Terms Used In U.S. Code > Title 16 > Chapter 12E

• Bail: Security given for the release of a criminal defendant or witness from legal custody (usually in the form of money) to secure his/her appearance on the day and time appointed.
• Damages: Money paid by defendants to successful plaintiffs in civil cases to compensate the plaintiffs for their injuries.
• Deed: The legal instrument used to transfer title in real property from one person to another.
• Fee simple: Absolute title to property with no limitations or restrictions regarding the person who may inherit it.
• Felony: A crime carrying a penalty of more than a year in prison.
• Probable cause: A reasonable ground for belief that the offender violated a specific law.
• vessel: includes every description of watercraft or other artificial contrivance used, or capable of being used, as a means of transportation on water. See