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The three-tiered structure of federal courts, comprising U.S. district courts, U.S. courts of appeals, and the U.S. Supreme Court.
federal law enforcement agency
A U.S. government agency or office whose primary functional responsibility is the enforcement of federal criminal laws.
felony
A criminal offense punishable by death or by incarceration in a prison facility for at least one year.
feminist criminology
A developing intellectual approach that emphasizes gender issues in criminology.
filing
The initiation of a criminal case by formal submission to the court of a charging document, alleging that a named person has committed a specified criminal offense.
fine
The penalty imposed upon a convicted person by a court, requiring that he or she pay a specified sum of money to the court.
first appearance
An appearance before a magistrate during which the legality of the defendant's arrest is initially assessed and the defendant is informed of the charges on which he or she is being held. At this stage in the criminal justice process, bail may be set or pretrial release arranged. Also called initial appearance.
first plea
See initial plea.
fixed sentencing
See determinate sentencing.
fleeting-targets exception
An exception to the exclusionary rule that permits law enforcement officers to search a motor vehicle based on probable cause but without a warrant. The fleeting-targets exception is predicated on the fact that vehicles can quickly leave the jurisdiction of a law enforcement agency.
force
See police use of force.
forcible rape (UCR)
The carnal knowledge of a female forcibly and against her will. For statistical reporting purposes, the FBI defines forcible rape as "unlawful sexual intercourse with a female, by force and against her will, or without legal or factual consent." Statutory rape differs from forcible rape in that it generally involves nonforcible sexual intercourse with a minor. See also carnal knowledge and rape.
foreign terrorist organization (FTO)
A foreign organization that engages in terrorist activity that threatens the security of U.S. nationals or the national security of the United States and that is so designated by the U.S. secretary of state.
forensic anthropology
The use of anthropological principles and techniques in criminal investigation.
forensic entomology
The study of insects to determine such matters as a person's time of death.
forfeiture
The authorized seizure of money, negotiable instruments, securities, or other things of value. Under federal antidrug laws, judicial representatives are authorized to seize all cash, negotiable instruments, securities, or other things of value furnished or intended to be furnished by any person in exchange for a controlled substance, as well as all proceeds traceable to such an exchange. Also called asset forfeiture.
forgery
The creation or alteration of a written or printed document, which if validly executed would constitute a record of a legally binding transaction, with the intent to defraud by affirming it to be the act of an unknowing second person. Also, the creation of an art object with intent to misrepresent the identity of the creator.
fraud
An offense involving deceit or intentional misrepresentation of fact, with the intent of unlawfully depriving a person of his or her property or legal rights.
frivolous suit
A lawsuit with no foundation in fact. Frivolous suits are generally brought by lawyers and plaintiffs for reasons of publicity, politics, or other non-law-related issues and may result in fines against plaintiffs and their counsel.
fruit of the poisoned tree doctrine
A legal principle that excludes from introduction at trial any evidence later developed as a result of an illegal search or seizure.
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