Legal Definitions - fugitive-disentitlement doctrine

Definition: The fugitive-disentitlement doctrine is a legal principle that allows a court to limit a fugitive's access to civil and criminal courts in the United States. This means that if someone is on the run from the law, they may not be able to participate in legal proceedings until they turn themselves in.

Example: Let's say that John is accused of a crime and is scheduled to appear in court. However, he decides to flee the country instead of facing the charges. If the court finds out that John is a fugitive, they may apply the fugitive-disentitlement doctrine and limit his access to the legal system. This means that John may not be able to file appeals or participate in any legal proceedings until he turns himself in.

Another example: Sarah is involved in a civil lawsuit, but she decides to skip town and go into hiding. If the court discovers that Sarah is a fugitive, they may apply the fugitive-disentitlement doctrine and limit her access to the legal system. This means that Sarah may not be able to participate in the lawsuit until she turns herself in.

The examples illustrate how the fugitive-disentitlement doctrine can be applied in both criminal and civil cases. If someone is running from the law, they may not be able to participate in legal proceedings until they face the charges against them.