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

interest :: legal definition


Interest - n. 1) any and all, partial or total right to property or for the use of property, including an easement to pass over a neighboring parcel of land, the right to drill for oil, a possibility of acquiring title upon the happening of some event, or outright title. While most often referring to real property, one may have an interest in a business, a bank account or any article. 2) the financial amount (money) paid by someone else for the use of a person's money, as on a loan or debt, on a savings account in a bank, on a certificate of deposit, promissory note or the amount due on a judgment. Interest is usually stated in writing at the time the money is loaned. There are variable rates of interest, particularly on savings accounts which depend on funding from the Federal Reserve or other banks and are controlled by the prevailing interest rates on those funds. Maximum interest rates on loans made by individuals are controlled by statute. To charge more than that rate is usury, the penalty for which may be the inability of a creditor to collect through the courts. The interest rates demanded by lending institutions are not so restricted. The maximum legal interest often granted by the courts on judgments is set by the law of the state. Simple interest is the annual rate charged for a loan, and compound interest includes interest upon interest during the year. 3) one's involvement in business, activities or with an individual which is sufficient to create doubt about a witness being objective-damaging his/her credibility. 4) one's involvement in business, activities or with an individual which is sufficient connection to give a person "standing" (the right based on interest in the outcome of the lawsuit or petition) to bring a lawsuit on a particular matter or act on behalf of other people.

See also: compound interest easement future interest personal property real property standing and Related Law Terms ↓


Related Law Terms

abandoned property :: n. property left behind (often by a tenant) intent ... -use. See also: abandon abandonment
abandonment :: n. the act of intentionally and permanently giving ... : abandon abandoned property patent
abeyance :: 1) n. when the owner- ship of property has not bee ... 2) legal jargon for "undetermined."
abstract of title :: n. the written report on a title search which show ... e also: chain of title title report
abuse of discretion :: n. a polite way of saying a trial judge has made s ... partner's realistic ability to pay.
account stated :: n. a statement between a creditor or the person to ... ending on the state. See also: debt
accounts receivable :: n. the amounts of money due or owed to a business ... sidering the chances of collection.
acknowledgment :: n. the section at the end of a document where a no ... me leases and various other papers.
ad litem :: adj. legal Latin meaning "for the purposes of the ... of age. See also: guardian ad litem
adoption :: n. the taking of a child into one's family, creati ... the child are met. See also: adopt
after-acquired property :: n. 1) personal or real property acquired by a debt ... lso: bankruptcy secured transaction
agency :: n. the relationship of a person (called the agent) ... ondeat superior scope of employment
American Civil Liberties Union :: n. a membership organization founded in 1920 to de ... rk, NY 10036; tel.: (212) 944-9800.
appurtenant :: adj. pertaining to something that attaches. In rea ... t. See also: easement real property
arrest :: v. 1) to take or hold a suspected criminal with le ... anda warning probable cause warrant
assess :: v. to set a value on property, usually for the pur ... e place upon sale of real property.
asset :: n. generally any item of property that has monetar ... ill and rights to market a product.
assign :: 1) v. to transfer to another person any asset such ... en shows up in contracts and wills.
assume :: v. to take over the liability for a debt on a prom ... he assumption. See also: assumption
attachment :: n. the seizing of money or property prior to getti ... bond. See also: writ of attachment
Attorney General :: n. in each state and the federal government the hi ... izenry. See also: Solicitor General
attractive nuisance doctrine :: n. a legal doctrine which makes a person negligent ... ch make negligence harder to prove.
bail :: 1) n. the money or bond put up to secure the relea ... bond bail bondsman own recognizance
bank :: n. 1) an officially chartered institution empowere ... erred to as "in bank" or "en banc."
bankruptcy :: n. a federal system of statutes and courts which p ... y proceedings trustee in bankruptcy
bar examination :: n. the examination given in each state by either t ... n that district. See also: attorney
Bill of Rights :: n. the first ten amendments to the federal Constit ... ved to the states or to the people.
breach :: 1) n. literally, a break. A breach may be a failur ... breach of trust breach of warranty
building and loan :: n. another name for savings and loan association. ... payment. See also: savings and loan
business :: n. any activity or enterprise entered into for pro ... pleasure or no particular purpose.
canon law :: n. laws and regulations over ecclesiastical (churc ... nduct with no religious connection.
capital :: 1) n. from Latin for caput, meaning "head," the ba ... count capital assets stock in trade
capital gains :: n. the difference between the sales price and the ... so: basis delayed exchange exchange
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.
