Dictionary of Law
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

complaint :: legal definition


Complaint - n. the first document filed with the court (actually with the County Clerk or Clerk of the Court) by a person or entity claiming legal rights against another. The party filing the complaint is usually called the plaintiff and the party against whom the complaint is filed is called the defendant or defendants. Complaints are pleadings and must be drafted carefully (usually by an attorney) to properly state the factual as well as legal basis for the claim, although some states have approved complaint forms which can be filled in by an individual. A complaint also must follow statutory requirements as to form. For example, a complaint must be typed on a specific type of paper or on forms approved by the courts, name both the party making the claim and all defendants, and should state what damages or performance is demanded (the prayer). When the complaint is filed, the court clerk will issue a summons, which gives the name and file number of the lawsuit and the address of the attorney filing the complaint, and instructs the defendant that he/she/it has a specific time to file an answer or other response. A copy of the complaint and the summons must be served on a defendant before a response is required. Under a unique statute, New York allows a summons to be served without a complaint. A complaint filing must be accompanied by a filing fee payable to the court clerk, unless a waiver based on poverty is obtained.

See also: answer caption in forma pauperis pleading prayer service of process summons and Related Law Terms ↓


Related Law Terms

abortion :: n. the termination of pregnancy by various means, ... ed abortion continue in the future.
abuse of process :: n. the use of legal process by illegal, malicious, ... ly correct the error and apologize.
acceptance of service :: n. agreement by a defendant (or his/her attorney) ... o accept service. See also: service
acknowledgment :: n. the section at the end of a document where a no ... me leases and various other papers.
actual controversy :: n. a true legal dispute which leads to a genuine l ... al outcome. See also: friendly suit
ad litem :: adj. legal Latin meaning "for the purposes of the ... of age. See also: guardian ad litem
administrator :: n. the person appointed by the court to handle the ... e also: administer executor probate
admission to bail :: n. an order of a court in a criminal case allowing ... lient. See also: bail bail bondsman
admit :: v. 1) to state something is true in answering a co ... tted." See also: admission evidence
adoption :: n. the taking of a child into one's family, creati ... the child are met. See also: adopt
adultery :: n. consensual sexual relations when one of the par ... s and grist for scandal newspapers.
adverse possession :: n. a means to acquire title to land through obviou ... o: possession prescriptive easement
adverse witness :: n. a witness in a trial who is found by the judge ... r the opposition. See also: witness
advisory opinion :: n. an opinion stated by a judge or a court upon th ... o: actual controversy friendly suit
affirmative defense :: n. part of an answer to a charge or complaint in w ... lp the defendant. See also: defense
alimony :: n. support paid by one ex-spouse to the other as o ... ild support divorce spousal support
alternative pleading :: n. a legal fiction in which a party to a lawsuit o ... t the defendant committed the act).
amend :: v. to alter or change by adding, subtracting, or s ... mended pleading statute stipulation
amended complaint :: n. what results when the party suing (plaintiff or ... cause of action complaint demurrer
amended pleading :: n. a changed written pleading in a lawsuit, includ ... o: amend amended complaint demurrer
American Bar Association :: n. the largest organization of American lawyers, w ... go, IL 60611; tel.: (312) 988-5522.
American Civil Liberties Union :: n. a membership organization founded in 1920 to de ... rk, NY 10036; tel.: (212) 944-9800.
amicus curiae :: n. Latin for "friend of the court," a party or an ... party's presentation to the court.
answer :: n. in law, a written pleading filed by a defendant ... emurrer general denial verification
antitrust laws :: n. acts adopted by Congress to outlaw or restrict ... so: price fixing restraint of trade
appeal :: 1) v. to ask a higher court to reverse the decisio ... ng, as in "he has filed an appeal."
appearance :: n. the act of a party or an attorney showing up in ... neral appearance special appearance
approach the bench :: v. an attorney's movement from the counsel table t ... ake a recess to go to the restroom.
arbitration :: n. a mini-trial, which may be for a lawsuit ready ... tance of the arbitrator's decision.
arbitrator :: n. one who conducts an arbitration, and serves as ... he other two. See also: arbitration
arrest :: v. 1) to take or hold a suspected criminal with le ... anda warning probable cause warrant
articles of incorporation :: n. the basic charter of a corporation which spells ... year's taxes. See also: corporation
attachment :: n. the seizing of money or property prior to getti ... bond. See also: writ of attachment
attempt :: v. and n. to actually try to commit a crime and ha ... felt he tried but did not succeed.
