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
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.
capitalized value :: n. anticipated earnings which are discounted (give ... as favorably as expected or hoped.
capricious :: adv., adj. unpredictable and subject to whim, ofte ... a judge is inconsistent or erratic.
caption :: n. the first section of any written legal pleading ... to the exact format of the caption.
care :: n. in law, to be attentive, prudent and vigilant. ... she is involved. See also: careless
careless :: adj., adv. 1) negligent. 2) the opposite of carefu ... See also: care negligence negligent
carnal knowledge :: n. from Latin carnalis for "fleshly:" sexual inter ... tate. See also: rape statutory rape
carrier :: n. in general, any person or business which transp ... lso: common carrier private carrier
carryback :: n. in taxation accounting, using a current tax yea ... tax liability. See also: carryover
carrying for hire :: n. the act of transporting goods or individuals fo ... n. See also: carrier common carrier
carrying on business :: v. pursuing a particular occupation on a continuou ... visible business "entity" as such.
carryover :: n. in taxation accounting, using a tax year's dedu ... tax liability. See also: carryback
cartel :: n. 1) an arrangement among supposedly independent ... Colombia. See also: antitrust laws
case :: n. short for a cause of action, lawsuit, or the ri ... ny, the court stated the rule as:."
case law :: n. reported decisions of appeals courts and other ... es. See also: case system precedent
case of first impression :: n. a case in which a question of interpretation of ... rts may be examined as a guideline.
case system :: n. the method of studying law generally used in Am ... Langdell and soon became standard.
cashier's check :: n. a check issued by a bank on its own account for ... ansfers, tax payments and the like.
casual :: adj. defining something that happens by chance, wi ... ppropriate taxes on the wages paid.
casualty :: n. 1) an accident which could not have been forese ... definition. See also: casualty loss
casualty loss :: n. in taxation, loss due to damage which qualifies ... mage from water seepage or erosion.
cause :: from Latin causa 1) v. to make something happen. 2 ... so: cause of action proximate cause
cause of action :: n. the basis of a lawsuit founded on legal grounds ... property. See also: element lawsuit
caveat :: n. (kah-vee-ott) from Latin caveat for "let him be ... t, "I just want to warn you that:."
caveat emptor :: (kah-vee-ott emptor) Latin for "let the buyer bewa ... See also: consumer protection laws
cease and desist order :: n. an order of a court or government agency to a p ... ing which would damage the ecology.
certificate of deposit (CD) :: n. a document issued by a bank in return for a dep ... D before the pledged time runs out.
certificate of incorporation :: n. document which some states issue to prove a cor ... the articles are sufficient proof.
certificate of title :: n. generally, the title document for a motor vehic ... a "pink slip." See also: pink slip
certified check :: n. a check issued by a bank which certifies that t ... "clears." See also: cashier's check
certiorari :: n. (sersh-oh-rare-ee) a writ (order) of a higher c ... cedents (previously decided cases).
cestui que trust :: n. (properly pronounced ses-tee kay, but lawyers p ... ust's assets. See also: beneficiary
cestui que use :: (pronounced ses-tee kay use or setty kay use) n. a ... beneficiary cestui que trust trust
chain of title :: n. the succession of title ownership to real prope ... title conveyance foreclosure title
challenge :: n. the right of each attorney in a jury trial to r ... ess. See also: peremptory challenge
challenge for cause :: n. a request that a prospective juror be dismissed ... remptory challenge venire voir dire
chambers :: n. the private office of a judge, usually close to ... s." See also: in camera in chambers
champerty :: n. an agreement between the party suing in a lawsu ... . See also: barratry contingent fee
chancellor :: n. from the old English legal system, a chancellor ... n the same courts. See also: equity
chancery :: n. a court that can order acts performed. Today ch ... ts in most states. See also: equity
change of circumstances :: n. the principal reason for a court modifying (ame ... ild support divorce spousal support
character witness :: n. a person who testifies in a trial on behalf of ... ases and civil cases such as fraud.
charge :: n. 1) in a criminal case, the specific statement o ... trial judge. 3) a fee for services.
