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When a couple separates or divorces, the issue of child custody and visitation becomes very important. Many parents are able to work out an agreement regarding where the children will live, and visitation with the other parent on their own. Other parents find this to be a hot-button issue drenched in emotional pain, anger, and resentment, making it necessary for the court to decide important issues of custody and visitation for them. To explore this concept, consider the following visitation definition.

Definition of Visitation

• A formal visit, as permitted by a court order granting of visitation rights
• Visits between a non-custodial parent and his or her child(ren).

1275-1325        Latin vīsitātiōn

Child Visitation

When two people who have children are no longer together, it is usually in the best interest of the children to have a relationship with both parents. When a separation or divorce occurs, it is common for one parent to maintain primary physical custody of the children, becoming the “ custodial parent .” The custodial parent is the primary caretaker and this is where the children spend the majority of their time. The parent with whom the children do not live (“non-custodial parent”) has a right to visit, and maintain a relationship, with the children, however, regardless of the custodial parent’s wishes. Child visitation rights are addressed during custody proceedings.

Visitation Rights

When awarding custody, or visitation rights, the court gives primary consideration to the children’s welfare and safety. A non-custodial parent is granted child visitation rights, unless the court determines that visitation is not in the best interests of the children. If the court awards visitation to the non-custodial parent, he or she has a right to visit with the children according to a schedule agreed upon by the parents, or according to a scheduled ordered by the court.

Parents who work out a schedule honoring the non-custodial parent’s visitation rights often find they are happier with the result, having scheduled visitation when it is convenient for both parents, as well as the children. This type of parenting plan is less stressful for all involved, helping to ensure the children do not experience the tension and anger brewing between parents who cannot agree. While the custodial parent may feel he or she has a great deal of control in allowing visitation, the law does not allow either parent to be malicious or withhold visitation that has been ordered by the court. Additionally, no parent may deny visitation to the other parent because he or she has failed to pay child support .

Visitation Schedule

Court ordered child custody and visitation are based on a written parenting plan, or “parenting agreement,” which specifies where the children will live primarily, and the schedule by which they will visit with the other parent. The visitation schedule contained in the parenting plan addresses not only regular visits, but holiday visits, summer vacations, the children’s birthdays, and other important times. A visitation schedule should be very specific in order to avoid conflict between the parents. The parenting plan generally specifies that the non-custodial parent has visitation every other weekend, and on alternating holidays.

Example Holiday Visitation:

Frequent and continuing contact.

Child custody laws in the U.S. recognize that children need to have frequent and continuing contact with both parents, and that both parents have a right and responsibility to raise happy, healthy children. Frequent and continuing contact is a vital factor in ensuring the children have a healthy relationship with both parents, regardless of the situation. This is so important that, in making a custody and visitation order, a judge gives great consideration to which parent will be most likely to allow, and even encourage the children to have frequent and continuing contact with the other parent. This includes regular, frequent visits, and unrestricted, unmonitored communication by phone, email, and other methods between the non-custodial parent and the children.

Denial of Visitation Rights

Non-custodial parents have an automatic right to visit with their children according to a schedule detailed in a parenting plan. Unfortunately, circumstances occur in which visitation between a child and non-custodial parent is not in the child’s best interest. In such cases, the court has the authority to require supervised visitation, or to otherwise restrict, withhold, or terminate a parent’s visitation rights. Some common reasons for denial of visitation rights include:

• The parent is shown to be abusive, whether physically, mentally, emotionally, or sexually, to the child or a sibling
• The parent has committed violence toward the child or a sibling
• The parent has a history of substance abuse
• The parent is a flight risk, making it likely he or she will leave the state with the child
• The parent has had his or her parental rights terminated

Supervised Visitation

In a circumstance in which the court deems a child would not be safe from harm while visiting with a non-custodial parent, supervised visitation may be ordered. Supervised visitation occurs on a specified schedule, but requires that another competent adult be present throughout the visit. Just who may supervise such visits is generally specified in the custody and visitation order, and may be a neutral family member or friend, or the court may order supervised visitation to occur at an agency that provides such services.

Most orders for supervised visitation are temporary, as the non-custodial parent has been given specific instructions on what needs to be done to have regular visitation rights restored. This may include substance abuse counseling or rehab, anger management, regular drug testing, and other specific remedies. A non-custodial parent may also be granted only supervised visitation until he or she finds a suitable home or living environment in which the children will be safe.

For example, Mark has been granted visitation with his small children, but after completing a drug rehab program, he has moved into a halfway house in a crime riddled neighborhood. Mark is likely to be required to have supervised visitation at an agency until he (1) moves into a home in a safe environment, and (2) successfully passes weekly drug tests for a minimum of six months.

Parental Alienation

The term parental alienation refers to a situation in which one parent negatively influences a child’s thoughts or feelings toward the other parent. This can occur when a parent leads a child to believe that the other parent is at fault for the divorce, or that the other parent is a bad person. Children exposed to negative attitudes about a parent often begin expressing a dislike to the other parent, or begin refusing to have contact with that parent. Parental alienation has such a serious impact on the parent/child relationship, that the law considers it grounds to remove the child from the alienating parent’s primary custody.

Mental health professionals describe this situation as Parental Alienation Syndrome (“PAS”), and note that therapy in different forms is often necessary to repair the relationship between a child and the parent subject to alienation tactics.

Signs of Parental Alienation

Mental health professionals note that PAS is more than psychological programming or brainwashing, as the child is encouraged to participate in demeaning the alienated parent. The signs exhibited by a child exposed to parental alienation include:

• Denigration – the child speaks negatively about the alienated parent, sometimes using foul language.
• Frivolous Reasoning – the child gives frivolous, weak, or illogical reasons for his negative attitude toward the alienated parent.
• Independent Thinking – the child insists he or she came up with the ideas of denigration alone, asserting no one told him or her to say or believe those things.
• No Ambivalence – the child is sure of his or her feelings, with no faltering between love and hate for the alienated parent, confidently expressing only hate.
• No Guilt – the child shows no sign of feeling guilt or cruelty over his or her treatment of the alienated parent.
• Protective of Alienating Parent – the child feels the need to protect the alienating parent.
• Borrowed Scenarios – the child vividly describes situations he could not possibly have been involved it.

The Court’s Response to Parental Alienation

Either parent may be the perpetrator of parental alienation, whether the custodial or non-custodial parent, mother or father, though statistically, mothers are guilty of engaging in campaigns of parental alienation against fathers. Legal tactics used by the court to combat parental alienation vary, depending on the severity. Mild forms of alienation often result in the child remaining with the alienating parent, with family counseling being strongly recommended. More serious cases of parental alienation, however, may result in custody being transferred to the alienated parent, with PAS therapy being court-ordered.

In severe cases of parental alienation, or continuing alienation after court orders to the contrary, the alienating parent may also face severely restricted supervised visitation, and monetary sanctions. The alienating parent may also be put on house arrest, or even incarcerated.

Related Legal Terms and Issues

• Authority – The right or power to make decisions, to give orders, or to control something or someone.
• Hearing – A proceeding before the court at which an issue of fact or law is heard, evidence presented, and a decision made.
• J urisdiction – The legal authority to hear legal cases and make judgments; the geographical region of authority to enforce justice.

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Types of Custody and Visitation

If you're newly single, you may not have given much thought to different types of custody until now. But when you're planning a divorce or putting the pieces back together after a breakup, the options available to you become extremely important.

It's tempting to seek sole physical custody just because you believe you deserve it or, to put it more plainly, because you don't deserve whatever your ex may have done to hurt your family. However, as you explore the types of custody and visitation available to you, remember that the most important consideration is what's best for your kids .

To fully understand the types of child custody and visitation available to you, you'll need to become familiar with the terminology used by legal experts. In particular, you need to understand the distinction between legal custody and physical custody.

Legal Custody

Legal custody refers to the legal authority to make major decisions on behalf of your child. Examples of major decisions include where your child will go to school, what type of religious upbringing they will have (if any), and non-emergency medical decisions. Legal custody options include:

• Sole legal custody : The parent who has sole legal custody is the only person who has the legal authority to make major decisions on behalf of the child. These include decisions regarding education, religion, and healthcare.
• Joint legal custody : Joint legal custody means that both parents have the legal authority to make major decisions for the child. It should be noted that parents can potentially share joint legal custody without having joint physical custody.

Physical Custody

Physical custody refers to where the children live the majority of the time. This is sometimes referred to as "residential custody." Types of physical custody include:

• Sole physical custody : With sole physical custody , the child physically resides at one location. In most cases, the non-custodial parent is awarded visitation rights, including sleepovers.
• Joint physical custody : This form of child custody is also called "shared custody," "shared parenting," or "dual residence." In this situation, the children live with one parent for part of the time, and live with the other parent during the remaining time. The division of time spent at each location is approximately equal.
• Bird's nest custody : In these cases, children live in one central location, and the parents rotate in and out on a regular schedule. For example, one parent resides at the children's home Monday evening through Thursday, and the other is there from Thursday evening through Monday. This child-centered approach can ease transitions for kids, but it can be costly to maintain three separate residences.

Parent-child visitation allows parents who do not have physical custody to see their children on a regular basis. Types of visitation include:

• Unsupervised visitation : This is the most common type of visitation, in which parents are generally permitted to take their children to their own homes or on an outing during their scheduled visitation. Occasionally, limitations are specified in advance. For example, if a mother is breastfeeding, the non-custodial parent may be asked to visit the child at the mother's home until the baby is able to take a bottle.
• Supervised visitation : In some cases, the courts will order supervised visitation, which means that another responsible adult must be present for the visit. The courts may allow the non-custodial parent to select an individual, such as a grandparent or family friend, to serve as the supervisor. In other cases, an appointed social worker or court-ordered designee can supervise interactions.
• Virtual visitation : Virtual visitation typically takes place using video-conferencing technology. While not ideal as the only mode of visitation, virtual visits can provide a sense of continuity when parents and children live far apart or in-person visits are infrequent.