attorney :: n. 1) an agent or someone authorized to act for an ... ialize. See also: court reciprocity
Attorney General :: n. in each state and the federal government the hi ... izenry. See also: Solicitor General
attorney of record :: n. the attorney who has appeared in court and/or s ... eve have long since been completed.
attorney-client privilege :: n. the requirement that an attorney may not reveal ... ivileged communication work product
attorney's fee :: n. the payment for legal services. It can take sev ... ees in the particular type of case.
authorities :: n. 1) previous decisions by courts of appeal which ... also: brief cite decision precedent
bail :: 1) n. the money or bond put up to secure the relea ... bond bail bondsman own recognizance
bankruptcy :: n. a federal system of statutes and courts which p ... y proceedings trustee in bankruptcy
bankruptcy proceedings :: n. the bankruptcy procedure is: a) filing a petiti ... ankruptcy court claim in bankruptcy
bar :: 1) n. collectively all attorneys, as "the bar," wh ... a room, building, or real property.
bar examination :: n. the examination given in each state by either t ... n that district. See also: attorney
benefit of counsel :: n. having the opportunity to have an attorney and ... attorney is the person's own fault.
bill of particulars :: n. a written itemization of claims which a defenda ... the factual bases for the charges.
brief :: 1) n. a written legal argument, usually in a forma ... another person. See also: precedent
challenge :: n. the right of each attorney in a jury trial to r ... ess. See also: peremptory challenge
Chief Justice :: n. the presiding judge of any State Supreme Court ... nks of existing Associate Justices.
child custody :: n. a court's determination of which parent, relati ... pport custody divorce joint custody
citation :: n. 1) a notice to appear in court due to the proba ... se is not in point." See also: cite
civil law :: n. 1) a body of laws and legal concepts which come ... generic term for non-criminal law.
claim against a governmental agency :: n. any time one believes he/she has a right to pay ... orter than other types of lawsuits.
claim against an estate :: n. upon the death of a person and beginning of pro ... ade to the heirs. See also: probate
claim in bankruptcy :: n. the written claim filed by persons or businesse ... : bankruptcy bankruptcy proceedings
class action :: n. a lawsuit filed by one or more people on behalf ... ees usually require court approval.
clean hands doctrine :: n. a rule of law that a person coming to court wit ... ices. See also: affirmative defense
clerk :: n. 1) an official or employee who handles the busi ... stocking shelves, or counter sales.
comity :: n. when one court defers to the jurisdiction of an ... of cases to which comity may apply.
common counts :: n. claims for debt alleged in a lawsuit (included ... so: cause of action complaint count
common law :: n. the traditional unwritten law of England, based ... plied without reference to statute.
community property :: n. property and profits received by a husband and ... and distribution separate property
comparative negligence :: n. a rule of law applied in accident cases to dete ... utory negligence damages negligence
confession of judgment :: n. a written agreement in which the defendant in a ... rms are fulfilled by the defendant.
conflict of law :: n. a situation in which both state and federal law ... y arose. See also: forum preemption
conservator :: n. a guardian and protector appointed by a judge t ... ies. See also: conservatee guardian
constable :: n. a law officer for a particular area such as a r ... ice of the Peace. See also: sheriff
constitution :: n. the fundamental, underlying document which esta ... ts common law constitutional rights
constructive notice :: n. a fiction that a person got notice even though ... personally. See also: constructive
consumer protection laws :: n. almost all states and the federal government ha ... rranty product liability securities
contempt of court :: n. there are essentially two types of contempt: a) ... roduce evidence. See also: sanction
contingent fee :: n. a fee to a lawyer which will be due and payable ... epend on the outcome are unethical.
continuing objection :: n. an objection to certain questions or testimony ... ional distress. See also: objection
contract :: 1) n. an agreement with specific terms between two ... n oral contract unilateral contract
copyright :: 1) n. the exclusive right of the author or creator ... plagiarism public domain trademark
corporation :: n. an organization formed with state governmental ... ation public corporation securities
cost bill :: n. a list of claimed court costs submitted by the ... also: court costs prevailing party
count :: n. each separate statement in a complaint which st ... also: cause of action common counts
counterclaim :: n. a retaliatory claim by a defendant against a pl ... d. See also: answer cross-complaint
court :: n. 1) the judge, as in "The court rules in favor o ... cost and wait of full court trials.
