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Simple English definitions for legal terms
aggravating factor
Read a random definition: amicus brief
A quick definition of aggravating factor:
An aggravating factor is something that makes a crime or bad thing worse. It can be things like doing it again after getting in trouble before, not feeling sorry, hurting someone a lot, or doing it in front of a kid. The law says what things count as aggravating factors and they can make the punishment worse.
A more thorough explanation:
An aggravating factor is a circumstance that makes a crime or tort more severe and deserving of a harsher punishment. These factors are defined by law and vary depending on the jurisdiction and the specific offense. Examples of aggravating factors include:
- Committing the crime in front of a child
- Causing significant harm to the victim
- Being a repeat offender
- Showing no remorse for the crime
For example, if someone commits assault and also causes significant harm to the victim, the aggravating factor of harm would make the offense more severe and deserving of a harsher punishment.
aggravating circumstances | Aggregation of Jurisdictional Amount