charitable contribution :: n. in taxation, a contribution to an organization ... r the taxes paid. See also: charity
charitable remainder trust (Charitable Remainder Irrevocable Unitrust) :: n. a form of trust in which the donor (trustor or ... ed up or committed. See also: trust
charity :: n. 1) in general the sentiment of benevolence, doi ... . See also: charitable contribution
charter :: n. the name for articles of incorporation in some ... rate charter. See also: corporation
chattel :: n. an item of personal property which is movable, ... ments). See also: personal property
chattel mortgage :: n. an outmoded written document which made a chatt ... ed by the property. See also: UCC-1
check :: n. a draft upon a particular account in a bank, in ... rtified check negotiable instrument
Chief Justice :: n. the presiding judge of any State Supreme Court ... nks of existing Associate Justices.
child :: n. 1) a person's natural offspring. 2) a person 14 ... almost all states. See also: minor
child custody :: n. a court's determination of which parent, relati ... pport custody divorce joint custody
child support :: n. court-ordered funds to be paid by one parent to ... ild custody divorce spousal support
churning :: n. the unethical and usually illegal practice of e ... f obtaining high sales commissions.
circuit courts :: n. a movable court in which the judge holds court ... alled the Circuit Courts of Appeal.
circumstantial evidence :: n. evidence in a trial which is not directly from ... circumstantial. See also: evidence
citation :: n. 1) a notice to appear in court due to the proba ... se is not in point." See also: cite
cite :: v. 1) to make reference to a decision in another c ... police officer). See also: citation
citizen :: n. person who by place of birth, nationality of on ... look this duality of nationalities.
civil :: adj. 1) that part of the law that encompasses busi ... also: civil liberties civil rights
civil action :: n. any lawsuit relating to civil matters and not c ... inal prosecution. See also: lawsuit
civil calendar :: n. the list of lawsuits (cases) that are approachi ... y sent to trial. See also: calendar
civil code :: n. in many states, the name for the collection of ... negligence lawsuits and practices.
civil law :: n. 1) a body of laws and legal concepts which come ... generic term for non-criminal law.
civil liability :: n. potential responsibility for payment of damages ... ans open to punishment for a crime.
civil liberties :: n. rights or freedoms given to the people by the F ... nment. See also: civil civil rights
civil penalties :: n. fines or surcharges imposed by a governmental a ... s, failure to obtain a permit, etc.
civil procedure :: n. the complex and often confusing body of rules a ... l civil action civil code civil law
civil rights :: n. those rights guaranteed by the Bill of Rights, ... ill of Rights civil civil liberties
claim :: 1) v. to make a demand for money, for property, or ... the government, it is lawsuit time.
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 :: n. in legal (not sociological) terms, all those pe ... nt is given. See also: class action
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
clear and convincing evidence :: n. evidence that proves a matter by the "preponder ... See also: beyond a reasonable doubt
clear and present danger :: n. the doctrine established in an opinion written ... together of a lynch mob (assembly).
clear title :: n. holding ownership of real property without any ... s which might affect the ownership.
clerk :: n. 1) an official or employee who handles the busi ... stocking shelves, or counter sales.
close corporation :: n. a corporation which is permitted by state law t ... mily members. See also: corporation
closed shop :: n. a business that will hire only union members by ... s their certified bargaining agent.
closing :: n. the final step in the sale and purchase of real ... company, escrow holder or attorney.
closing argument :: n. the final argument by an attorney on behalf of ... . See also: opening statement trial
cloud on title (cloud) :: n. an actual or apparent outstanding claim on the ... ion reconveyance title title report
code :: n. a collection of written laws gathered together, ... utes or laws. See also: law statute
Code of Professional Responsibility :: n. a set of rules governing the ethical conduct of ... de has been adopted by most states.
codefendant :: n. when more than one person or entity is sued in ... party sued is called a codefendant.
codicil :: n. a written amendment to a person's will, which m ... the writer. See also: probate will
codify :: v. to arrange and label a system of laws. ... arrange and label a system of laws.
cohabitation :: n. living together in the same residence, generall ... xual relationships as cohabitation.
coinsurance :: n. an insurance policy in which the insurance comp ... e insurance company share the risk.
collateral :: 1) n. property pledged to secure a loan or debt, u ... ral to the Colorado divorce action.
collateral attack :: n. a legal action to challenge a ruling in another ... of paternity in the divorce action.
