compulsory process

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Explanation of "Compulsory Process"

Definition:
The term "compulsory process" refers to a legal right that allows a defendant (the person accused in a court case) to request the court to use its power to make witnesses come and testify (speak) in court. This process helps ensure that the defendant can present their case fully, as having witnesses can provide important information.

Usage Instructions:

• Context: You typically use "compulsory process" in legal discussions or when talking about court cases.
• Forms: It is a noun, so it is usually used in sentences as a subject or object.

Example Sentence:

• "The defendant invoked his right to compulsory process to ensure that his witnesses could testify in his defense."

Advanced Usage:

In legal contexts, you might see "compulsory process" discussed when examining a defendant's rights during a trial. It is part of the Sixth Amendment in the United States Constitution, which guarantees the right to a fair trial.

Word Variants:

• Compel (verb): To force or make someone do something.
• Compulsion (noun): The state of being forced to do something; a strong urge to do something.

Different Meanings:

While "compulsory process" specifically refers to the legal context, the root words can have different meanings: - Compulsory: Required or mandatory. For example, "In some countries, education is compulsory until a certain age." - Process: A series of actions or steps taken to achieve a particular end. For example, "The process of making bread involves mixing flour, water, and yeast."

Synonyms:

• Legal subpoena
• Witness summons

Related Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

While there aren't direct idioms or phrasal verbs specifically for "compulsory process," you might encounter phrases related to legal rights, such as: - "In the court of law": Referring to legal matters. - "Call to the stand": Inviting a witness to testify in court.

Summary:

"Compulsory process" is an important legal term that ensures defendants can have witnesses testify in their favor during trials.

Academic

Noun

1. the right of a defendant to have a court use its subpoena power to compel the appearance of material witnesses before the court