court costs :: n. fees for expenses that the courts pass on to at ... ee also: cost bill prevailing party
creditor's claim :: n. a claim required to be filed in writing, in a p ... e also: claim in bankruptcy probate
criminal calendar :: n. the list of criminal cases to be called in cour ... e plea preliminary hearing sentence
cross-complaint :: n. after a complaint has been filed against a defe ... g prayer service of process summons
cruel and unusual punishment :: n. governmental penalties against convicted crimin ... opted. See also: capital punishment
cumis counsel :: n. an attorney employed by a defendant in a lawsui ... fendant be approved by the company.
damages :: n. the amount of money which a plaintiff (the pers ... liquidated damages special damages
declaratory judgment :: n. a judgment of a court which determines the righ ... ys it. See also: declaratory relief
deed :: 1) n. the written document which transfers title ( ... veyance deed of trust warranty deed
default :: 1) n. failure to respond to a summons and complain ... default judgment notice of default
default judgment :: n. if a defendant in a lawsuit fails to respond to ... See also: complaint default summons
defendant :: n. 1) the party sued in a civil lawsuit or the par ... nt. See also: codefendant plaintiff
defense attorney :: n. 1) the attorney representing the defendant in a ... lso: defendant plaintiff's attorney
demurrer :: n. (dee-muhr-ur) a written response to a complaint ... demurrer. See also: motion pleading
denial :: n. a statement in the defendant's answer to a comp ... ative defense answer general denial
deposition :: n. the taking and recording of testimony of a witn ... See also: deponent depose discovery
disbar :: v. to remove an attorney from the list of practici ... legal ethics. (See moral turpitude
District Attorney (D.A.) :: n. an elected official of a county or a designated ... dent and serve at his/her pleasure.
divorce :: 1) n. the termination of a marriage by legal actio ... y separate property spousal support
domicile :: n. the place where a person has his/her permanent ... where its headquarters is located.
dram shop rule :: n. a statute (Dram Shop Act) or case law in 38 sta ... tervening cause, namely, the drunk.
easement :: n. the right to use the real property of another f ... rstandings at the time of creation.
eminent domain :: n. the power of a governmental entity (federal, st ... ngs. See also: condemn condemnation
enjoin :: v. for a court to order that someone either do a s ... so: injunction temporary injunction
equal protection of the law :: n. the right of all persons to have the same acces ... laws." See also: due process of law
equity :: n. 1) a venerable group of rights and procedures t ... ry enjoin equitable injunction writ
estoppel :: n. a bar or impediment (obstruction) which preclud ... pel equitable estoppel estop laches
examination :: n. 1) the questioning of a witness by an attorney. ... irect examination testimony witness
excessive bail :: n. an amount of bail ordered posted by an accused ... ppeal for reduction. See also: bail
excusable neglect :: n. a legitimate excuse for the failure of a party ... See also: default default judgment
extraordinary fees :: n. attorneys' fees claimed, usually in the adminis ... n. See also: attorney's fee probate
fictitious defendants :: n. when a party suing (plaintiff) is not sure if h ... are not permitted in federal cases.
file :: 1) v. to deposit with the clerk of the court a wri ... rrespondence and notes on the case.
final settlement :: n. an agreement reached by the parties to a lawsui ... rneys present. See also: settlement
first impression :: adj. referring to a legal issue which has never be ... s for both sides to assist him/her.
forum non conveniens :: (for-uhm nahn cahn-vee-nee-ehns) n. Latin for a fo ... most convenient location for trial.
fraud :: n. the intentional use of deceit, a trick or some ... audulent conveyance intrinsic fraud
friendly suit :: n. a lawsuit filed in order to obtain a court orde ... eement in which there was an error.
frivolous :: adj. referring to a legal move in a lawsuit clearl ... ing the courts to resolve disputes.
gag order :: n. a judge's order prohibiting the attorneys and t ... st day in office, January 22, 1993.
garnish :: v. to obtain a court order directing a party holdi ... ed. See also: garnishee garnishment
general appearance :: n. an attorney's representation of a client in cou ... case. See also: special appearance
general denial :: n. a statement in an answer to a lawsuit or claim ... anguage. See also: answer complaint
general partner :: n. 1) usually one of the owners and operators of a ... ted partnership partner partnership
Grand Jury :: n. a jury in each county or federal court district ... arge indictment preliminary hearing
guardian :: n. a person who has been appointed by a judge to t ... torship. See also: conservator ward
habeas corpus :: (hay-bee-us core-puss) n. Latin for "you have the ... nality of a state court conviction.