collateral descendant :: n. a relative descended from a brother or sister o ... See also: descent and distribution
collateral estoppel :: n. the situation in which a judgment in one case p ... ng. See also: estoppel res judicata
collusion :: n. where two persons (or business entities through ... seball team owners. See also: fraud
collusive action :: n. a lawsuit brought by parties pretending to be a ... ion collusion controversy precedent
color of law :: n. the appearance of an act being performed based ... xtort payoffs to forget the ticket.
color of title :: n. the appearance of having title to personal or r ... rty based on this "color of title."
comaker :: n. when two or more people sign a check or a promi ... amount to be paid. See also: maker
comity :: n. when one court defers to the jurisdiction of an ... of cases to which comity may apply.
commencement of action :: n. an action (a lawsuit) commences (begins officia ... ing a complaint. See also: petition
comment :: n. a statement made by a judge or an attorney duri ... e rung, cannot be unrung," applies.
commercial frustration :: n. an unforeseen uncontrollable event which occurs ... rustration of purpose impossibility
commercial law :: n. all the law which applies to the rights, relati ... . See also: Uniform Commercial Code
commingling :: n. the act of mixing the funds belonging to one pa ... rust accounts for funds of another.
commission :: n. 1) a fee paid based on a percentage of the sale ... on or the Federal Trade Commission.
commitment :: n. a judge's order sending someone to jail or pris ... prisoner or patient to such places.
common area :: n. in condominium and some cooperative housing pro ... tage of total store space occupied.
common carrier :: n. an individual, a company or a public utility (l ... -time-only event. See also: carrier
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.
common property :: n. 1) real property owned by "tenants in common," ... e, like parks and national forests.
common stock :: n. stock in a corporation in which dividends (payo ... oration preferred stock share stock
common-law marriage :: n. an agreement between a man and woman to live to ... a marriage. See also: cohabitation
community property :: n. property and profits received by a husband and ... and distribution separate property
commutation :: n. the act of reducing a criminal sentence resulti ... See also: executive clemency pardon
commute a sentence :: v. See also: commutation ... v. See also: commutation
company :: n. any formal business entity for profit, which ma ... s a corporation. See also: business
comparative negligence :: n. a rule of law applied in accident cases to dete ... utory negligence damages negligence
compensation :: n. 1) payment for work performed, by salary, wages ... the damage or by one's own insurer.
compensatory damages :: n. damages recovered in payment for actual injury ... es punitive damages special damages
competent :: adj. 1) in general, able to act in the circumstanc ... all bases. See also: evidence will
complainant :: n. a person or entity who begins a lawsuit by fili ... lso: complaint petitioner plaintiff
complaint :: n. the first document filed with the court (actual ... g prayer service of process summons
compos mentis :: n. (com-pose-men-tis) Latin for "having a sound mi ... mind." See also: non compos mentis
compound interest :: n. payment of interest upon principal and previous ... See also: interest promissory note
compound question :: n. the combination of more than one question into ... rate questions. See also: objection
compounding a felony :: n. when a person injured by a felony (being shot, ... n most jurisdictions it is a crime.
compromise :: 1) n. an agreement between opposing parties to set ... some demands. See also: settlement
compromise verdict :: n. a decision made by a jury in which the jurors s ... ning the verdict. See also: verdict
concealed weapon :: n. a weapon, particularly a handgun, which is kept ... ions, arrests or improper activity.
concealment :: n. fraudulent failure to reveal information which ... lawsuit for fraud. See also: fraud
conclusion :: n. 1) in general, the end. 2) in a trial, when all ... onclusion of fact conclusion of law
conclusion of fact :: n. in a trial, the final result of an analysis of ... quested. See also: finding judgment
conclusion of law :: n. a judge's final decision on a question of law w ... aw if requested. See also: judgment
concurrent sentences :: n. sentences for more than one crime which are to ... ith the longest period controlling.
condemn :: v. 1) for a public agency to determine that a buil ... condemnation action eminent domain
condemnation :: n. the legal process by which a governmental body ... eminent domain inverse condemnation
condemnation action :: n. a lawsuit brought by a public agency to acquire ... e also: condemnation eminent domain
condition :: n. a term or requirement stated in a contract, whi ... tion precedent condition subsequent
condition precedent :: n. 1) in a contract, an event which must take plac ... o the property. See also: condition
condition subsequent :: n. 1) in a contract, a happening which terminates ... Dad Fauntleroy. See also: condition
conditional bequest :: n. in a will, a gift which will take place only if ... rries." See also: bequest executory
conditional sale :: n. a sale of property or goods which will be compl ... ng by September 1st. See also: sale
condominium :: n. title to a unit of real property which, in real ... ium projects. See also: common area
condone :: v. 1) to forgive, support, and/or overlook moral o ... ition that the sin is not repeated.