By Jennifer Wolf Jennifer Wolf is a PCI Certified Parent Coach and a strong advocate for single moms and dads. 

visitation rights

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Visitation  rights are limitations or restrictions on child custody. When a couple divorces, they may either have shared custody , joint custody , split custody , or one parent can have sole custody . When sole custody is granted by the court to one of the parents, the non-custodial parent maintains the right to see and visit the child, absent extraordinary circumstances—this is what is called “visitation rights.” It is a right given by the court to the non-custody parent allowing them to see their children after they lose custody in a divorce dispute. 

An express prohibition on visitation must exist within the decree to deny parental visitation rights because visitation rights stem from the fact of parenthood. Even though this strong presumption in favor of visitation rights exists, courts may impose restrictions on visitation by noncustodial parents. If a party convinces the court that visitation rights would be injurious to the child's best interests, then the court possesses the authority to deny visitation rights. 

This best-interest-of-the-child analysis, however, does not automatically defer to the child's stated desires, because parents inherently possess the right to attempt to repair the parent-child relationship. Thus, even if a child does not want their parent to have visitation rights, that sentiment is insufficient to deny the parent their visitation rights. Cases in which courts deny visitation rights often include noncustodial parents who had physically or emotionally abused the child in the past, and noncustodial parents severely suffering from a mental illness that would emotionally devastate the child. Noncustodial parents who are incarcerated or who have a prison record are not categorically denied visitation rights.

Visitation rights can be modified after the divorce decree is ordered, either in a new proceeding where the party seeking the change in visitation rights presents evidence showing a change in the circumstances that affect the interests and welfare of a minor child. They can also be modified in a subsequently filed contempt proceeding by motion of either party or motion of the trial judge—if a parent refuses to obey the court's visitation or custody decree, the court can order the parent in  indirect   contempt of court .

A child’s grandparents may, depending on the state’s family laws, have the right to file an original action for visitation rights to a minor child in any action where the court has before it any question concerning child custody . So, in a divorce proceeding where child custody is in dispute, any of the child(ren)’s grandparents can file an original action for visitation rights to the child in that court. 

Like other aspects of family law, the states control most laws in the field of child custody, so it is important to check the laws specific to your state in order to have a full understanding of visitation rights laws applicable to you.

[Last updated in September of 2021 by the Wex Definitions Team ]

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In international law. The right of visit or visitation is the right of a cruiser or warship to stop a vessel sailing under another flag on the high seas and send an officer to such vessel to ascertain whether her nationality is what it purports to be. It is exercisable only when suspicious circumstances attend the vessel to be visited; as when she is suspected of a piratical character.

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VISIT Definition & Legal Meaning

Definition & citations:.

In international law. The right of visit or visitation is the right of a cruiser or war-ship to stop a vessel sailing under another flag on the high seas, and send an officer to such vessel to ascertain whether her nationality is what it purports to be. It is exercisable only when suspicious circumstances attend the vessel to be visited; as when she is suspected of a piratical character.

This article contains general legal information but does not constitute professional legal advice for your particular situation. The Law Dictionary is not a law firm, and this page does not create an attorney-client or legal adviser relationship. If you have specific questions, please consult a qualified attorney licensed in your jurisdiction.

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A jury verdict that a criminal defendant is not guilty, or the finding of a judge that the evidence is insufficient to support a conviction.

A judge in the full-time service of the court. Compare to senior judge.

The federal agency responsible for collecting court statistics, administering the federal courts' budget, and performing many other administrative and programmatic functions, under the direction and supervision of the Judicial Conference of the United States.

A term used to describe evidence that may be considered by a jury or judge in civil and criminal cases.

A lawsuit arising in or related to a bankruptcy case that begins by filing a complaint with the court, that is, a "trial" that takes place within the context of a bankruptcy case.

A written or printed statement made under oath.

In the practice of the court of appeals, it means that the court of appeals has concluded that the lower court decision is correct and will stand as rendered by the lower court.

A juror selected in the same manner as a regular juror who hears all the evidence but does not help decide the case unless called on to replace a regular juror.

A procedure for settling a dispute outside the courtroom. Most forms of ADR are not binding, and involve referral of the case to a neutral party such as an arbitrator or mediator.

Latin for "friend of the court." It is advice formally offered to the court in a brief filed by an entity interested in, but not a party to, the case.

The formal written statement by a defendant in a civil case that responds to a complaint, articulating the grounds for defense.

A request made after a trial by a party that has lost on one or more issues that a higher court review the decision to determine if it was correct. To make such a request is "to appeal" or "to take an appeal." One who appeals is called the "appellant;" the other party is the "appellee."

The party who appeals a district court's decision, usually seeking reversal of that decision.

About appeals; an appellate court has the power to review the judgment of a lower court (trial court) or tribunal. For example, the U.S. circuit courts of appeals review the decisions of the U.S. district courts.

The party who opposes an appellant's appeal, and who seeks to persuade the appeals court to affirm the district court's decision.

A proceeding in which a criminal defendant is brought into court, told of the charges in an indictment or information, and asked to plead guilty or not guilty.

A federal judge who is appointed for life, during "good behavior," under Article III of the Constitution. Article III judges are nominated by the President and confirmed by the Senate.

Property of all kinds, including real and personal, tangible and intangible.

An agreement to continue performing duties under a contract or lease.

An injunction that automatically stops lawsuits, foreclosures, garnishments, and most collection activities against the debtor the moment a bankruptcy petition is filed.

The release, prior to trial, of a person accused of a crime, under specified conditions designed to assure that person's appearance in court when required. Also, can refer to the amount of bond money posted as a financial condition of pretrial release.

A legal procedure for dealing with debt problems of individuals and businesses; specifically, a case filed under one of the chapters of title 11 of the United States Code (the Bankruptcy Code).

An officer of the Judiciary serving in the judicial districts of Alabama and North Carolina who, like the United States trustee, is responsible for supervising the administration of bankruptcy cases, estates, and trustees; monitoring plans and disclosure statements; monitoring creditors' committees; monitoring fee applications; and performing other statutory duties.

The informal name for title 11 of the United States Code (11 U.S.C. §§ 101-1330), the federal bankruptcy law.

The bankruptcy judges in regular active service in each district; a unit of the district court.

All interests of the debtor in property at the time of the bankruptcy filing. The estate technically becomes the temporary legal owner of all of the debtor's property.

A judicial officer of the United States district court who is the court official with decision-making power over federal bankruptcy cases.

A formal request for the protection of the federal bankruptcy laws. (There is an official form for bankruptcy petitions.)

A private individual or corporation appointed in all Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 cases to represent the interests of the bankruptcy estate and the debtor's creditors.

A trial without a jury, in which the judge serves as the fact-finder.

A written statement submitted in a trial or appellate proceeding that explains one side's legal and factual arguments.

The duty to prove disputed facts. In civil cases, a plaintiff generally has the burden of proving his or her case. In criminal cases, the government has the burden of proving the defendant's guilt. (See standard of proof.)

A bankruptcy case in which the debtor is a business or an individual involved in business and the debts are for business purposes.

A crime punishable by death.

A complete collection of every document filed in court in a case.

The law as established in previous court decisions. A synonym for legal precedent. Akin to common law, which springs from tradition and judicial decisions.

The number of cases handled by a judge or a court.

A legal claim.

The offices of a judge and his or her staff.

A reorganization bankruptcy, usually involving a corporation or partnership. A Chapter 11 debtor usually proposes a plan of reorganization to keep its business alive and pay creditors over time. Individuals or people in business can also seek relief in Chapter 11.

The chapter of the Bankruptcy Code providing for adjustment of debts of a "family farmer" or "family fisherman," as the terms are defined in the Bankruptcy Code.

The chapter of the Bankruptcy Code providing for the adjustment of debts of an individual with regular income, often referred to as a "wage-earner" plan. Chapter 13 allows a debtor to keep property and use his or her disposable income to pay debts over time, usually three to five years.

A person appointed to administer a Chapter 13 case. A Chapter 13 trustee's responsibilities are similar to those of a Chapter 7 trustee; however, a Chapter 13 trustee has the additional responsibilities of overseeing the debtor's plan, receiving payments from debtors, and disbursing plan payments to creditors.

The chapter of the Bankruptcy Code dealing with cases of cross-border insolvency.

The chapter of the Bankruptcy Code providing for "liquidation," that is, the sale of a debtor's nonexempt property and the distribution of the proceeds to creditors. In order to be eligible for Chapter 7, the debtor must satisfy a "means test." The court will evaluate the debtor's income and expenses to determine if the debtor may proceed under Chapter 7.

A person appointed in a Chapter 7 case to represent the interests of the bankruptcy estate and the creditors. The trustee's responsibilities include reviewing the debtor's petition and schedules, liquidating the property of the estate, and making distributions to creditors. The trustee may also bring actions against creditors or the debtor to recover property of the bankruptcy estate.

The chapter of the Bankruptcy Code providing for reorganization of municipalities (which includes cities and towns, as well as villages, counties, taxing districts, municipal utilities, and school districts).

The judge who has primary responsibility for the administration of a court; chief judges are determined by seniority

A creditor's assertion of a right to payment from a debtor or the debtor's property.

A lawsuit in which one or more members of a large group, or class, of individuals or other entities sue on behalf of the entire class. The district court must find that the claims of the class members contain questions of law or fact in common before the lawsuit can proceed as a class action.

The court officer who oversees administrative functions, especially managing the flow of cases through the court. The clerk's office is often called a court's central nervous system.

Property that is promised as security for the satisfaction of a debt.

The legal system that originated in England and is now in use in the United States, which relies on the articulation of legal principles in a historical succession of judicial decisions. Common law principles can be changed by legislation.

A special condition the court imposes that requires an individual to work – without pay – for a civic or nonprofit organization.

A written statement that begins a civil lawsuit, in which the plaintiff details the claims against the defendant.

Prison terms for two or more offenses to be served at the same time, rather than one after the other. Example: Two five-year sentences and one three-year sentence, if served concurrently, result in a maximum of five years behind bars.

Approval of a plan of reorganization by a bankruptcy judge.

Prison terms for two or more offenses to be served one after the other. Example: Two five-year sentences and one three-year sentence, if served consecutively, result in a maximum of 13 years behind bars.

A bankruptcy case filed to reduce or eliminate debts that are primarily consumer debts.