certificate of deposit (CD) :: n. a document issued by a bank in return for a dep ... D before the pledged time runs out.
chain of title :: n. the succession of title ownership to real prope ... title conveyance foreclosure title
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
child custody :: n. a court's determination of which parent, relati ... pport custody divorce joint custody
civil :: adj. 1) that part of the law that encompasses busi ... also: civil liberties civil rights
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.
collateral :: 1) n. property pledged to secure a loan or debt, u ... ral to the Colorado divorce action.
color of title :: n. the appearance of having title to personal or r ... rty based on this "color of title."
commingling :: n. the act of mixing the funds belonging to one pa ... rust accounts for funds of another.
common counts :: n. claims for debt alleged in a lawsuit (included ... so: cause of action complaint count
common property :: n. 1) real property owned by "tenants in common," ... e, like parks and national forests.
community property :: n. property and profits received by a husband and ... and distribution separate property
condition subsequent :: n. 1) in a contract, a happening which terminates ... Dad Fauntleroy. See also: condition
conflict of interest :: n. a situation in which a person has a duty to mor ... a position adverse to the customer.
conscious parallelism :: n. an undiscussed imitation by a business of a com ... cidence? No, conscious parallelism.
conservator :: n. a guardian and protector appointed by a judge t ... ies. See also: conservatee guardian
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
constructive notice :: n. a fiction that a person got notice even though ... personally. See also: constructive
contributory negligence :: n. a doctrine of common law that if a person was i ... : comparative negligence negligence
controlled substance :: n. a drug which has been declared by federal or st ... those who have used the substances.
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
copyright :: 1) n. the exclusive right of the author or creator ... plagiarism public domain trademark
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
court costs :: n. fees for expenses that the courts pass on to at ... ee also: cost bill prevailing party
covenant :: 1) n. a promise in a written contract or a deed of ... o compete deed restrictive covenant
creditor's claim :: n. a claim required to be filed in writing, in a p ... e also: claim in bankruptcy probate
cruel and unusual punishment :: n. governmental penalties against convicted crimin ... opted. See also: capital punishment
d.b.a. :: n. short for "doing business as," when a person or ... that is registered with the state.
damages :: n. the amount of money which a plaintiff (the pers ... liquidated damages special damages
dangerous weapon :: n. any gun, knife, sword, crossbow, slingshot or o ... igence and possibly win a judgment.
dedication :: n. the giving of land by a private person or entit ... perty. See also: quiet title action
deed :: 1) n. the written document which transfers title ( ... veyance deed of trust warranty deed
deed of trust :: n. a document which pledges real property to secur ... : foreclosure mortgage reconveyance
demise :: 1) v. an old-fashioned expression meaning to lease ... r life. 3) n. death. 4) n. failure.
depreciation :: n. the actual or theoretical gradual loss of value ... e early years of use (accelerated).
descent :: n. the rules of inheritance established by law in ... on inheritance intestate succession
devise :: 1) v. an old-fashioned word for giving real proper ... so: bequest gift legacy remise will
devisee :: n. a person who receives a gift of real property b ... will. See also: beneficiary legatee
dismiss :: v. the ruling by a judge that all or a portion (on ... nst that party. See also: dismissal
DNA :: n. scientifically, deoxyribonucleic acid, a chromo ... is strongly in favor of admission.
dominant estate :: n. in real estate law, the property retained when ... See also: easement servient estate
double jeopardy :: n. placing someone on trial a second time for an o ... that occurred thirty years earlier.
duress :: n. the use of force, false imprisonment or threats ... pardoned by President Jimmy Carter.
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
equal opportunity :: 1) n. a right supposedly guaranteed by both federa ... be so. See also: affirmative action
equal protection of the law :: n. the right of all persons to have the same acces ... laws." See also: due process of law
escrow :: 1) n. a form of account held by an "escrow agent" ... w the deal." See also: escrow agent
estate :: n. 1) all that one owns in real estate and other a ... ife estate probate real estate will
exchange :: 1) v. to trade or barter property, goods and/or se ... ins tax. See also: delayed exchange
execution :: n. 1) the act of getting an officer of the court t ... so: death penalty writ of execution
extinguishment :: n. the cancellation or destruction of a right, qui ... urther money or performance is due.
