for a criminal act <he took the rap for his accomplices>.2. A criminal charge <a murder rap>.3. A criminal conviction; esp., a prison sentence <a 20-year rap for counterfeiting>. [Blacks Law 8th]

ransom bill.Int’l law. A contract by which a vessel or other property captured at sea during wartime is ransomed in exchange for release and safe conduct to a friendly destination. — Also termed ransom bond. [Blacks Law 8th]

ransom,n.1. Money or other consideration demanded or paid for the release of a captured person or property. See KIDNAPPING. 2. The release of a captured person or property in exchange for payment of a demanded price. [Cases: Kidnapping 1. C.J.S. Kidnapping §§ 1–2.] ransom,vb.1. To obtain the release of (a captive) by paying a demanded…

rank-order voting.See preferential voting under VOTING. [Blacks Law 8th]

rank and file. 1. The enlisted soldiers of an armed force, as distinguished from the officers. 2. The general membership of a union. [Blacks Law 8th]