harmless error :: n. an error by a judge in the conduct of a trial w ... ar to be harmless." See also: error
hearsay rule :: n. the basic rule that testimony or documents whic ... interest dying declaration hearsay
hold harmless :: n. a promise to pay any costs or claims which may ... e other party agrees to cover them.
hostile witness :: n. technically an "adverse witness" in a trial who ... so: adverse witness leading witness
in haec verba :: (in hike verb-ah)prep. Latin for "in these words," ... ading. See also: complaint pleading
in personam :: adj. (in purr-soh-nam) from Latin for "directed to ... here. See also: in rem jurisdiction
in propria persona :: adj. from Latin "for one's self," acting on one's ... client and an ass for an attorney."
in terrorem clause :: (in tehr-roar-em)n. from Latin for "in fear," a pr ... e gift. See also: will will contest
indigent :: 1) n. a person so poor and needy that he/she canno ... person who is very poor and needy.
information :: n. an accusation or criminal charge brought by the ... Jury indictment preliminary hearing
information and belief :: n. a phrase often used in legal pleadings (complai ... nswer complaint declaration perjury
injunction :: n. a writ (order) issued by a court ordering someo ... t. See also: injunctive relief writ
insanity :: n. mental illness of such a severe nature that a p ... M'Naughten rule temporary insanity
insolvency :: n. 1) the condition of having more debts (liabilit ... the property. See also: bankruptcy
insurance :: n. a contract (insurance policy) in which the insu ... t clause Workers' Compensation Acts
interpleader :: n. the procedure when two parties are involved in ... e claimants fight over it in court.
interrogatories :: n. a set of written questions to a party to a laws ... ing. See also: deposition discovery
intervene :: v. to obtain the court's permission to enter into ... ntion joinder multiplicity of suits
irrelevant :: adj. not important, pertinent, or germane to the m ... ce immaterial incompetent objection
issue :: 1) n. a person's children or other lineal descenda ... the body incorporation share stock
joinder of issue :: n. that point in a lawsuit when the defendant has ... matters are to be decided by trial.
joint and several :: adj. referring to a debt or a judgment for neglige ... ution contributory negligence joint
judge :: 1) n. an official with the authority and responsib ... ice justice of the peace magistrate
judgment creditor :: n. the winning plaintiff in a lawsuit to whom the ... 's rights judgment prevailing party
jump bail :: v. to fail to appear for a court appearance after ... also: bail bail bond bail bondsman
jurisdiction :: n. the authority given by law to a court to try ca ... Superior Court Supreme Court venue
jury :: n. one of the remarkable innovations of the Englis ... hallenge sequester venire voir dire
jury fees :: n. the rather minimal amount paid each day to juro ... ees as a court cost. See also: jury
justice :: n. 1) fairness. 2) moral rightness. 3) a scheme or ... e appellate courts. See also: court
juvenile court :: n. a special court or department of a trial court ... See also: court juvenile delinquent
laches :: n. the legal doctrine that a legal right or claim ... , breach of contract, fraud, etc.).
larceny :: n. the crime of taking the goods of another person ... : grand larceny petty larceny theft
last clear chance :: n. a rule of law in determining responsibility for ... contributory negligence negligence
law :: n. 1) any system of regulations to govern the cond ... um maritime law natural law statute
law book :: n. any of numerous volumes dealing with law, inclu ... : common law law Shepardize statute
lawsuit :: n. a common term for a legal action by one person ... See also: case cause of action suit
leading :: 1) v. short for "leading the witness," in which th ... tness leading the witness objection
leading question :: n. a question asked of a witness by an attorney du ... e also: cross-examination objection
legal age :: n. the age at which a person is responsible for hi ... so: infancy juvenile court minority
legal aid society :: n. an organization formed to assist persons who ha ... bar association. See also: pro bono
liability :: n. one of the most significant words in the field ... bility joint tortfeasors negligence
libel :: 1) n. to publish in print (including pictures), wr ... libel per se public figure slander
limited partnership :: n. a special type of partnership which is very com ... mited liability partner partnership
lis pendens :: (lease pen-dense) n. Latin for "a suit pending," a ... ob can be penalized by court order.