extradition :: n. the surrender by one state or country of a pers ... ty. See also: fugitive from justice
extrinsic fraud :: n. fraudulent acts which keep a person from obtain ... it. See also: fraud intrinsic fraud
fair use :: n. the non-competitive right to use of copyrighted ... for a royalty. See also: copyright
false arrest :: n. physically detaining someone without the legal ... sment. See also: false imprisonment
fictitious defendants :: n. when a party suing (plaintiff) is not sure if h ... are not permitted in federal cases.
fiduciary :: 1) n. from the Latin fiducia, meaning "trust," a p ... lation fiduciary relationship trust
file :: 1) v. to deposit with the clerk of the court a wri ... rrespondence and notes on the case.
foreclosure :: n. the system by which a party who has loaned mone ... ced sale mortgage notice of default
forfeit :: v. to lose property or rights involuntarily as a p ... drunk driving. See also: forfeiture
franchise :: 1) n. a right granted by the government to a perso ... on property, income or profits tax.
fraud :: n. the intentional use of deceit, a trick or some ... audulent conveyance intrinsic fraud
free and clear :: adj. referring to the ownership of real property u ... the title has no claim against it.
future interest :: n. a right to receive either real property or pers ... maturity (age 18) or upon marriage.
garnish :: v. to obtain a court order directing a party holdi ... ed. See also: garnishee garnishment
general partner :: n. 1) usually one of the owners and operators of a ... ted partnership partner partnership
goodwill :: n. the benefit of a business having a good reputat ... an unknowing buyer. See also: sale
grandfather clause :: n. 1) a clause in a statute or zoning ordinance (p ... Such laws are now unconstitutional.
grant deed :: n. the document which transfers title to real prop ... rant grantee grantor quitclaim deed
guest :: n. 1) in general, a person paying to stay in a hot ... ce. See also: guest statute invitee
harassment :: (either harris-meant or huh-rass-meant) n. the act ... See also: harass sexual harassment
hearsay rule :: n. the basic rule that testimony or documents whic ... interest dying declaration hearsay
hit and run :: n. the crime of a driver of a vehicle who is invol ... , and then walks back to the scene.
implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing :: n. a general assumption of the law of contracts, t ... -long employment. See also: implied
impound :: v. 1) to collect funds, in addition to installment ... cases. See also: forfeit forfeiture
impute :: v. 1) to attach to a person responsibility (and th ... also. See also: vicarious liability
in kind :: adj. referring to payment, distribution or substit ... . See also: distribution trust will
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."
incorporate :: v. 1) to obtain an official charter or articles of ... te by reference incorporation stock
indenture :: n. a type of real property deed in which two parti ... bind a person to work for another.
indictment :: n. a charge of a felony (serious crime) voted by a ... ictable offense preliminary hearing
ingress :: 1) n. entrance. 2) n. the right to enter. 3) v. th ... property. See also: easement egress
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
invasion of privacy :: n. the intrusion into the personal life of another ... randeis. See also: right to privacy
inverse condemnation :: n. the taking of property by a government agency w ... e also: condemnation eminent domain
invitee :: n. a person who comes onto another's property, pre ... ail employees. See also: negligence
jeopardy :: n. peril, particularly danger of being charged wit ... ar Evers. See also: double jeopardy
joint :: adj., adv. referring to property, rights or obliga ... ncy joint venture tenancy in common
joint and several :: adj. referring to a debt or a judgment for neglige ... ution contributory negligence joint
joint tenancy :: n. a crucial relationship in the ownership of real ... ty property tenancy in common title
judgment creditor :: n. the winning plaintiff in a lawsuit to whom the ... 's rights judgment prevailing party
jurisdiction :: n. the authority given by law to a court to try ca ... Superior Court Supreme Court venue
jurisdictional amount :: n. the range between the minimum and maximum amoun ... equirements. See also: jurisdiction
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
kidnapping :: (also spelled kidnaping) n. the taking of a person ... but now applies to adults as well.
laches :: n. the legal doctrine that a legal right or claim ... , breach of contract, fraud, etc.).
land :: n. real property, real estate (and all that grows ... See also: real estate real property
lapse :: 1) v. to fail to occur, particularly a gift made i ... eficiary devisee legatee trust will
lawsuit :: n. a common term for a legal action by one person ... See also: case cause of action suit
lease :: 1) n. a written agreement in which the owner of pr ... triple net lease unlawful detainer
leasehold :: n. the real estate which is the subject of a lease ... sehold. See also: condominium lease
legatee :: n. a person or organization receiving a gift of an ... eficiary devise devisee legacy will
leverage :: 1) n. the use of borrowed money to purchase real e ... e been created by risky leveraging.