Debts incurred for personal, as opposed to business, needs.

A claim that may be owed by the debtor under certain circumstances, e.g., where the debtor is a cosigner on another person's loan and that person fails to pay.

An agreement between two or more people that creates an obligation to do or not to do a particular thing.

A judgment of guilt against a criminal defendant.

Legal advice; a term also used to refer to the lawyers in a case.

An allegation in an indictment or information, charging a defendant with a crime. An indictment or information may contain allegations that the defendant committed more than one crime. Each allegation is referred to as a count.

Government entity authorized to resolve legal disputes. Judges sometimes use "court" to refer to themselves in the third person, as in "the court has read the briefs."

A person who makes a word-for-word record of what is said in court, generally by using a stenographic machine, shorthand or audio recording, and then produces a transcript of the proceedings upon request.

Generally refers to two events in individual bankruptcy cases: (1) the "individual or group briefing" from a nonprofit budget and credit counseling agency that individual debtors must attend prior to filing under any chapter of the Bankruptcy Code; and (2) the "instructional course in personal financial management" in chapters 7 and 13 that an individual debtor must complete before a discharge is entered. There are exceptions to both requirements for certain categories of debtors, exigent circumstances, or if the U.S. trustee or bankruptcy administrator have determined that there are insufficient approved credit counseling agencies available to provide the necessary counseling.

A person to whom or business to which the debtor owes money or that claims to be owed money by the debtor.

Money that a defendant pays a plaintiff in a civil case if the plaintiff has won. Damages may be compensatory (for loss or injury) or punitive (to punish and deter future misconduct).

Latin, meaning "in fact" or "actually." Something that exists in fact but not as a matter of law.

Latin, meaning "in law." Something that exists by operation of law.

Latin, meaning "anew." A trial de novo is a completely new trial. Appellate review de novo implies no deference to the trial judge's ruling.

A person who has filed a petition for relief under the Bankruptcy Code.

A debtor's detailed description of how the debtor proposes to pay creditors' claims over a fixed period of time.

A judge's statement about someone's rights. For example, a plaintiff may seek a declaratory judgment that a particular statute, as written, violates some constitutional right.

A judgment awarding a plaintiff the relief sought in the complaint because the defendant has failed to appear in court or otherwise respond to the complaint.

An individual (or business) against whom a lawsuit is filed.

In a civil case, the person or organization against whom the plaintiff brings suit; in a criminal case, the person accused of the crime.

An oral statement made before an officer authorized by law to administer oaths. Such statements are often taken to examine potential witnesses, to obtain discovery, or to be used later in trial. See discovery.

A release of a debtor from personal liability for certain dischargeable debts. Notable exceptions to dischargeability are taxes and student loans. A discharge releases a debtor from personal liability for certain debts known as dischargeable debts and prevents the creditors owed those debts from taking any action against the debtor or the debtor's property to collect the debts. The discharge also prohibits creditors from communicating with the debtor regarding the debt, including through telephone calls, letters, and personal contact.

A debt for which the Bankruptcy Code allows the debtor's personal liability to be eliminated.

A written document prepared by the chapter 11 debtor or other plan proponent that is designed to provide "adequate information" to creditors to enable them to evaluate the chapter 11 plan of reorganization.

Procedures used to obtain disclosure of evidence before trial.

Court action that prevents an identical lawsuit from being filed later.

Court action that allows the later filing.

Income not reasonably necessary for the maintenance or support of the debtor or dependents. If the debtor operates a business, disposable income is defined as those amounts over and above what is necessary for the payment of ordinary operating expenses.

A log containing the complete history of each case in the form of brief chronological entries summarizing the court proceedings.

In criminal law, the constitutional guarantee that a defendant will receive a fair and impartial trial. In civil law, the legal rights of someone who confronts an adverse action threatening liberty or property.

French, meaning "on the bench." All judges of an appellate court sitting together to hear a case, as opposed to the routine disposition by panels of three judges. In the Ninth Circuit, an en banc panel consists of 11 randomly selected judges.

Pertaining to civil suits in "equity" rather than in "law." In English legal history, the courts of "law" could order the payment of damages and could afford no other remedy (see damages). A separate court of "equity" could order someone to do something or to cease to do something (e.g., injunction). In American jurisprudence, the federal courts have both legal and equitable power, but the distinction is still an important one. For example, a trial by jury is normally available in "law" cases but not in "equity" cases.

The value of a debtor's interest in property that remains after liens and other creditors' interests are considered. (Example: If a house valued at $60,000 is subject to a $30,000 mortgage, there is $30,000 of equity.)

Information presented in testimony or in documents that is used to persuade the fact finder (judge or jury) to decide the case in favor of one side or the other.

A proceeding brought before a court by one party only, without notice to or challenge by the other side.

Doctrine that says evidence obtained in violation of a criminal defendant's constitutional or statutory rights is not admissible at trial.

Evidence indicating that a defendant did not commit the crime.

Contracts or leases under which both parties to the agreement have duties remaining to be performed. If a contract or lease is executory, a debtor may assume it (keep the contract) or reject it (terminate the contract).

Property that a debtor is allowed to retain, free from the claims of creditors who do not have liens on the property.

Certain property owned by an individual debtor that the Bankruptcy Code or applicable state law permits the debtor to keep from unsecured creditors. For example, in some states the debtor may be able to exempt all or a portion of the equity in the debtor's primary residence (homestead exemption), or some or all "tools of the trade" used by the debtor to make a living (i.e., auto tools for an auto mechanic or dental tools for a dentist). The availability and amount of property the debtor may exempt depends on the state the debtor lives in.

A bankruptcy case filed either without schedules or with incomplete schedules listing few creditors and debts. (Face sheet filings are often made for the purpose of delaying an eviction or foreclosure

An individual, individual and spouse, corporation, or partnership engaged in a farming operation that meets certain debt limits and other statutory criteria for filing a petition under Chapter 12.

An attorney employed by the federal courts on a full-time basis to provide legal defense to defendants who are unable to afford counsel. The judiciary administers the federal defender program pursuant to the Criminal Justice Act.

As provided for in the Criminal Justice Act, an organization established within a federal judicial circuit to represent criminal defendants who cannot afford an adequate defense. Each organization is supervised by a federal public defender appointed by the court of appeals for the circuit.

Jurisdiction given to federal courts in cases involving the interpretation and application of the U.S. Constitution, acts of Congress, and treaties.

A serious crime, usually punishable by at least one year in prison.

To place a paper in the official custody of the clerk of court to enter into the files or records of a case.

A transfer of a debtor's property made with intent to defraud or for which the debtor receives less than the transferred property's value.

The characterization of a debtor's status after bankruptcy, i.e., free of most debts. (Giving debtors a fresh start is one purpose of the Bankruptcy Code.)

A body of 16-23 citizens who listen to evidence of criminal allegations, which is presented by the prosecutors, and determine whether there is probable cause to believe an individual committed an offense. See also indictment and U.S. attorney.

Latin, meaning "you have the body." A writ of habeas corpus generally is a judicial order forcing law enforcement authorities to produce a prisoner they are holding, and to justify the prisoner's continued confinement. Federal judges receive petitions for a writ of habeas corpus from state prison inmates who say their state prosecutions violated federally protected rights in some way.

Evidence presented by a witness who did not see or hear the incident in question but heard about it from someone else. With some exceptions, hearsay generally is not admissible as evidence at trial

A special condition the court imposes that requires an individual to remain at home except for certain approved activities such as work and medical appointments. Home confinement may include the use of electronic monitoring equipment – a transmitter attached to the wrist or the ankle – to help ensure that the person stays at home as required.

1. The process of calling a witness's testimony into doubt. For example, if the attorney can show that the witness may have fabricated portions of his testimony, the witness is said to be "impeached;" 2. The constitutional process whereby the House of Representatives may "impeach" (accuse of misconduct) high officers of the federal government, who are then tried by the Senate.

Latin, meaning in a judge's chambers. Often means outside the presence of a jury and the public. In private.

"In the manner of a pauper." Permission given by the court to a person to file a case without payment of the required court fees because the person cannot pay them.

Evidence indicating that a defendant did commit the crime.

The formal charge issued by a grand jury stating that there is enough evidence that the defendant committed the crime to justify having a trial; it is used primarily for felonies. See also information.

A formal accusation by a government attorney that the defendant committed a misdemeanor. See also indictment.

A court order preventing one or more named parties from taking some action. A preliminary injunction often is issued to allow fact-finding, so a judge can determine whether a permanent injunction is justified.

A director, officer, or person in control of the debtor; a partnership in which the debtor is a general partner; a general partner of the debtor; or a relative of a general partner, director, officer, or person in control of the debtor.

Any relative of the debtor or of a general partner of the debtor; partnership in which the debtor is a general partner; general partner of the debtor; or corporation of which the debtor is a director, officer, or person in control.

A form of discovery consisting of written questions to be answered in writing and under oath.

1. The disputed point between parties in a lawsuit; 2. To send out officially, as in a court issuing an order.

A court-approved mechanism under which two or more cases can be administered together. (Assuming no conflicts of interest, these separate businesses or individuals can pool their resources, hire the same professionals, etc.)

One bankruptcy petition filed by a husband and wife together.

An official of the Judicial branch with authority to decide lawsuits brought before courts. Used generically, the term judge may also refer to all judicial officers, including Supreme Court justices.

The position of judge. By statute, Congress authorizes the number of judgeships for each district and appellate court.

The official decision of a court finally resolving the dispute between the parties to the lawsuit.

The policy-making entity for the federal court system. A 27-judge body whose presiding officer is the Chief Justice of the United States.

The legal authority of a court to hear and decide a certain type of case. It also is used as a synonym for venue, meaning the geographic area over which the court has territorial jurisdiction to decide cases.

The study of law and the structure of the legal system

The group of persons selected to hear the evidence in a trial and render a verdict on matters of fact. See also grand jury.

A judge's directions to the jury before it begins deliberations regarding the factual questions it must answer and the legal rules that it must apply.

A legal action started by a plaintiff against a defendant based on a complaint that the defendant failed to perform a legal duty which resulted in harm to the plaintiff.