confess :: v. in criminal law, to voluntarily state that one ... Miranda warning self-incrimination
confession :: n. the statement of one charged with a crime that ... Miranda warning self-incrimination
confession and avoidance :: n. when a defendant admits the allegations in a co ... tries to avoid their legal impact.
confession of judgment :: n. a written agreement in which the defendant in a ... rms are fulfilled by the defendant.
confidence game :: n. the obtaining of money from others through tric ... t and confidence. See also: swindle
confidential communication :: n. certain written communications which can be kep ... privilege privileged communication
confidential relation :: n. a relationship in which one person has confiden ... remely obvious. See also: fiduciary
confiscate :: v. to take one's goods or property without legal r ... affic. See also: condemnation theft
conflict of interest :: n. a situation in which a person has a duty to mor ... a position adverse to the customer.
conflict of law :: n. a situation in which both state and federal law ... y arose. See also: forum preemption
confrontation :: n. 1) fight or argument. 2) the right of a crimina ... s. See also: Bill of Rights witness
confusingly similar :: adj. in the law of trademarks, when a trademark, l ... a of the other. See also: trademark
conjugal rights :: n. a spouse's so-called "rights" to the comforts a ... r") in a special room or apartment.
conscientious objector :: n. a person who refuses to serve in the military d ... ometimes call them "draft dodgers."
conscious parallelism :: n. an undiscussed imitation by a business of a com ... cidence? No, conscious parallelism.
consent :: 1) n. a voluntary agreement to another's propositi ... from contracts to sexual relations.
consent decree :: n. an order of a judge based upon an agreement, al ... he same. See also: consent judgment
consent judgment :: n. a judgment issued by a judge based on an agreem ... forceable. See also: consent decree
consequential damages :: n. damages claimed and/or awarded in a lawsuit whi ... See also: damages foreseeable risk
conservatee :: n. a person whom a court has determined because of ... and the like. See also: conservator
conservator :: n. a guardian and protector appointed by a judge t ... ies. See also: conservatee guardian
consideration :: n. 1) payment or money. 2) a vital element in the ... t of a promise). See also: contract
consign :: v. 1) to deliver goods to a merchant to sell on be ... or by order of a bankruptcy judge.
consignee :: n. a person or business holding another's goods fo ... designated agent. See also: consign
consignment :: n. the act of consigning goods to one who will sel ... owner. See also: consign consignee
consortium :: n. 1) a group of separate businesses or business p ... oney terms is a difficult question.
conspiracy :: n. when people work together by agreement to commi ... d conspiracy. See also: conspirator
conspirator :: n. a person or entity who enters into a plot with ... of antitrust laws. (See conspiracy
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
constitutional rights :: n. rights given or reserved to the people by the U ... e also: Bill of Rights constitution
construction :: n. the act of a lawyer or court in interpreting an ... tion. See also: strict construction
constructive :: adj. a legal fiction for treating a situation as i ... ctive possession constructive trust
constructive eviction :: n. when the landlord does not go through a legal e ... e door shut. See also: constructive
constructive fraud :: n. when the circumstances show that someone's acti ... been proven. See also: constructive
constructive notice :: n. a fiction that a person got notice even though ... personally. See also: constructive
constructive possession :: n. when a person does not have actual possession, ... possession. See also: constructive
constructive trust :: n. when a person has title to property and/or take ... tence. See also: constructive trust
construe :: v. to determine the meaning of the words of a writ ... s normal, widely accepted meanings.
consumer protection laws :: n. almost all states and the federal government ha ... rranty product liability securities
contemplation of death :: n. the anticipation of death in a relatively short ... e also: unified estate and gift tax
contempt of court :: n. there are essentially two types of contempt: a) ... roduce evidence. See also: sanction
contiguous :: adj. connected or "next to", usually meaning adjoi ... ng adjoining pieces of real estate.
contingency :: n. an event that might not occur. ... n. an event that might not occur.
contingent :: adj. possible, but not certain. See also: continge ... contingent fee contingent interest
contingent beneficiary :: n. a person or entity named to receive a gift unde ... lso: contingent contingent interest
contingent fee :: n. a fee to a lawyer which will be due and payable ... epend on the outcome are unethical.