levy :: 1) v. to seize (take) property upon a writ of exec ... heriff's sale tax writ of execution
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
license :: 1) n. governmental permission to perform a particu ... eement. See also: licensee licensor
lien :: n. any official claim or charge against property o ... ord's lien mechanic's lien mortgage
life estate :: n. the right to use or occupy real property for on ... hter, Sadie, will own the property.
limited partnership :: n. a special type of partnership which is very com ... mited liability partner partnership
lineup :: n. a law enforcement method used in an attempt to ... entification is precarious at best.
lis pendens :: (lease pen-dense) n. Latin for "a suit pending," a ... ob can be penalized by court order.
literary property :: n. the writings of an author which entitles him/he ... as copyrighted. See also: copyright
living will :: n. also called "a durable power of attorney," it i ... upport. See also: power of attorney
malice :: n. a conscious, intentional wrongdoing either of a ... cution murder public figure slander
malpractice :: n. An act or continuing conduct of a professional ... eed. See also: errors and omissions
manslaughter :: n. the unlawful killing of another person without ... laughter. See also: homicide murder
marketable title :: n. the title to real property which has no encumbr ... e. See also: contract real property
Massachusetts Trust :: n. a business in which the investors give manageme ... provide for eventual distribution.
mechanic's lien :: n. the right of a craftsman, laborer, supplier, ar ... ll sue for the debt. See also: lien
mental anguish :: n. mental suffering which includes fright, feeling ... See also: damages mental suffering
merger :: n. 1) in corporate law, the joining together of tw ... and taking one, and wife the other.
minority :: n. 1) in voting, a side with less than half the vo ... See also: legal age majority minor
Miranda warning :: n. the requirement, also called the Miranda rule, ... me such a suspect? See also: rights
misappropriation :: n. the intentional, illegal use of the property or ... mbezzlement fiduciary larceny theft
monopoly :: n. a business or inter-related group of businesses ... ust laws license restraint of trade
mortgage :: n. a document in which the owner pledges his/her/i ... losure notice of default trust deed
negligence :: n. failure to exercise the care toward others whic ... gence per se res ipsa loquitur tort
no contest :: n. in criminal law, a defendant's plea in court th ... : nolo contendere plea plea bargain
no fault insurance :: n: a type of automobile insurance required of car ... ling lawsuits. See also: negligence
nominal damages :: n. a small amount of money awarded to a plaintiff ... had been damaged. See also: damages
nominal party :: n. a defendant or a plaintiff included in a lawsui ... ed. See also: necessary party party
nominee :: n. 1) a person or entity who is requested or named ... ic office. See also: agent executor
non-conforming use :: n. the existing use (residential, commercial, agri ... eneral plan grandfathered in zoning
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
notorious possession :: n. occupation of real property or holding personal ... e is as if the person is the owner.
nuisance :: n. the unreasonable, unwarranted and/or unlawful u ... evening). See also: public nuisance
objection :: n. a lawyer's protest about the legal propriety of ... ng question object overrule sustain
option :: n. a right to purchase property or require another ... ng or upon expiration of the lease.
paid into court :: adj. referring to money deposited with the clerk o ... differences. See also: interpleader
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.
passive :: adj. referring to being inactive. A "passive trust ... ment and interest on bank accounts.
patent :: 1) adj. obvious. Used in such expressions as a "pa ... patent infringement patent pending
pawn :: v. to pledge an item of personal property as secur ... nsed by the state. See also: pledge
personal effects :: n. things which include clothes, cosmetics and ite ... e, Susannah"). See also: personalty
personalty :: n. movable assets (things, including animals) whic ... lso: personal effects real property
pledge :: v. to deposit personal property as security for a ... ise to do something. See also: pawn
possession :: n. 1) any article, object, asset or property which ... ctive possession. See also: possess
possessory interest :: n. in real estate, the intent and right of a perso ... o: possess possession real property
possibility of a reverter :: n. the potential that the title to a real property ... further issue. See also: reversion
pour over will :: n. a will of a person who has already executed a t ... invalid trust. See also: trust will
power of attorney :: n. a written document signed by a person giving an ... y, as in a real estate transaction.