A charge on specific property that is designed to secure payment of a debt or performance of an obligation. A debtor may still be responsible for a lien after a discharge.

A creditor's claim for a fixed amount of money.

The sale of a debtor's property with the proceeds to be used for the benefit of creditors.

A case, controversy, or lawsuit. Participants (plaintiffs and defendants) in lawsuits are called litigants.

A judicial officer of a district court who conducts initial proceedings in criminal cases, decides criminal misdemeanor cases, conducts many pretrial civil and criminal matters on behalf of district judges, and decides civil cases with the consent of the parties.

Section 707(b)(2) of the Bankruptcy Code applies a "means test" to determine whether an individual debtor's chapter 7 filing is presumed to be an abuse of the Bankruptcy Code requiring dismissal or conversion of the case (generally to chapter 13). Abuse is presumed if the debtor's aggregate current monthly income (see definition above) over 5 years, net of certain statutorily allowed expenses is more than (i) $10,000, or (ii) 25% of the debtor's nonpriority unsecured debt, as long as that amount is at least $6,000. The debtor may rebut a presumption of abuse only by a showing of special circumstances that justify additional expenses or adjustments of current monthly income.

Special condition the court imposes to require an individual to undergo evaluation and treatment for a mental disorder. Treatment may include psychiatric, psychological, and sex offense-specific evaluations, inpatient or outpatient counseling, and medication.

An offense punishable by one year of imprisonment or less. See also felony.

An invalid trial, caused by fundamental error. When a mistrial is declared, the trial must start again with the selection of a new jury.

Not subject to a court ruling because the controversy has not actually arisen, or has ended

A request by a litigant to a judge for a decision on an issue relating to the case.

A pretrial motion requesting the court to prohibit the other side from presenting, or even referring to, evidence on matters said to be so highly prejudicial that no steps taken by the judge can prevent the jury from being unduly influenced.

A request by a creditor to allow the creditor to take action against the debtor or the debtor's property that would otherwise be prohibited by the automatic stay.

A Chapter 7 case in which there are no assets available to satisfy any portion of the creditors' unsecured claims.

No contest. A plea of nolo contendere has the same effect as a plea of guilty, as far as the criminal sentence is concerned, but may not be considered as an admission of guilt for any other purpose.

A debt that cannot be eliminated in bankruptcy. Examples include a home mortgage, debts for alimony or child support, certain taxes, debts for most government funded or guaranteed educational loans or benefit overpayments, debts arising from death or personal injury caused by driving while intoxicated or under the influence of drugs, and debts for restitution or a criminal fine included in a sentence on the debtor's conviction of a crime. Some debts, such as debts for money or property obtained by false pretenses and debts for fraud or defalcation while acting in a fiduciary capacity may be declared nondischargeable only if a creditor timely files and prevails in a nondischargeability action.

Property of a debtor that can be liquidated to satisfy claims of creditors.

A trustee's or creditor's objection to the debtor being released from personal liability for certain dischargeable debts. Common reasons include allegations that the debt to be discharged was incurred by false pretenses or that debt arose because of the debtor's fraud while acting as a fiduciary.

A trustee's or creditor's objection to the debtor's attempt to claim certain property as exempt from liquidation by the trustee to creditors.

A judge's written explanation of the decision of the court. Because a case may be heard by three or more judges in the court of appeals, the opinion in appellate decisions can take several forms. If all the judges completely agree on the result, one judge will write the opinion for all. If all the judges do not agree, the formal decision will be based upon the view of the majority, and one member of the majority will write the opinion. The judges who did not agree with the majority may write separately in dissenting or concurring opinions to present their views. A dissenting opinion disagrees with the majority opinion because of the reasoning and/or the principles of law the majority used to decide the case. A concurring opinion agrees with the decision of the majority opinion, but offers further comment or clarification or even an entirely different reason for reaching the same result. Only the majority opinion can serve as binding precedent in future cases. See also precedent.

An opportunity for lawyers to summarize their position before the court and also to answer the judges' questions.

1. In appellate cases, a group of judges (usually three) assigned to decide the case; 2. In the jury selection process, the group of potential jurors; 3. The list of attorneys who are both available and qualified to serve as court-appointed counsel for criminal defendants who cannot afford their own counsel.

The release of a prison inmate – granted by the U.S. Parole Commission – after the inmate has completed part of his or her sentence in a federal prison. When the parolee is released to the community, he or she is placed under the supervision of a U.S. probation officer.

The Sentencing Reform Act of 1984 abolished parole in favor of a determinate sentencing system in which the sentence is set by sentencing guidelines. Now, without the option of parole, the term of imprisonment the court imposes is the actual time the person spends in prison.

A party who has standing to be heard by the court in a matter to be decided in the bankruptcy case. The debtor, U.S. trustee or bankruptcy administrator, case trustee, and creditors are parties in interest for most matters.

Latin, meaning "for the court." In appellate courts, often refers to an unsigned opinion.

A district court may grant each side in a civil or criminal trial the right to exclude a certain number of prospective jurors without cause or giving a reason.

A group of citizens who hear the evidence presented by both sides at trial and determine the facts in dispute. Federal criminal juries consist of 12 persons. Federal civil juries consist of at least six persons.

The document that initiates the filing of a bankruptcy proceeding, setting forth basic information regarding the debtor, including name, address, chapter under which the case is filed, and estimated amount of assets and liabilities.

A business not authorized to practice law that prepares bankruptcy petitions.

A federal misdemeanor punishable by six months or less in prison.

A person or business that files a formal complaint with the court.

In a criminal case, the defendant's statement pleading "guilty" or "not guilty" in answer to the charges. See also nolo contendere.

Written statements filed with the court that describe a party's legal or factual assertions about the case.

A transfer of the debtor's property made after the commencement of the case.

The arrangement (or rearrangement) of a debtor's property to allow the debtor to take maximum advantage of exemptions. (Prebankruptcy planning typically includes converting nonexempt assets into exempt assets.)

A court decision in an earlier case with facts and legal issues similar to a dispute currently before a court. Judges will generally "follow precedent" - meaning that they use the principles established in earlier cases to decide new cases that have similar facts and raise similar legal issues. A judge will disregard precedent if a party can show that the earlier case was wrongly decided, or that it differed in some significant way from the current case.

A debt payment made to a creditor in the 90-day period before a debtor files bankruptcy (or within one year if the creditor was an insider) that gives the creditor more than the creditor would receive in the debtor's chapter 7 case.

A report prepared by a court's probation officer, after a person has been convicted of an offense, summarizing for the court the background information needed to determine the appropriate sentence.

A meeting of the judge and lawyers to plan the trial, to discuss which matters should be presented to the jury, to review proposed evidence and witnesses, and to set a trial schedule. Typically, the judge and the parties also discuss the possibility of settlement of the case.

A function of the federal courts that takes place at the very start of the criminal justice process – after a person has been arrested and charged with a federal crime and before he or she goes to trial. Pretrial services officers focus on investigating the backgrounds of these persons to help the court determine whether to release or detain them while they await trial. The decision is based on whether these individuals are likely to flee or pose a threat to the community. If the court orders release, a pretrial services officer supervises the person in the community until he or she returns to court.

The Bankruptcy Code's statutory ranking of unsecured claims that determines the order in which unsecured claims will be paid if there is not enough money to pay all unsecured claims in full.

An unsecured claim that is entitled to be paid ahead of other unsecured claims that are not entitled to priority status. Priority refers to the order in which these unsecured claims are to be paid.

A slang expression sometimes used to refer to a pro se litigant. It is a corruption of the Latin phrase "in propria persona."

Representing oneself. Serving as one's own lawyer.

Sentencing option in the federal courts. With probation, instead of sending an individual to prison, the court releases the person to the community and orders him or her to complete a period of supervision monitored by a U.S. probation officer and to abide by certain conditions.

Officers of the probation office of a court. Probation officer duties include conducting presentence investigations, preparing presentence reports on convicted defendants, and supervising released defendants.

The rules for conducting a lawsuit; there are rules of civil procedure, criminal procedure, evidence, bankruptcy, and appellate procedure.

A written statement describing the reason a debtor owes a creditor money, which typically sets forth the amount of money owed. (There is an official form for this purpose.)

All legal or equitable interests of the debtor in property as of the commencement of the case.

To charge someone with a crime. A prosecutor tries a criminal case on behalf of the government

An agreement by a debtor to continue paying a dischargeable debt after the bankruptcy, usually for the purpose of keeping collateral or mortgaged property that would otherwise be subject to repossession.

A written account of the proceedings in a case, including all pleadings, evidence, and exhibits submitted in the course of the case.

A procedure in a Chapter 7 case whereby a debtor removes a secured creditor's lien on collateral by paying the creditor the value of the property. The debtor may then retain the property.

The act of a court setting aside the decision of a lower court. A reversal is often accompanied by a remand to the lower court for further proceedings.

A penalty or other type of enforcement used to bring about compliance with the law or with rules and regulations.

Lists submitted by the debtor along with the petition (or shortly thereafter) showing the debtor's assets, liabilities, and other financial information. (There are official forms a debtor must use.)

A secured creditor is an individual or business that holds a claim against the debtor that is secured by a lien on property of the estate. The property subject to the lien is the secured creditor's collateral.

Debt backed by a mortgage, pledge of collateral, or other lien; debt for which the creditor has the right to pursue specific pledged property upon default. Examples include home mortgages, auto loans and tax liens.

A federal judge who, after attaining the requisite age and length of judicial experience, takes senior status, thus creating a vacancy among a court's active judges. A senior judge retains the judicial office and may cut back his or her workload by as much as 75 percent, but many opt to keep a larger caseload.

The punishment ordered by a court for a defendant convicted of a crime.

A set of rules and principles established by the United States Sentencing Commission that trial judges use to determine the sentence for a convicted defendant.

To separate. Sometimes juries are sequestered from outside influences during their deliberations.

The delivery of writs or summonses to the appropriate party.

Parties to a lawsuit resolve their dispute without having a trial. Settlements often involve the payment of compensation by one party in at least partial satisfaction of the other party's claims, but usually do not include the admission of fault.