contingent interest :: n. an interest in real property which, according t ... ontingent remainder future interest
contingent remainder :: n. an interest, particularly in real estate proper ... contingent interest future interest
continuance :: n. a postponement of a date of a trial, hearing or ... continuances to discourage delays.
continuing objection :: n. an objection to certain questions or testimony ... ional distress. See also: objection
continuing trespass :: n. the repeat-ed unauthorized use of anoth- er's r ... l illegal entry. See also: trespass
contra :: adj. Latin for "against" or "opposite to". This us ... he rule stated in Keeler v. Beach."
contract :: 1) n. an agreement with specific terms between two ... n oral contract unilateral contract
contract of adhesion :: n. See also: adhesion contract ... n. See also: adhesion contract
contractor :: n. 1) a person or entity that enters into a contra ... actor mechanic's lien subcontractor
contribution :: n. 1) donation to a charity or political campaign. ... f $3,000 from each of his partners.
contributory negligence :: n. a doctrine of common law that if a person was i ... : comparative negligence negligence
control :: 1) n. the power to direct, manage, oversee and/or ... . to exercise the power of control.
controlled substance :: n. a drug which has been declared by federal or st ... those who have used the substances.
controlling law :: n. the laws of the state which will be relied upon ... will be that of a particular state.
controversy :: n. 1) disagreement, argument or quarrel. 2) a disp ... pinions. See also: advisory opinion
conversion :: n. a civil wrong (tort) in which one converts anot ... the crime of theft. See also: theft
convey :: v. to transfer title (official ownership) to real ... ion conveyance deed grantee grantor
conveyance :: n. a generic term for any written document which t ... r Recorder of Deeds. See also: deed
convict :: 1) v. to find guilty of a crime after a trial. 2) ... ted of a felony and sent to prison.
conviction :: n. the result of a criminal trial in which the def ... t has been found guilty of a crime.
cooperative :: n. an association of individual businesses, farmer ... exes. See also: cooperative housing
cooperative housing :: n. an arrangement in which an association or corpo ... common area condominium cooperative
cop a plea :: n. slang for a "plea bargain" in which an accused ... omes final). See also: plea bargain
copartner :: n. one who is a member of a partnership. The prefi ... hip." See also: partner partnership
copyright :: 1) n. the exclusive right of the author or creator ... plagiarism public domain trademark
coroner :: n. a county official with the responsibility to de ... hology. See also: forensic medicine
corporate opportunity :: n. a business opportunity which becomes known to a ... ative action fiduciary relationship
corporation :: n. an organization formed with state governmental ... ation public corporation securities
corpus :: n. 1) Latin for body. 2) the principal (usually mo ... inguished from interest or profits.
corpus delicti :: n. (corpus dee-lick-tie) Latin for the substantial ... gon, the body of the murder victim.
corpus juris :: n. the body of the law, meaning a compendium of al ... lanations of the law of that state.
corroborate :: v. to confirm and sometimes add substantiating (re ... l. See also: corroborating evidence
corroborating evidence :: n. evidence which strengthens, adds to, or confirm ... confirms already existing evidence.
cosign :: v. to sign a promissory note or other obligation i ... share liability for the obligation.
cost bill :: n. a list of claimed court costs submitted by the ... also: court costs prevailing party
cost of completion :: n. the amount of money (damages) required to compl ... d on percentage of work to be done.
costs :: n. shorthand for court costs. See also: court cost ... court costs. See also: court costs
cotenancy :: n. the situation when more than one person has an ... y by the entirety tenancy in common
cotenant :: n. one who holds an interest in real property toge ... or more others. See also: cotenancy
co-trustee :: n. a trustee of a trust when there is more than on ... act alone. See also: trust trustee
counsel :: 1) n. a lawyer, attorney, attorney-at-law, counsel ... self is a crime. See also: attorney
counsellor :: n. a licensed attorney. See also: counsel ... icensed attorney. See also: counsel
count :: n. each separate statement in a complaint which st ... also: cause of action common counts
counter offer :: n. an offer made in response to a previous offer b ... it expire. See also: contract offer
counterclaim :: n. a retaliatory claim by a defendant against a pl ... d. See also: answer cross-complaint
counterfeit :: 1) adj. describing a document, particularly money, ... d for real. See also: forgery utter
counterpart :: n. in the law of contracts, a written paper which ... rent localities. See also: contract
course :: n. in the midst of or actively involved in at that ... se of employment, course of trade."