prescription :: n. the method of acquiring an easement upon anothe ... ty. See also: prescriptive easement
prescriptive easement :: n. an easement upon another's real property acquir ... on. See also: easement prescription
prima facie :: : (pry-mah fay-shah) adj. Latin for "at first look ... t" case. See also: prima facie case
private road :: n. a road or driveway on privately owned property, ... ng. See also: prescriptive easement
privileges and immunities :: n. the fundamental rights that people enjoy in fre ... t impinge on constitutional rights.
probate :: 1) n. the process of proving a will is valid and t ... e also: administrator executor will
process :: n. in law, the legal means by which a person is re ... service of process subpena summons
product liability :: n. the responsibility of manufacturers, distributo ... e known. See also: warrant warranty
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
property :: n. anything that is owned by a person or entity. P ... rty real property separate property
property damage :: n. injury to real or personal property through ano ... l value. See also: damages property
property tax :: n. an annual governmental tax on real property or ... are made. See also: ad valorem tax
public easement :: n. the right of the general public to use certain ... lso: easement prescriptive easement
qui tam action :: : (kwee tam) n. from Latin for "who as well," a la ... technical violations and/or errors.
quiet title action :: n. a lawsuit to establish a party's title to real ... opposition. See also: notice title
quitclaim deed :: n. a real property deed which transfers (conveys) ... also: convey deed grant deed title
ransom :: 1) n. money paid to a kidnapper in demand for the ... ive. See also: abduction kidnapping
real estate :: n. land, improvements and buildings thereon, inclu ... the future. See also: real property
real estate investment trust :: n. nicknamed REIT, a real estate investment organi ... its upon sale-if there is a profit.
real party in interest :: n. the person or entity who will benefit from a la ... st is the beneficiary of the trust.
real property :: n. 1) all land, structures, firmly attached and in ... onal property real estate reversion
receiver :: n. 1) a neutral person (often a professional trust ... owing they were obtained illegally.
reconveyance :: n. in those states which use deeds of trust as a m ... conveyance. See also: deed of 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.
remainder :: n. in real property law, the interest in real prop ... ed reversion title vested remainder
remedy :: n. the means to achieve justice in any matter in w ... gment provisional remedy settlement
rental value :: n. the amount which would be paid for rental of si ... alimony to be paid. See also: rent
reputation :: n. a person's good name, honor or what the communi ... See also: defamation libel slander
reversion :: n. in real property, the return to the grantor or ... lled "reverter." See also: reverter
right :: 1) n. an entitlement to something, whether to conc ... e also: civil rights marital rights
right of way :: n. 1) a pathway or road with a specific descriptio ... s easement egress floating easement
right to privacy :: n. the possible right to be let alone, in absence ... e also: invasion of privacy privacy
rights :: n. 1) plural of right, which is the collection of ... evidence. See also: Miranda warning
robbery :: n. 1) the direct taking of property (including mon ... We've been robbed." See also: theft
rule against perpetuities :: n. the legal prohibition against tying up property ... . See also: restraint on alienation
satisfaction of judgment :: n. a document signed by a judgment creditor (the p ... ord. See also: abstract of judgment
savings and loan :: n. a banking and lending institution, chartered ei ... vings into the home finance market.
search and seizure :: n. examination of a person's premises (residence, ... robable cause search search warrant
search warrant :: n. a written order by a judge which permits a law ... ble cause search search and seizure
sedition :: n. the federal crime of advocacy of insurrection a ... e rare. See also: espionage treason
seized :: (seised) n. 1) having ownership, commonly used in ... by force. See also: seisin seizure
self-defense :: n. the use of reasonable force to protect oneself ... ndalism. See also: assault homicide
servient estate :: n. real property which has an easement or other us ... See also: dominant estate easement
sound mind and memory :: n. having an understanding of one's actions and re ... ee also: competent incompetent will
spontaneous exclamation :: n. a sudden statement caused by the speaker having ... et hit the girl." See also: hearsay
spot zoning :: n. a provision in a general plan which benefits a ... . See also: grandfathered in zoning
stakeholder :: n. a person having in his/her possession (holding) ... ment or agreement. See also: escrow
standing :: n. the right to file a lawsuit or file a petition ... so: actual controversy jurisdiction
state action :: n. in federal Civil Rights Acts, dating back to 18 ... for damages. See also: civil rights
statute of limitations :: n. a law which sets the maximum period which one c ... ies. See also: demurrer laches toll
straw man :: n. 1) a person to whom title to property or a busi ... a trail will mislead hunting dogs).
