A legal proceeding that creates a parent-child relation between persons not related by blood; the adopted child is entitled to all privileges belonging to a natural child of the adoptive parents (including the right to inherit).

Criminal law (also known as penal law) is the body of law that punishes criminals for committing offences against the state. The goal of this process is that of achieving criminal justice. The major objective of criminal law is deterrence and punishment.

A legal judgment that severs the marriage of two people and restores them to the status of single persons. Also call a dissolution of marriage.

A three letter acronym (or initialism): Driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.

An area of the law that deals with family-related issues and domestic relations including, but not limited to marriage, civil unions, divorce, spousal abuse, child custody and visitation, property, alimony, and child support awards, as well as child abuse issues, and adoption.