bootlegging

In one sentence

Illegally manufacturing, distributing, or selling goods, especially alcohol, without proper licensing.

Plain English

Bootlegging is the unauthorized production and sale of goods that are either banned or heavily regulated by law. The term historically refers to making and selling alcohol illegally, particularly during Prohibition when alcohol sales were banned in the United States. Today it can apply to any unlicensed manufacturing or distribution of controlled products.

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Example

During Prohibition, a criminal network operated hidden distilleries to produce whiskey and beer, which they then sold illegally to bars and restaurants throughout the city, evading federal agents.

Used in a sentence

“The federal agents shut down the bootlegging operation and arrested five people involved in the illegal alcohol distribution.”

Related terms

Breach of Contract

Failure to do what a contract requires, without a valid legal excuse.

Statute of Limitations

A law setting the maximum time period within which a lawsuit can be filed after an injury or breach occurs.

Expungement

A legal process that erases or seals a criminal conviction from your record.

acquittal

A court decision that a defendant is not guilty of the charges.

appeal

A request to a higher court to review and overturn a lower court's decision.

confinement

The act of keeping someone in custody or restricting their freedom of movement.

Stand Your Ground

A law allowing a person to use force, including deadly force, to defend themselves without a duty to retreat.

Castle Doctrine

A law stating that a person's home is their castle and they can use force to defend it without duty to retreat.

This page is a plain-English reference and is not legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change over time. For specific situations consult a licensed attorney.