subordination :: n. allowing a debt or claim which has priority to ... . See also: subordination agreement
survivorship :: n. the right to receive full title or ownership du ... onvenience. See also: joint tenancy
tax :: n. a governmental assessment (charge) upon propert ... unified estate and gift tax use tax
tenancy by the entirety :: n. joint ownership of title by husband and wife, i ... ee also: community property tenancy
tenancy in common :: n. title to property (usually real property, but i ... on. See also: joint tenancy tenancy
theft :: n. the generic term for all crimes in which a pers ... rglary embezzlement larceny robbery
title :: n. 1) ownership of real property or personal prope ... ink slip real property title search
title report :: n. the written analysis of the status of title to ... lso: abstract title title insurance
title search :: n. the examination of county records for the prope ... e escrow lien title title insurance
tort :: n. from French for "wrong," a civil wrong or wrong ... nce slander trespass wrongful death
trade fixture :: n. a piece of equipment on or attached to the real ... uch damage. See also: fixture trade
trade name :: n. a name of a business or one of its products whi ... t is different. See also: trademark
transfer :: n. 1) the movement of property from one person or ... son or shipment to continue travel.
treason :: n. the crime of betraying one's country, defined i ... nment. See also: espionage sedition
trespass :: n. entering another person's property without perm ... for an illegal purpose is a crime.
trust :: n. an entity created to hold assets for the benefi ... testamentary trust trustee trustor
undivided interest :: n. title to real property held by two or more pers ... y by the entirety tenancy in common
unlawful detainer :: n. 1) keeping possession of real property without ... Thirty-day notice three-day notice
use :: n. the right to enjoy the benefits of real propert ... ay it is only of academic interest.
usury :: n. a rate of interest on a debt which is exorbitan ... al Reserve Bank. See also: usurious
variance :: n. 1) an exception to a zoning ordinance, authoriz ... process." See also: dismissal proof
vehicular manslaughter :: n. the crime of causing the death of a human being ... gence manslaughter reckless driving
will :: n. a written document which leaves the estate of t ... will and testament probate testator
witness :: 1) n. a person who testifies under oath in a trial ... lso: deposition evidence trial will

Popular Law Searches

legal definition ministerial act :: n. an act, particularly of a governmental employee ... exercising any individual judgment.
chancery legal definition :: n. a court that can order acts performed. Today ch ... ts in most states. See also: equity
testamentary disposition legal definition :: n. how the terms of a will divide the testator's ( ... named beneficiaries. See also: will
contract of sufferance :: n. a "hold-over" tenancy after a lease has expired ... y tenancy at will unlawful detainer
forthwith legal definition :: adv. a term found in contracts, court orders and s ... mediacy, with no excuses for delay.
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 - I

i.e. :: prep. abbreviation for id est, which is Latin for ... "e.g.," which means "for example."
illegal :: 1) adj. in violation of statute, regulation or ord ... . See also: alien illegal immigrant
illegal immigrant :: n. an alien (non-citizen) who has entered the Unit ... ion date of a visa. See also: alien
illusory promise :: n. an agreement to do something that is so indefin ... he may have thought was a contract.
immaterial :: adj. a commonly heard objection to introducing evi ... ons. See also: irrelevant objection
immediately :: adv. 1) at once. 2) in orders of the court or in c ... oon as can be done" without excuse.
immunity :: n. exemption from penalties, payments or legal req ... ws. See also: governmental immunity
impanel :: v. to select and install a jury. See also: impanel ... l a jury. See also: impaneling jury
impaneling :: n. the act of selecting a jury from the list of po ... e juror jury panel venire voir dire
impeach :: v. 1) to discredit the testimony of a witness by p ... ve been found guilty by the Senate.
impeachment :: n. 1) discrediting a witness by showing that he/sh ... the trial itself. See also: impeach
impleader :: n. a procedural device before trial in which a par ... than having two suits in a series.
implied :: adj., adv. referring to circumstances, conduct or ... nt implied consent implied warranty
implied consent :: n. consent when surrounding circumstances exist wh ... aybe" or "later." See also: implied
implied contract :: n. an agreement which is found to exist based on t ... : contract express contract implied
implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing :: n. a general assumption of the law of contracts, t ... -long employment. See also: implied
implied warranty :: n. an assumption at law that products are "merchan ... er. See also: caveat emptor implied
impossibility :: n. when an act cannot be performed due to nature, ... cel) a contract. See also: contract
impotence :: n. the male's inability to copulate. Impotence can ... eans inability to produce children.
impound :: v. 1) to collect funds, in addition to installment ... cases. See also: forfeit forfeiture