living will :: n. also called "a durable power of attorney," it i ... upport. See also: power of attorney
long-arm statute :: n. law which gives a local state court jurisdictio ... rt jurisdiction over the defendant.
malicious prosecution :: n. filing a lawsuit with the intention of creating ... vor of the victim. See also: malice
malpractice :: n. An act or continuing conduct of a professional ... eed. See also: errors and omissions
mandamus :: (man-dame-us) n. Latin for "we order," a writ (mor ... mandamus. See also: writ of mandate
marriage :: n. the joining of a male and female in matrimony b ... of time without legal formalities.
marshal :: 1) n. a federal court official who may serve paper ... tablish priorities among creditors.
Miranda warning :: n. the requirement, also called the Miranda rule, ... me such a suspect? See also: rights
misjoinder :: n. the inclusion of parties (plaintiffs or defenda ... ent transactions. See also: joinder
mortgage :: n. a document in which the owner pledges his/her/i ... losure notice of default trust deed
motion :: n. a formal request made to a judge for an order o ... g, an oral motion may be permitted.
motion for a summary judgment :: n. a written request for a judgment in the moving ... strict procedures. See also: motion
municipal court :: n. a lower court which usually tries criminal misd ... nd/or small claims. See also: court
murder :: n. the killing of a human being by a sane person, ... premeditation second degree murder
negligence :: n. failure to exercise the care toward others whic ... gence per se res ipsa loquitur tort
no fault insurance :: n: a type of automobile insurance required of car ... ling lawsuits. See also: negligence
nominal party :: n. a defendant or a plaintiff included in a lawsui ... ed. See also: necessary party party
non-profit corporation :: n. an organization incorporated under state laws a ... harity corporation cy pres doctrine
not guilty :: n. 1) plea of a person who claims not to have comm ... t guilty by reason of insanity plea
notary public :: n. a person authorized by the state in which the p ... he state which appoints the notary.
notice :: n. 1) information, usually in writing in all legal ... Thirty-day notice three-day notice
nunc pro tunc :: (nuhnk proh tuhnk) adj. Latin for "now for then," ... r actuality of a bigamous marriage.
object :: 1) v. to ask the court not to allow a particular q ... he contract..." See also: objection
objection :: n. a lawyer's protest about the legal propriety of ... ng question object overrule sustain
officer of the court :: n. any person who has an obligation to promote jus ... also: attorney bailiff clerk judge
order to show cause :: n. a judge's written mandate that a party appear i ... vernmental agency. See also: O.S.C.
out of court :: adj. referring to actions, including negotiations ... is dismissed. See also: settlement
overrule :: v. 1) to reject an attorney's objection to a quest ... : appellate court objection sustain
paid into court :: adj. referring to money deposited with the clerk o ... differences. See also: interpleader
partnership :: n. a business enterprise entered into for profit w ... partnership partner silent partner
party :: n. 1) one of the participants in a lawsuit or othe ... y real party in interest respondent
party of the first part :: n. reference in a written contract to identify one ... ies another party to the agreement.
peremptory challenge :: n. the right of the plaintiff and the defendant in ... challenge for cause jury voir dire
petition :: 1) n. a formal written request to a court for an o ... dent. See also: divorce motion writ
plaintiff :: n. the party who initiates a lawsuit by filing a c ... lso: complaint defendant petitioner
plea :: n. 1) in criminal law, the response by an accused ... raignment plead preliminary hearing
pleading :: n. 1) every legal document filed in a lawsuit, pet ... nswer complaint demurrer plea plead
power of attorney :: n. a written document signed by a person giving an ... y, as in a real estate transaction.
precedent :: 1) n. a prior reported opinion of an appeals court ... to perform. See also: stare decisis
preliminary hearing :: n. in criminal law, a hearing to determine if a pe ... nment charge Grand Jury information
presiding judge :: n. 1) in both state and federal appeals court, the ... and chairs meetings of the judges.
prevailing party :: n. the winner in a lawsuit. Many contracts, leases ... ed before or after trial has begun.
privileged communication :: n. statements and conversations made under circums ... See also: attorney-client privilege
privileges and immunities :: n. the fundamental rights that people enjoy in fre ... t impinge on constitutional rights.
pro tem :: 1) adj. short for the Latin pro tempore, temporari ... as "Sam Collins is Pro Tem today."
