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The misdemeanor committed by a public officer who under color of his office wrongfully inllicts upon any person any bodily harm imprisonment or other injury. … [Read more...] about OPPRESSION

An adoption in which there is some degree of contact between the birthparents and the adoptive parents and sometimes with the child as well. As opposed to most adoptions in which birth and adoption records are sealed by court order, open adoptions allow the parties to decide how much contact the adoptive family and the birthparents will have. … [Read more...] about OPEN ADOPTION

In general, the exertion of power; the process of operating or mode of action; an effect brought about in accordance with a definite plan. See Little Rock v. Parish, 36 Ark. 166; Fleming OU Co, v. South Penn Oil Co., 37 W. Va. 653, 17 & E. 203. In surgical practice, the term is of Indefinite import, but may be approximately defined as an act or succession of acts performed … [Read more...] about OPERATION

One who oppresses. One who having public authority uses it unlawfully to tyrannize over another; as, if he keep him in prison until he shall do something which he is not lawfully bound to do. 2. To charge a magistrate with being an oppressor, is therefore actionable. Stark. Sland. 185. … [Read more...] about OPPRESSOR

The term sufficiently explains its meaning. By the constitution of some states, and by the laws and practice of all the others, the courts are required to be kept open; that is, free access is admitted in courts to all persons who have a desire to enter there, while it can be done without creating disorder. 2. In England, formerly, the parties and probably their witnesses were … [Read more...] about OPEN COURT