A special type of chapter 11 case in which there is no creditors' committee (or the creditors' committee is deemed inactive by the court) and in which the debtor is subject to more oversight by the U.S. trustee than other chapter 11 debtors. The Bankruptcy Code contains certain provisions designed to reduce the time a small business debtor is in bankruptcy.

Degree of proof required. In criminal cases, prosecutors must prove a defendant's guilt "beyond a reasonable doubt." The majority of civil lawsuits require proof "by a preponderance of the evidence" (50 percent plus), but in some the standard is higher and requires "clear and convincing" proof.

A series of questions the debtor must answer in writing concerning sources of income, transfers of property, lawsuits by creditors, etc. (There is an official form a debtor must use.)

A declaration made by a chapter 7 debtor concerning plans for dealing with consumer debts that are secured by property of the estate.

A law passed by a legislature.

The time within which a lawsuit must be filed or a criminal prosecution begun. The deadline can vary, depending on the type of civil case or the crime charged.

Latin, meaning "of its own will." Often refers to a court taking an action in a case without being asked to do so by either side.

The act or process by which a person's rights or claims are ranked below those of others.

A command, issued under a court's authority, to a witness to appear and give testimony.

A command to a witness to appear and produce documents.

Akin to a preliminary injunction, it is a judge's short-term order forbidding certain actions until a full hearing can be conducted. Often referred to as a TRO.

Evidence presented orally by witnesses during trials or before grand juries.

See statute of limitations.

A civil, not criminal, wrong. A negligent or intentional injury against a person or property, with the exception of breach of contract.

A written, word-for-word record of what was said, either in a proceeding such as a trial, or during some other formal conversation, such as a hearing or oral deposition

Any mode or means by which a debtor disposes of or parts with his/her property.

The representative of the bankruptcy estate who exercises statutory powers, principally for the benefit of the unsecured creditors, under the general supervision of the court and the direct supervision of the U.S. trustee or bankruptcy administrator. The trustee is a private individual or corporation appointed in all chapter 7, chapter 12, and chapter 13 cases and some chapter 11 cases. The trustee's responsibilities include reviewing the debtor's petition and schedules and bringing actions against creditors or the debtor to recover property of the bankruptcy estate. In chapter 7, the trustee liquidates property of the estate, and makes distributions to creditors. Trustees in chapter 12 and 13 have similar duties to a chapter 7 trustee and the additional responsibilities of overseeing the debtor's plan, receiving payments from debtors, and disbursing plan payments to creditors.

A lawyer appointed by the President in each judicial district to prosecute and defend cases for the federal government. The U.S. Attorney employs a staff of Assistant U.S. Attorneys who appear as the government's attorneys in individual cases.

An officer of the U.S. Department of Justice responsible for supervising the administration of bankruptcy cases, estates, and trustees; monitoring plans and disclosure statements; monitoring creditors' committees; monitoring fee applications; and performing other statutory duties.

A debt secured by property that is worth less than the amount of the debt.

The most widely used test for evaluating undue hardship in the dischargeability of a student loan includes three conditions: (1) the debtor cannot maintain – based on current income and expenses – a minimal standard of living if forced to repay the loans; (2) there are indications that the state of affairs is likely to persist for a significant portion of the repayment period; and (3) the debtor made good faith efforts to repay the loans.

A lawsuit brought by a landlord against a tenant to evict the tenant from rental property – usually for nonpayment of rent.

A claim for which a specific value has not been determined.

A debt that should have been listed by the debtor in the schedules filed with the court but was not. (Depending on the circumstances, an unscheduled debt may or may not be discharged.)

A claim or debt for which a creditor holds no special assurance of payment, such as a mortgage or lien; a debt for which credit was extended based solely upon the creditor's assessment of the debtor's future ability to pay.

The appellate court agrees with the lower court decision and allows it to stand. See affirmed.

The geographic area in which a court has jurisdiction. A change of venue is a change or transfer of a case from one judicial district to another.

The decision of a trial jury or a judge that determines the guilt or innocence of a criminal defendant, or that determines the final outcome of a civil case.

Jury selection process of questioning prospective jurors, to ascertain their qualifications and determine any basis for challenge.

A transfer of a debtor's property with the debtor's consent.

A nonbankruptcy legal proceeding whereby a plaintiff or creditor seeks to subject to his or her claim the future wages of a debtor. In other words, the creditor seeks to have part of the debtor's future wages paid to the creditor for a debt owed to the creditor.

Court authorization, most often for law enforcement officers, to conduct a search or make an arrest.

A person called upon by either side in a lawsuit to give testimony before the court or jury.

A written court order directing a person to take, or refrain from taking, a certain act.

An order issued by the U.S. Supreme Court directing the lower court to transmit records for a case which it will hear on appeal.

• Cambridge Dictionary +Plus

Meaning of visit in English

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• I want to buy a little something to give to Val when I visit her in the hospital .
• There are several places of interest to visit in the area .
• I've never been to Kenya, but I hope to visit it next year .
• I have clear memories of visiting my grandfather's farm as a child .
• He picked up malaria when he was visiting the country on business .
• beard the lion (in his/her den) idiom
• call (in) on someone
• happen along/by (somewhere)
• on your rounds idiom
• state visit
• stomping ground

You can also find related words, phrases, and synonyms in the topics:

Phrasal verbs

• They received a visit from the police .
• My uncle paid us a surprise visit yesterday .
• He gave a talk about his visit to America .
• The schedule for our trip to Paris includes visits to Notre Dame , the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre.
• The president's official visit marks the start of a more relaxed relationship between the two countries .

visit | Intermediate English

Examples of visit, collocations with visit.

These are words often used in combination with visit .

Click on a collocation to see more examples of it.

Translations of visit

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Word of the Day

call centre

a large office in which a company's employees provide information to its customers, or sell or advertise its goods or services, by phone

Varied and diverse (Talking about differences, Part 1)

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Definition of visit noun from the Oxford Advanced American Dictionary

Take your English to the next level

The Oxford Learner’s Thesaurus explains the difference between groups of similar words. Try it for free as part of the Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary app

Simple English definitions for legal terms

right of visit

Read a random definition: Computer Software Protection Act of 1984

A quick definition of right of visit:

Right of visit: The right of a country to stop and examine ships on the high seas to determine if they are carrying goods that could be captured. This includes the right to search a neutral ship during times of war to ensure it is not carrying goods that could aid the enemy. However, this right does not give the country the authority to destroy the ship without proper examination , unless the crew actively resists. This is also known as the right of search or right of visit and search .

A more thorough explanation:

Definition: The right of visit, also known as the right of search , is a legal concept in international law that allows a belligerent state to stop, visit, and examine vessels on the high seas to determine whether they or the goods they carry are liable to capture under the international law of naval warfare. This right does not include the right to destroy a vessel without a full examination , unless those on board actively resist.

Example: During a war, a navy ship from one country may stop and search a merchant ship from a neutral country to ensure that it is not carrying any goods that could aid the enemy. If the navy ship finds any such goods, it may seize them and detain the ship until the end of the war.

Explanation: The example illustrates how the right of visit or search is used in international law during times of war. It allows belligerent states to prevent neutral countries from aiding their enemies by transporting goods that could be used for military purposes. The right of visit or search is an important tool for maintaining the safety and security of a country during times of conflict.

right of transit passage | right of visit and search

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• Health and social care
• Public health

Government to legally make visiting a part of care

People in care homes and hospitals will be able to have visitors in all circumstances under law amendment.

• Government announces proposed legislation on visiting in health and care settings
• New regulations will make visiting a legal requirement for hospitals, care homes, mental health units and other health and care settings
• Care regulator will have new powers to make sure providers are allowing families to visit loved ones

People in care homes and hospitals will be able to have visitors in all circumstances, thanks to the government’s plans to bring forward new legislation.

Health and care settings should be allowing visits, according to the guidance from the government and NHS England currently in place, but there are reported cases where visiting access is being unfairly denied.

As a result, the government is seeking views from patients, care home residents, their families, professionals and providers on the introduction of secondary legislation on visiting restrictions.

The new legislation will strengthen rules around visiting, providing the Care Quality Commission ( CQC ) with a clearer basis for identifying where hospitals and care homes are not meeting the required standard.

The government recognises the contribution that visiting makes to the wellbeing and care of patients attending hospitals, and residents of care homes, as well as the emotional wellbeing of their families and so is seeking views on what the new rules will look like.

For health settings, regulations will be reviewed in both inpatient and outpatient settings, emergency departments and diagnostic services in hospitals, to allow patients to be accompanied by someone to appointments.

Minister for Care, Helen Whately said:

I know how important visiting is for someone in hospital or living in a care home, and for their families. I know from my own experience too - I know what it feels like to be told you can’t see your mum in hospital. That’s why I’m so determined to make sure we change the law on visiting. Many care homes and hospitals have made huge progress on visiting and recognising carers since the pandemic. But I don’t want anyone to have to worry about visiting any more, or to face unnecessary restrictions or even bans. I have listened to campaigners who have been so courageous in telling their stories. I encourage everyone who cares about visiting to take this opportunity to have your say on our plans to legislate for visiting.

Minister of Health, Will Quince said:

Most hospitals and care homes facilitate visiting in line with guidance, but we still hear about settings that aren’t letting friends and families visit loved ones who are receiving treatment or care. We want everyone to have peace of mind that they won’t face unfair restrictions like this, so we want to make it easier for the CQC to identify when disproportionate restrictions and bans are put in place and strengthen the rules around visiting. It’s important that people feedback on the consultation, we want to make sure the legislation is right for everyone. If you’ve experienced unjust visiting bans, please share your experience.

Challenges around visiting were exacerbated during the COVID pandemic, with many health and care settings restricting and banning visits to stop the spread of the virus, ease pressure on the NHS and reduce the risk of transmission. Since restrictions were eased and there was a return to normality, many health and care settings have made efforts to return to pre-pandemic visiting. There are however still instances where, families and friends continue to face issues with visiting across the health and care sector.

The CQC does currently have powers to clamp down on unethical visiting restrictions, but the expected standard of visiting is not specifically outlined in regulations. Current guidance from government and the NHS is clear that all care homes and hospitals in England respectively are expected to facilitate visits in a risk-managed way, such as through the use of face coverings in the event of an outbreak or in the reduction of the number of visitors at one time.