probate :: 1) n. the process of proving a will is valid and t ... e also: administrator executor will
procedure :: n. the methods and mechanics of the legal process. ... cases are tried and judgments made.
process :: n. in law, the legal means by which a person is re ... service of process subpena summons
promissory note :: n. a written promise by a person (variously called ... lso: interest obligee obligor usury
proof :: n. confirmation of a fact by evidence. In a trial, ... doubt preponderance of the evidence
proper party :: n. a person or entity who has an interest (financi ... lf. See also: necessary party party
prosecute :: v. 1) in criminal law, to charge a person with a c ... rney General prosecution prosecutor
prostitution :: n. the profession of performing sexual acts for mo ... so: pander panderer pimp prostitute
public defender :: n. an elected or appointed public official (usuall ... to convicted indigents for appeals.
quiet title action :: n. a lawsuit to establish a party's title to real ... opposition. See also: notice title
real party in interest :: n. the person or entity who will benefit from a la ... st is the beneficiary of the trust.
record :: 1) v. (ree-cored) to put a document into the offic ... eeding race to the courthouse trial
regulations :: n. rules and administrative codes issued by govern ... es usually have similar procedures.
rejection of claim :: n. in probate law (administration of an estate of ... stion of administrative remedies").
release on one's own recognizance :: v. for a judge to allow a criminal defendant pre-t ... ourtroom slang. See also: bail O.R.
removal :: n. 1) the change of a legal case from one court to ... a crime or successful impeachment.
reports :: n. the published decisions of appeals courts in al ... ilable in almost all law libraries.
request :: 1) v. to ask or demand a judge to act (such as iss ... n. the act of asking or demanding.
respondent :: n. 1) the party who is required to answer a petiti ... "appellant") in the appeals court.
retraction :: n. 1) to withdraw any legal document in a lawsuit ... igation. See also: defamation libel
retroactive :: adj. referring to a court's decision or a statute ... ospective." See also: ex post facto
review :: n. the judicial consideration of a lower court jud ... ate court reversal reversible error
right of way :: n. 1) a pathway or road with a specific descriptio ... s easement egress floating easement
rogatory letters :: n. a written request by a judge to a judge in anot ... also: deposition testimony witness
rule :: 1) v. to decide a legal question, by a court, as i ... ee also: regulations rules of court
rules of court :: n. a set of procedural regulations adopted by cour ... s counsel. See also: procedure rule
sanction :: n. 1) a financial penalty imposed by a judge on a ... ction." See also: contempt of court
satisfaction of judgment :: n. a document signed by a judgment creditor (the p ... ord. See also: abstract of judgment
sentence :: 1) n. the punishment given to a person convicted o ... ence restitution suspended sentence
separation agreement :: n. an agreement between two married people who hav ... divorce legal separation separation
service by mail :: n. mailing legal pleadings to opposing attorneys o ... attorney by mail. See also: service
service by publication :: n. serving a summons or other legal document in a ... perty. See also: service of process
service of process :: n. the delivery of copies of legal documents such ... by publication substituted service
setoff :: (offset) n. a claim by a defendant in a lawsuit th ... ee also: affirmative defense offset
settlement :: n. the resolution of a lawsuit (or of a legal disp ... ult in settlement. See also: settle
sheriff :: n. the top law enforcement officer for a county, u ... ." See also: bailiff sheriff's sale
shortening time :: n. an order of the court in response to the motion ... e notice is served within 24 hours.
small claims court :: n. a division of most municipal, city or other low ... od example of a small claims court.
solicitor :: n. an English attorney who may perform all legal s ... s or barristers. See also: attorney
speaking demurrer :: n. an attempt to introduce evidence during a heari ... the operation." See also: demurrer
special appearance :: n. the representation by an attorney of a person i ... anged. See also: general appearance
special prosecutor :: n. an attorney from outside of the government sele ... Robert Bork finally discharged Cox.
specific performance :: n. the right of a party to a contract to demand th ... artwork. See also: contract prayer
speedy trial :: n. in criminal prosecutions, the right of a defend ... hurt by the waiver. See also: trial
standing :: n. the right to file a lawsuit or file a petition ... so: actual controversy jurisdiction
statute of limitations :: n. a law which sets the maximum period which one c ... ies. See also: demurrer laches toll
strike :: 1) v. to remove a statement from the record of the ... ing the business, factory or store.
