Law Dictionary Definitions

Gun-Free Schools Act.A federal law designed to eliminate weapons in schools. 20 USCA § • The Gun-Free Schools Act provides that each state receiving federal funds under the Act must require school districts to expel for one year any student found to have brought a weapon to school. The Act does, however, provide for a…

gun-control law.A statute or ordinance that regulates the sale, possession, or use of firearms. • Gun-control laws vary widely among the states, and many cities have gun-control ordinances. Federal law restricts and regulates the illegal sale, possession, and use of firearms. 18 USCA §§ 921–930. See BRADY ACT. [Cases: Weapons 3. C.J.S. Weapons §§ 2–8.]…

guilty verdict.See VERDICT. [Blacks Law 8th]

guilty plea.See PLEA(1). [Blacks Law 8th]

guilty mind.See MENS REA. [Blacks Law 8th]

guilty but mentally ill.A form of verdict in a criminal case whereby the jury rejects the defendant’s insanity defense but still recommends psychiatric treatment because the defendant is mentally ill. — Abbr. GBMI; GMI. — Also termed guilty but insane; guilty of the act, but so insane as not to be responsible. See INSANITY DEFENSE.…

guilty,adj.1. Having committed a crime; responsible for a crime <guilty of armed robbery>. [Cases: Criminal Law 273. C.J.S. Criminal Law § 384.] 2. Responsible for a civil wrong, such as a tort or breach of contract <guilty of fraudulent misrepresentation>. — guiltily,adv. guilty,n.1. A plea of a criminal defendant who does not contest the charges.…

guilt phase.The part of a criminal trial during which the fact-finder determines whether the defendant committed a crime. Cf. PENALTY PHASE. [Blacks Law 8th]

guiltless,adj.1. Free from guilt; not having committed a wrong <guiltless of the crime>.2. Having the quality or appearance of innocence <even though she confessed, the defendant looked guiltless>. [Blacks Law 8th]

guilt,n. The fact or state of having committed a wrong, esp. a crime <the state’s burden was to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt>. Cf. INNOCENCE. [Blacks Law 8th]