Patricia Mecinska, Assistant Director of Patient Experience at King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust said:

At King’s, our teams recognise the invaluable contribution that friends, carers and loved ones make to the patients under our care, including supporting us to provide care that’s respectful of our patients’ needs, so enabling them to make a positive recovery. Plans to involve care supporters in a more formalised way will be welcomed by many patients and will aid us in delivering our vision of providing outstanding care to patients and communities.

The hospital visiting guidance also includes an expectation that patients can be accompanied to hospital appointments when needed.

With the new legislation, the CQC  will be able to enforce the standards by issuing requirement or warning notices, imposing conditions, suspending a registration or cancelling a registration.

Background information

See the visiting in care homes, hospitals and hospices consultation .

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Social Security Matters

Social security to expand access to ssi program by updating definition of a public assistance household.

May 9, 2024 • By Jeffrey Buckner, Acting Deputy Commissioner for Communications

Last Updated: May 9, 2024

Under the final rule, beginning September 30, 2024, the agency will expand the definition of a public assistance household to include households receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) payments and households where not all members receive public assistance. The expanded definition will allow more people to qualify for SSI, increase some SSI recipients’ payment amounts, and reduce reporting burdens for individuals living in public assistance households.

The revised rule also changes the definition of a public assistance household when determining who in a household receives public assistance. The new rule defines a public assistance household as one that has both an SSI applicant or recipient, and at least one other household member who receives one or more of the listed means-tested public income-maintenance (PIM) payments (the any other definition). The previous policy required all household members to receive public assistance. This change benefits SSI recipients living in households where only some members receive public assistance.

“I’m committed to making systemic changes to help people access the critical benefits they need, including SSI,” said Martin O’Malley, Commissioner of Social Security.

“By simplifying our policies and including an additional program geared towards low-income families, such as the SNAP, we are removing significant barriers to accessing SSI. These changes promote greater equity in our programs.”

SNAP is the first PIM benefit added to the agency’s public assistance household definition since it was established in 1980. This change helps ensure the agency’s policies better represent the current landscape of means-tested programs in the United States.

These changes are key because, if an applicant or recipient is determined to be living in a public assistance household, the agency assumes they are not receiving assistance from other household members that would otherwise be counted as income. This will allow more people to qualify for SSI and in some cases, receive a higher SSI payment.

This regulation update is one of several that Social Security is publishing to improve the SSI program. The agency recently announced it will exclude the value of food from SSI benefit calculations. (Read Our Blog .) The agency also recently announced it will expand its rental subsidy exception, currently only in place for SSI applicants and recipients residing in seven States, as a nationwide policy. (Read Our Blog .)

Social Security continuously examines programmatic policy and makes regulatory and sub-regulatory changes as appropriate.

For more information on the SSI program, including who is eligible and how to apply, visit Supplemental Security Income (SSI) .

To read the final rule “Expand the Definition of a Public Assistance Household,” visit Federal Register: Expand the Definition of a Public Assistance Household .

Did you find this Information helpful?

Tags: Disability , General Information , SSI , supplemental security income

About the Author

Jeffrey Buckner, Acting Deputy Commissioner for Communications

Related articles, social security to expand ssi rental subsidy policy – agency continues to remove barriers to accessing ssi payments, social security to remove barriers to accessing ssi payments , social security publishes proposed rule for payroll information exchange to reduce improper payments, why it’s important to tell us about your financial accounts.

May 13, 2024 9:14AM

In 2015, Norfolk VA. Biased judge denied Over whelming Medical evidence because of Criminal conviction, Ignoring work History and eligibility Credits. With heavily prejudice Statement of keep Reading You’ll See him for what He is-Con-Man. Federal Courts, and local Lawyer’s,No justice.Sentenced to life of Poverty- SSI

May 9, 2024 6:12PM

I’m writing this email because I have very serious concerns about my recent denial for disability, concerning a misinformation case stating back to 12/31/2006. The decision was based on the lack of medical records and the severity of my symptoms going back to my last insured date. The reason there is no medical records is because of the delay in getting this case reopened, and y’all realizing a mistake had been made. Medical facilities are only required to keep records 10 years, had this case been handled properly without misinformation this would not been an issuea Because the records were there to prove it or I could have been sent to a medical professional of y’all’s choosing to prove my disabilities and the severity. There was mention of a long period of time without medical care which is a false statement considering there is medical records from seven doctors that are missing from that time frame, Dr Early, Dr Rop ,Dr zortea, Dr McElhaney ,Dr Wood, Dr Fleming and Dr Dickerson. So I ask you how am I supposed to get a fair hearing? I didn’t go to all these doctors just for the fun of it. I’m also asking why am I being punished for y’all’s mistakes? Do y’all think I’m just making up these symptoms? Trust me I’d much rather be working, I can make a whole lot more than what little bit I’m going to get for my disability. I expect someone to call me about this and explain to me how this can happen. Y’all use the rule of law to deny people but what’s the rule of law say about giving people misinformation? This case should have been approved with special consideration that y’all dropped the ball and made the mistake. I recently called the appeals council and they said it can take up to 18 months have I not suffered enough have y’all not punished me enough for y’all this mistakes “this is a formal request” for an email list of the top executives including commissioner O’Malley’s email so I can contact them personally and make them aware of this situation I’m tired of being a victim of the SSA

May 10, 2024 1:04PM

I am Suzanne Tayon. I get SSA, that’s it. The people who have the way and yes more food, rent, electric and rent. I don’t have any money (SSA). I pay my bills and when I pay up to them, it doesn’t happen. I believe all in accounts. Thank you.

May 10, 2024 1:14PM

I’m on the HUD house. It’s been a year and nothing. I finally know that I’m 64 sick, and the people helping me should let them get help. I finally show I’m 15 when on, the list.

May 11, 2024 9:02AM

Warch out for the judge too cause the judge who did mine said mental n physical could be fixed my spine is deterating n he said mental could be fixed

May 11, 2024 10:51PM

Go Get you a Lawyer And Get your Check Stared That’s what i did and i have been on SSI ever since 2003 Trust me It took me 3 months before i was approve but first i was turned down by Bailtmore MD

May 9, 2024 6:05PM

Please clarify what this new policy means. What income limits does this rule set for persons older than 65? What percentage of the poverty level? Is there a chart for household size and income? How are retirement Social Security benefits considered in calculating the income? More specific information would help before putting this out on social media. Does this mean that any age 65+ person getting retirement Social Security and no other income and below the SNAP eligibility ceiling can apply and get SSI? What are the asset limits? Does this also mean that any time people do part time, temporary work, they can lose the SSI benefit and then have to reapply when the job ends? Also, is this administered by the Social Security administration directly or by the state’s department of social services, since SNAP is administered by states and not directly by the federal government.

May 9, 2024 2:28PM

Social Security already says it will run out of funding in 2034, so you find ways to cheat folks who have paid into the system by giving money to those that have never paid into the system. Incredible! Why don’t you send all 8 billion people checks, too! Then you could hire more bureaucrats who will always vote for bigger Government! It is only charity when you give away YOUR money, it is thievery when you give away own money.

May 9, 2024 2:35PM

Very well said, John L! Very well said. It is all about socializing us and destroying us.

May 9, 2024 7:16PM

Agreed…. What bullcrap!

May 10, 2024 6:23AM

May 11, 2024 2:40AM

My sister paid into the system for years and has been denied disability and SSI. Just because someone is low income doesn’t mean they’ve never paid into the system. Some folks don’t qualify for SSDI for whatever reason and need SSI. Just because someone doesn’t have Social Security Disability doesn’t mean they’re some drain on the economy just because they aren’t currently working. My sister has a brain injury and can’t even cook without supervision. She used to be a diesel mechanic and was going to college, singing opera in eleven languages, and working to become a music therapist. While working three jobs. Now she cannot even work one job and was denied disability because she kept a blog about her brain injury and the judge figured if she could write a blog she could work. She’d love to. So if she is allowed to get SSI based on these new rules she’s a thief? Tell me you’re stuck up and privileged without telling me you’re stuck up and privileged.

May 11, 2024 8:00PM

OMG! We need desperately to vote these clowns out of office. They are bankrupting all of our services per the Cloward-Piven strategy. They are taking down our oasis from tyranny in the world. I just cannot believe how strident and smug they continue to be. Vote for freedom and liberty from the oppressive state on November fifth!

May 12, 2024 11:51PM

Yes Vote and Vote Blue both locally and nationally. Our Democratic Republic is on the line.. It’s either a Free Democrat Republic or Theocratic Fascist Regime..

May 11, 2024 9:23PM

Well said. I retired five years ago after paying into the system for 40 yrs. I hope I live long enough to collect the amount of social security money that I and my company paid into the system.

May 13, 2024 8:52AM

Totally agree with you John. This is utterly ridiculous!

May 9, 2024 1:46PM

most SNAP benefit folks are way overweight which should be considered, There should be no water, chips and snacks allowed. Weight restrictions should be applied (if you are a woman 5’6″ you only get benefits if you weigh120 or less). Meat, bread, vegetables,fruit, milk and Cheese only.

May 9, 2024 2:30PM

Your definition woukd exclude many anorexic females and is not a healthy guide.

I most certainly agree with you, Karen P!

Christina L.

May 9, 2024 2:52PM

Overweight, or obesity is a disability.

May 9, 2024 5:38PM

This is by far the most ridiculous comment of pure ignorance I have ever heard. I currently am 46 years old with a 10 year old daughter in which we both just got out of a serious domestic relationship I have crippling arthritis along with numerous other health issues iam overweight and get snap I have no family no help from no one no child support and food in general is considered a privilege to us as we don’t get to eat but about two weeks of every month on our snap benefits and that’s buys the cheapest things that will last the longest haha to being able to Afford healthy foods when we can barely survive on romaine noodles and peanut butter and bread all month. Until you have lived my life or walked in my shoes don’t judge me cause on judgment day God ain’t gonna ask you about my sins he is gonna ask you about yours .

Concerned a.

