Law 101
Laws are intricate and frequently confusing. How they come about, the means for enforcing them, and the method for interpreting them can be perplexing. This blog includes an overview of state government, the nature of laws passed by the government, some background information regarding animal welfare laws, definitions of words that are important in understanding the meaning of laws, and distinctions in penalties ordered against people who have abused animals.
Please remember, this blog is not providing legal advice. It is an attempt to make laws written by lawyers understandable to non-lawyers. If you or anyone else have a specific question regarding the meaning of the law and its potential violation, please contact a lawyer to address your specific concerns.
A BRIEF CIVICS LESSON
The United States of America consists of 50 states and one federal government. Laws passed by the federal government apply to everyone in the United States. Laws passed by an individual state apply only to people residing in, visiting, or conducting business in that state…
ANIMAL WELFARE LAWS
Laws are complicated. They are written by lawyers at the behest of government representatives, appointees, and employees. The verbal linguistics used are frequently difficult even for lawyers to understand. Many times, the words used can be interpreted in different ways. It is not unusual…
IMPORTANT DEFINITIONS
The following words are important in understanding animal welfare laws. All definitions have been derived from state statutes:
Gender-specific language includes the other gender and neuter. That means the word “he” means “him or her,” and the word “she” means “she or he.” Same with…
MYSTICAL LEGAL WORDS
There is one word included in laws that presents more problems than any other. That word is “reasonable.” In the law, the word “reasonable” is used a lot. “Reasonable” action under the law is permitted. Unreasonable action is not. A reasonable failure to act is permitted. An unreasonable failure…
CRIMES & CIVIL ACTIONS
In discussing animal welfare and human responsibilities, criminal penalties for the failure of humans to behave properly must be addressed. Criminal offenses in a state usually are designated as felonies, misdemeanors, or violations. A person convicted of a felony must be imprisoned…