course of employment :: adj. actively involved in a person's employment at ... Acts. See also: scope of employment
court :: n. 1) the judge, as in "The court rules in favor o ... cost and wait of full court trials.
court calendar :: n. the list of matters to be heard or set for tria ... ring by a court. See also: calendar
court costs :: n. fees for expenses that the courts pass on to at ... ee also: cost bill prevailing party
court docket :: n. See also: docket ... n. See also: docket
court of appeals :: n. any court (state or federal) which hears appeal ... eals courts. See also: appeal court
Court of Customs and Patent Appeals :: n. a federal court established (1929) to hear appe ... lso: Customs Court patent trademark
court of equity :: n. originally in English common law and in several ... also: chancery court of law equity
court of law :: n. any tribunal within a judicial system. Under En ... aw. See also: chancery court equity
court trial :: ("non-jury trial"): a trial with a judge but no ju ... : a trial with a judge but no jury.
court-martial :: 1) n. a military court for trying offenses in viol ... the U.S. Court of Military Appeals.
covenant :: 1) n. a promise in a written contract or a deed of ... o compete deed restrictive covenant
covenant not to compete :: n. a common provision in a contract for sale of a ... the sales price. See also: covenant
covenant that runs with the land :: n. a promise contained in a deed to land or real e ... l future owners. See also: covenant
covenants, conditions and restrictions :: n. commonly called "CC and Rs," these are written ... ctive purchaser. See also: covenant
credibility :: n. whether testimony is worthy of belief, based on ... jective. See also: credible witness
credible witness :: n. a witness whose testimony is more than likely t ... ther factors. See also: credibility
creditor :: n. a person or entity to whom a debt is owed. ... n or entity to whom a debt is owed.
creditor's claim :: n. a claim required to be filed in writing, in a p ... e also: claim in bankruptcy probate
creditor's rights :: n. the field of law dealing with the legal means a ... also: creditor debt debtor judgment
crime :: n. a violation of a law in which there is injury t ... drugs. See also: felony misdemeanor
crime against nature :: n. an oldfashioned term for sodomy (anal sexual in ... states. See also: bestiality sodomy
crime of passion :: n. a defendant's excuse for committing a crime due ... dant. See also: manslaughter murder
criminal :: 1) n. a popular term for anyone who has committed ... so: convict felon habitual criminal
criminal attorney :: n. a popular term for an attorney who specializes ... . See also: crime felon misdemeanor
criminal calendar :: n. the list of criminal cases to be called in cour ... e plea preliminary hearing sentence
criminal justice :: n. a generic term for the procedure by which crimi ... endered and punishment carried out.
criminal law :: n. those statutes dealing with crimes against the ... See also: crime felony misdemeanor
cross-complaint :: n. after a complaint has been filed against a defe ... g prayer service of process summons
cross-examination :: n. the opportunity for the attorney (or an unrepre ... examination testimony trial witness
cruel and unusual punishment :: n. governmental penalties against convicted crimin ... opted. See also: capital punishment
cruelty :: n. the intentional and malicious infliction of phy ... ruel and unusual punishment divorce
cruelty to animals :: n. the crime of inflicting physical pain, sufferin ... danger of death. See also: cruelty
culpability :: culpable ... culpable
culpable :: adj. sufficiently responsible for criminal acts or ... ons and thus should take the blame.
cumis counsel :: n. an attorney employed by a defendant in a lawsui ... fendant be approved by the company.
cumulative sentence :: n. when a criminal defendant has been found guilty ... in a five-year term in the example.
cumulative voting :: n. in corporations, a system of voting by sharehol ... eholders with 1,001 or more shares.
curtesy :: n. in old common law, the right of a surviving hus ... ommunity property dower life estate
custody :: n. 1) holding property under one's control. 2) law ... inor child. See also: child custody
Customs Court :: n. a federal court established (1926) to hear appe ... Court of Customs and Patent Appeals
cut a check :: v. to write (prepare) and sign a check. ... o write (prepare) and sign a check.
cy pres doctrine :: n. (see-pray doctrine) from French, meaning "as cl ... ey among several S.P.C.A. chapters.