May 9, 2024 5:41PM

Most SNAP RECIPIENTS ARE THE WORKING POOR! And you don’t get to tell people what they can or cannot buy! Water? You have got to be kidding me! When people in some areas of this country plumbing systems are old and that’s not their fault!!! Eating snacks is not a privilege limited to “WELL TO DO (Rich)”.

May 10, 2024 3:34PM

You’re certainly well-named, Karen.

That’s a very privileged and judgmental attitude you have there, with I’m sure ZERO experience of having been working poor.

May 12, 2024 1:09PM

Regardless of how overweight they may be, whi are you to tell somebody that shit, Thank God you don’t have to depend on foodstamp, for having that type of attitude God will strip you of everything you have, just to make an example out of you.

May 9, 2024 1:45PM

I’m a care taker I retired at at 62 receiving lowest amount I feel I’m being punished for working all those years 51 years and having to retire early again worked for 51 years every year started paying taxes at 16 years old and now going on 63 my wife has AML we need financial help and she is getting Disability at Lowest payment amount also received Snap for one month and now they are canceling our SNAP we need help because the cost of everything is sky rocketing I know I sound like I’m crying but I am – is there anyone that can help us .

May 9, 2024 3:38PM

ou do not pay tax until your 18!

May 11, 2024 2:42AM

I started working at 16 in the 90s and I paid taxes on my income. What are you talking about? They took it right out of my paycheck the same way they did after I was 18.

May 12, 2024 11:55PM

I sympathize with your situation. SS they talked big, like they really wants to help.But they don’t. When COVID hit. Nobody wants to work so I had take on extra shifts, I made $23,000. That years. I only allowed to $19,000. Ish but they penalized me $15,000. I’m sorry that happened to you. I wish you nothing but BEST

May 10, 2024 9:09AM

BLAZ. I do not know in what state you guys live, but I believe what I am about to suggest is available in all states.

There are other government and none government assistance programs out there for people in your situation or similar. A big organization that could help is:

http://www.211.org/about-us/your-local-211

If you enter that web address into your web browser, it will take you to a page where you can enter your zip code to find out what agency can help you with your situation.

You can also dial 211 On your cellphone and you will get an operator on the line to whom you can tell your situation and they will provide you with the nearest place to receive the help you need for free.

This is a place where you can receive help with many things such as Health services, Food, help paying for utilities like the electric bill and water bill or telephone, it can also help pay for rent. It all depends on your needs an situation but they can help. Give them a try please.

It is a national service and It is available 24 hours a day 7 days a week. I have use it here in the state of Florida and it was of great help. I hope this helps you and pray God will bless you and guide you all….

May 12, 2024 1:11PM

They only go back 10 years of your work history, it is what it is. I Thank God For that

May 9, 2024 12:46PM

Here is a scenario I know that will now be protected. Guy knocks up chick, she has twin boys. Mom jumps in low income $75 month housing. Doesn’t work, stays home, guy moves in and they don’t get married. Lives basically rent free rest of their life. Oh and the housing gets new carpet, painting, appliances and they have a maintenance person who takes care of any problems at their beckon call. Scam 101.

May 9, 2024 2:37PM

Yep, you nailed it, Cheryl D!

May 12, 2024 12:08AM

You sure know a lot about scamming, Cher.

May 12, 2024 10:27AM

Wow, birth control must be a bad word in that household of the chick who pumped out twins. What’s happened to people! If you can’t take care of yourself, why on earth would a sexually active person not use some protection? Sometimes pregnancies only compound poverty.

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• Press Releases

DHS Announces Proposed Rule and Other Measures to Enhance Security, Streamline Asylum Processing

WASHINGTON – As part of the Biden-Harris Administration’s continued efforts to enhance the security of our border and deliver more timely consequences for those encountered who do not have a legal basis to remain in the United States, today the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), through U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), published a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) that would allow statutory bars to asylum to be applied much earlier in the process. Even though the number of migrants who are subject to these bars is small, this rule would enable DHS to more quickly remove those who are subject to the bars and pose a risk to our national security or public safety.

Federal law bars individuals who pose a national security or public safety risk from asylum and withholding of removal, specifically those who have been convicted of a particularly serious crime, participated in the persecution of others, are inadmissible on national security or terrorism-related grounds, or for whom there are reasonable grounds to deem them a danger to the security of the United States. While anyone who is deemed to pose a public safety threat is taken into custody, the asylum eligibility determination is not currently made until later in the process – at the merits adjudication stage of the asylum and withholding of removal claims. Today’s proposed rule would permit Asylum Officers to consider these bars to asylum and withholding of removal during initial credible fear screening, which happens just days after an individual is encountered. This will allow DHS to expeditiously remove individuals who pose a threat to the United States much sooner than is currently the case, better safeguarding the security of our border and our country.

“The proposed rule we have published today is yet another step in our ongoing efforts to ensure the safety of the American public by more quickly identifying and removing those individuals who present a security risk and have no legal basis to remain here,” said Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas . “We will continue to take action, but fundamentally it is only Congress that can fix what everyone agrees is a broken immigration system.”

Noncitizens who present a national security or public safety risk remain in DHS custody while their cases are referred for full immigration hearings before an immigration judge, a process that can take years and is resource intensive. The proposed rule would allow Asylum Officers to issue denial of claims within days after an individual is encountered when there is evidence that the individual is barred from asylum because of a terrorism, national security, or criminal bar, thereby significantly shortening the overall time between encounter and removal from the United States.

In addition to this proposed rule and in close coordination with vetting and law enforcement partners, DHS is updating its policy and procedures regarding the use of classified information in immigration proceedings. This updated guidance clarifies the circumstances in which classified information should be used in immigration proceedings. Consistent with longstanding practice, DHS will continue to screen and vet individuals prior to their entry to the United States to identify national security or public safety threats and take appropriate action.

The Department also continues enforcing the Circumvention of Lawful Pathways (CLP) rule. This rule incentivizes the use of orderly processes and imposes swifter consequences for those without a legal basis to remain in the United States. Today, USCIS issued revised guidance to Asylum Officers to consider whether an asylum seeker could reasonably relocate to another part of the country of feared persecution when assessing claims of future persecution in all credible fear cases. Internal relocation has always been a part of an analysis of future claims of harm, and this new guidance, consistent with the CLP rule, will ensure early identification and removal of individuals who would ultimately be found ineligible for protection because of their ability to remain safe by relocating elsewhere in the country from which they fled.

The Biden-Harris Administration has already taken numerous actions to address migration challenges in the region and at our border, while overseeing a historic expansion of lawful pathways. These efforts, with partner countries in the region and across the world, have made a significant impact. From May 12, 2023 through May 1, 2024, DHS has removed or returned more than 720,000 individuals, the vast majority of whom crossed the Southwest Border, including more than 109,000 individual family members. That includes removals to 170 countries around the world. Total removals and returns since mid-May 2023 exceed removals and returns in every full fiscal year since 2011. DHS has also significantly expanded the capacity to conduct the credible fear interviews needed to ultimately remove those without a legal basis to stay in the United States.

The Administration again calls on Congress to pass needed reforms and provide DHS the resources and tools it needs to fully implement expedited processing of all individuals encountered at the border. The public is invited to submit comments on the NPRM during the 30-day public comment period from May 13, 2024 to June 12, 2024.

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Here's what legal experts say Stormy Daniels' testimony could mean for Trump

"All it does, in my opinion, is show the jury how weak the case is."

Stormy Daniels' testimony at former president Donald Trump's hush money trial on Tuesday was salacious. The adult film star's allegations -- that she had sex with Trump, and he paid $130,000 to keep her quiet -- are central to prosecutors' claims that he falsified business records to protect his 2016 presidential campaign.

Trump has denied the financial charges in this case and has denied Daniels' claims of a sexual encounter.

The alleged details Daniels shared from the stand were lurid, touching upon everything from the position she said they had sex in, to the underwear she said he wore.

Merchan warned prosecutors and Daniels about going too far in the descriptions of the alleged encounter. "I do think the court instructed the prosecution that there were certain details they couldn't get into," he said.

MORE: What Stormy Daniels said on the stand about her alleged encounter with Donald Trump

Aside from a rogue raised eyebrow, jurors mostly kept straight faces through it all. Trump, on the other hand, was heard "cursing audibly" at one point during testimony, Judge Juan Merchan said during a sidebar, and the defense was denied a motion for a mistrial based on Daniels' testimony.

It's hard to predict what effect Daniels' testimony could have on the case's outcome, and legal experts are divided. Though some think the more prurient details hurt Trump's chances or prevailing, some believe it could have the opposite effect.

Daniels' description of her night with Trump served a crucial purpose for prosecutors, said Chris Timmons, a former prosecutor and ABC News legal contributor.

"Unless jurors can visualize something happening, they're not going to believe or take somebody's word that it actually happened," Timmons said. "Your goal when you try a case is to get the jurors to see a movie of the case in their heads -- it's just ironic, given that [it involves] a porn star."

It wasn't just the alleged intimate details that stand to impact the case -- Daniels' testimony about her conversations with Trump, including him allegedly telling her not to worry about his wife, Melania Trump – could help build the prosecution's case that the hush money payment was made to protect not his family, but his campaign.

"It makes it seem like he wasn't gutted about the way this will affect his marriage or his family -- he doesn't seem like an ordinary, everyday guy hiding an affair," University of Michigan law professor Ekow Yankah told ABC News. "Rather, it seems like they were focused on political damage."

Still, some legal experts think the testimony -- though embarrassing -- could actually help Trump's case. While establishing that a sexual encounter occurred is critical to demonstrating why the alleged hush money payment was made, getting too dirty with the details could serve to alienate jurors and possibly even garner sympathy for Trump.

MORE: Trump trial: Stormy Daniels tells (almost) all about alleged sexual encounter with Trump

"It could hurt [Daniels'] credibility if she offends jurors or they think she's gone too far," Kate Levine, a professor at the Cardozo School of Law, told ABC News. "Another possibility is that the embarrassing nature of the testimony might make the jury feel bad for Trump, in that he has to sit there and have this be splashed around the courtroom, especially if it's clear to the jury this testimony wasn't necessary."

"I probably wouldn't have wanted to elicit so much salacious information from the witness at this moment because I wouldn't want to either damage her credibility or make him seem more sympathetic," Levine added.

