Northern Virginia Criminal Justice Academy (NVCJA) Practice Exam

If a mother-in-law is slapped by her daughter-in-law, can the daughter-in-law be charged?

1. Yes, charges can be filed

2. No, because the mother-in-law does not reside in the house

3. Yes, if the slap was severe

4. No, unless it was witnessed by an officer

The correct answer is: No, because the mother-in-law does not reside in the house

The assessment of whether the daughter-in-law can be charged hinges on the legal definitions surrounding domestic violence and the nature of the relationship between the parties involved. Typically, charges related to assault or domestic violence can be influenced by factors such as the residence of the parties, the specificity of the law concerning domestic relationships, and the evidence available. In many jurisdictions, laws around domestic violence and assault might not apply in the context of family members who do not live together. If the mother-in-law does not reside with the daughter-in-law, it's possible that certain protections or charges associated with domestic violence may not be applicable, limiting the legal framework for filing charges. This context is important because the other options suggest either invalid criteria that don't align with how the law operates (such as the severity of the slap or the necessity of a police witness) or they misinterpret the capabilities of the legal system regarding familial roles and locations. The focus on residence is critical in understanding the potential for charges in this scenario.