subpena duces tecum :: : (suh-pea-nah dooh-chess-take-uhm or dooh-kess-ta ... ng a court order. See also: witness
subrogee :: n. the person or entity that assumes the legal rig ... aid. See also: subrogation subrogor
substituted service :: n. accomplishing service (delivery) of legal docum ... ee also: service service of process
substitution of attorney :: n. a document in which the party to a lawsuit stat ... t any time. See also: substitute in
summary adjudication of issues :: n. a court order ruling that certain factual issue ... is made. See also: summary judgment
summary judgment :: n. a court order ruling that no factual issues rem ... tion summary adjudication of issues
summons :: n. a document issued by the court at the time a la ... use service service of process writ
supra :: (sooh-prah) Latin for "above," in legal briefs and ... d as Guinn v. United States, supra.
supremacy clause :: n. Article VI, section 2 of the U.S. Constitution, ... f involving a constitutional issue.
Supreme Court :: n. 1) the highest court in the United States, whic ... rt in other states. See also: court
tax costs :: n. a motion to contest a claim for court costs sub ... sts" to avoid paying these charges.
testify :: v. to give oral evidence under oath in answer to q ... deposition evidence testimony trial
time served :: n. the period a criminal defendant has been in jai ... o the defendant. See also: sentence
toll :: v. 1) to delay, suspend or hold off the effect of ... bridge or take passage on a ferry.
trial :: n. the examination of facts and law presided over ... at a hearing held at a later time.
trust :: n. an entity created to hold assets for the benefi ... testamentary trust trustee trustor
unclean hands :: n. a legal doctrine which is a defense to a compla ... ough. See also: affirmative defense
venue :: n. 1) the proper or most convenient location for t ... ion. See also: forum non conveniens
verification :: n. the declaration under oath or upon penalty of p ... ed. See also: answer complaint oath
vexatious litigation :: n. filing a lawsuit with the knowledge that it has ... lous malicious prosecution sanction
will :: n. a written document which leaves the estate of t ... will and testament probate testator
wrongful death :: n. the death of a human being as the result of a w ... ual beneficiaries (family members).

Popular Law Searches

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forthwith definition legal :: adv. a term found in contracts, court orders and s ... mediacy, with no excuses for delay.
what is to wit in a legal contract :: prep. that is to say. Example: "the passengers in ... tty Bumgartner and Sherry Younger."
mirror wills legal definition :: n. the wills of a husband and wife which are ident ... d each names the other as executor.
clean hands doctrine latin :: n. a rule of law that a person coming to court wit ... ices. See also: affirmative defense
sine qua non only relates to contract law :: (see-nay kwah nahn) prep. Latin for "without which ... qua non of the injury to Playmate.

Other Law Terms - C

C.I.F. :: n. the total of cost, insurance and freight charge ... aid on goods purchased and shipped.
calendar :: 1) n. the list of cases to be called for trial bef ... clerk of the court calendars cases.
calendar call :: n. the hearing at which a case is set for trial. ... g at which a case is set for trial.
call :: n. the demand by a corporation that a stockholder ... assessment on shares already owned.
calumny :: n. the intentional and generally vicious false acc ... 's reputation. See also: defamation
cancel :: v. to cross out, annul, destroy, void and/or resci ... g, so that it cannot be used again.
cancellation :: cancel ... cancel
caning :: n. a punishment for crimes employed in certain Asi ... last century in the United States.
canon law :: n. laws and regulations over ecclesiastical (churc ... nduct with no religious connection.
cap :: n. slang for maximum, as the most interest that ca ... "adjustable rate" promissory note.
capital :: 1) n. from Latin for caput, meaning "head," the ba ... count capital assets stock in trade
capital account :: n. the record which lists all basic assets of a bu ... or the alleged value of good will.
capital assets :: n. equipment, property, and funds owned by a busin ... . See also: capital capital account
capital expenditure :: n. payment by a business for basic assets such as ... y intended to improve productivity.
capital gains :: n. the difference between the sales price and the ... so: basis delayed exchange exchange
capital investment :: capital expenditure ... capital expenditure
capital offense :: n. any criminal charge which is punishable by the ... . See also: bail capital punishment
capital punishment :: n. execution (death) for a capital offense. The U. ... or death. See also: capital offense
capital stock :: n. the original amount paid by investors into a co ... price. See also: corporation stock
capitalization :: n. 1) the act of counting anticipated earnings and ... for conversion into capital assets.