Randy Zelin, a professor at Cornell Law School, said it could make prosecutors look like they are "desperate" to "humiliate" Trump.

"All it does, in my opinion, is show the jury how weak the case is," Zelin said.

Merchan has repeatedly admonished prosecutors for eliciting too much detail about the alleged sexual encounter.

In the end, it's only the jurors who can determine what Daniels' testimony will mean for Trump.

"Reading a jury is a really hard thing to do," Yankah said. "I think the DA has to be careful that it doesn't look like they are indulging in some kind of prurient interest -- if the prosecution comes off as sort of just wanting to humiliate him, a jury can be turned off by that."

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North Carolina may join other states in codifying antisemitism definition

North Carolina House Speaker Tim Moore explains his bill that seeks to define antisemitism at a press conference in the Legislative Building in Raleigh, N.C., on Wednesday, May 8, 2024. He said the bill would guide education in the state, in addition to how local prosecutors may evaluate antisemitic incidents. (AP Photo/Makiya Seminera)

Abby Lublin, the executive director of Carolina Jews for Justice, calls on lawmakers to vote no on the SHALOM Act outside of the Legislative Building in Raleigh, N.C., on Wednesday, May 8, 2024. The bill would add the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s definition of antisemitism to state statutes. (AP Photo/Makiya Seminera)

Greensboro Jewish Federation CEO Glenda Bernhardt voices her support for the SHALOM Act at a press conference in the Legislative Building in Raleigh, N.C., on Wednesday, May 8, 2024. She cited a rise in antisemitic incidents as a principal reason why the legislation was needed. (AP Photo/Makiya Seminera)

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RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — A bill seeking to officially define antisemitism in state law swiftly moved through the North Carolina House on Wednesday amid heated nationwide campus protests over the Israel-Hamas War .

A nearly unanimous House passed the SHALOM Act, a week after the U.S. House voted to codify the same antisemitism definition into the Civil Rights Act of 1964. But despite mostly bipartisan support, some groups in North Carolina have voiced concern that the bill could thwart criticism of Israel’s actions in the war.

After clearing the House chamber in one day, the bill awaits approval by the state Senate before going to Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper, who has not said publicly if he’ll sign it. Senate leader Phil Berger, a Republican, said last week he was open to giving the bill a hearing.

The act adopts the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s definition of antisemitism, which is outlined as “a certain perception of Jews, which may be expressed as hatred toward Jews.”

It also includes several examples of antisemitism, such as the denial of Jewish people’s right to self-determination and applying double standards to Israel’s actions. Those examples have been the focus of concerns that the bill could hinder speech critical of Israel.

Aside from guiding education, the IHRA definition could also help law enforcement agencies and local prosecutors determine whether someone should be charged under hate crime laws already on the books, said Republican House Speaker Tim Moore, the primary bill sponsor who is running for Congress this fall. Those laws make it a crime to assault someone or deface property because of race, religion or nationality, and increase punishments for other crimes when committed based on similar types of bias.

Moore told reporters that the measure has been in the works for months since Hamas militants attacked Israel on Oct. 7 , killing about 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and sparking a war that has left more than 34,000 Palestinians dead, according to Gaza health officials.

But he said it’s taken on more urgency since the recent pro-Palestinian protests on North Carolina college campuses — especially at UNC-Chapel Hill — that have led to some violence and dozens of arrests. Moore said comments made by some demonstrators crossed the line and should be deemed as hateful and antisemitic.

“We have to deal with this, we have to be very clear: This will not be tolerated,” Moore said during floor debate in the House, which began its session two weeks ago Wednesday.

The push to define antisemitism in state laws across the country predates the October attacks. Since last year, bills with definitions have been signed into law in Arkansas, Georgia and South Dakota. One was vetoed by Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb , who said he was concerned that people could be punished for criticizing Israel. Holcomb did sign a proclamation condemning antisemitism. Bills have been sent to the governors but not signed in Florida and South Carolina.

Some Jewish organizations joined Moore in expressing support for the measure before the vote.

“Jewish citizens in North Carolina deserve to feel safe and secure in visibly Jewish and public spaces,” said Greensboro Jewish Federation CEO Glenda Bernhardt. “We need a clear and agreed-upon definition of antisemitism so school administrators, law enforcement officers and public officials know how to respond appropriately.”

Bernhardt said there has been an increase in antisemitic incidents in North Carolina recently, including the bullying of Jewish students, harassment of Jewish-owned small businesses and graffiti on a Holocaust memorial in Greensboro.

Democrats in the legislature broadly supported the bill, including Rep. Caleb Rudow, who is Jewish. As someone who has experienced antisemitism himself, he said the act would keep Jewish people safe while still allowing political dissent.

Four Democrats voted against the bill, expressing concern that it could stifle protesters’ speech. They also said they were disappointed lawmakers didn’t pass more expansive hate crimes legislation.

Concerns over the SHALOM Act’s impact on protests were echoed in a news conference held by a multifaith coalition before the vote. Abby Lublin, executive director of Carolina Jews for Justice, said the bill would “do nothing to protect Jewish people.” Instead, Lublin called it a “messaging bill” that lacked the ability to take serious action against antisemitism.

“We take antisemitism seriously, not as a political stunt or as an opportunity to repress liberties,” Lublin said. “It actually needs to be approached seriously with the rigor that it deserves.”

Lela Ali, co-founder of Muslim Women For, a grassroots organization created to advocate for Muslim women in North Carolina, added that the legislation could disproportionately impact Arab and Muslim communities protesting the war in Gaza.

Associated Press writer Geoff Mulvihill in Cherry Hill, New Jersey, contributed to this report.

No, the House didn't pass bill to 'outlaw' the New Testament | Fact check

The claim: House passed bill to outlaw the New Testament

A May 3 Facebook post ( direct link , archive link ) shows a screenshot of a headline that claims federal lawmakers took steps to ban a religious text central to Christianity.

"US Congress House Passes Bill to Outlaw New Testament," the headline reads. Below it is text that reads, "The US House of Representatives passed the Antisemitism Awareness Act, but concerns arise over its potential restriction on the biblical portrayal of Jesus' crucifixion."

The post's caption reads, "Remember, they don't want to you (sic) reading the Bible!"

The post was shared more than 100 times in a week.

More from the Fact-Check Team: How we pick and research claims | Email newsletter | Facebook page

Our rating: False

The bill referenced in the post would not outlaw the New Testament, according to multiple legal experts. Instead, it would require the Department of Education to use a certain definition of antisemitism when it enforces federal anti-discrimination laws on college campuses.

Bill defines antisemitism in federal anti-discrimination law

In early May, the House approved legislation that, if enacted, would expand the definition of antisemitism that the Department of Education uses when it investigates discrimination against Jews on college campuses. It passed with some bipartisan support amid a wave of protests on college campuses over Israel's war in Gaza. The bill's fate in the Senate is uncertain, the Associated Press reported.

The legislation, called the Antisemitism Awareness Act , would apply the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance 's definition of antisemitism to Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 , which prohibits discrimination based on "race, color and national origin in programs and activities receiving federal financial assistance." That includes all colleges and universities that receive federal funds.

In a post on X , formerly Twitter, Florida Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene said before the vote she wouldn't support the legislation, claiming it "could convict Christians of antisemitism for believing the Gospel that Jesus was handed over to Herod to be crucified by the Jews." Similarly, Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz said in an X post that “the Gospel itself would meet the definition of antisemitism under the terms of the bill.”

Fact check : House condemned pro-Palestinian slogan in resolution, did not ban it

But Richard Painter , a University of Minnesota law professor, told USA TODAY that the legislation "doesn't outlaw the New Testament at all," nor would it ban the religious text from federally funded institutions.

"You're not banning something, you're conditioning federal funds on something," Painter said. "That's different than banning it."

While certain passages of the New Testament could potentially be interpreted in ways that fit the bill's definition of antisemitism, "that doesn't mean the New Testament itself would meet the definition of antisemitism," Painter said.

Jason Mazzone , a law professor at the University of Illinois, said there is no plausible way to interpret the legislation as banning the New Testament, even in a higher education setting.

"Title VI has never been understood to require schools and other recipients of federal funding to remove or prohibit from campus books on the basis that they may contain offensive material," Mazzone said. "Nothing in the Antisemitism Awareness Act newly imposes such a requirement. And if it did, it would be a clear violation of the First Amendment."

There is only one reference to the New Testament in the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance's definition of antisemitism – in this example : "Using the symbols and images associated with classic antisemitism (e.g., claims of Jews killing Jesus or blood libel) to characterize Israel or Israelis."

The Anti-Defamation League and the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum both consider the claim that Jews killed Jesus to be an antisemitic myth used to justify violence against Jews for centuries. In 2011, Pope Benedict XVI wrote that there is no basis in scripture to support the claim that Jewish people as a whole were collectively responsible for Jesus' death, CBS News reported .

USA TODAY reached out to the social media user who shared the post for comment but did not immediately receive a response.

Our fact-check sources:

• Richard Painter , May 8, Phone interview with USA TODAY
• Jason Mazzone , May 9, Email exchange with USA TODAY
• Associated Press, May 1, House passes bill to expand definition of antisemitism amid growing campus protests over Gaza war
• The New York Times, May 2, Bill to Combat Antisemitism on Campuses Prompts Backlash From the Right
• Congress.gov, accessed May 10, H.R.6090 - Antisemitism Awareness Act of 2023
• International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance, accessed May 10, Working definition of antisemitism
• Justice Department, accessed May 10, Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964

Thank you for supporting our journalism. You can subscribe to our print edition, ad-free app or e-newspaper here .

USA TODAY is a verified signatory of the International Fact-Checking Network, which requires a demonstrated commitment to nonpartisanship, fairness and transparency. Our fact-check work is supported in part by a grant from Meta .

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Definition of visitor

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These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'visitor.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing visitor

• unique visitor

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visit on/upon

visitors' book

Cite this Entry

“Visitor.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary , Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/visitor. Accessed 13 May. 2024.

Kids Definition

Kids definition of visitor, more from merriam-webster on visitor.

Nglish: Translation of visitor for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of visitor for Arabic Speakers

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