Dictionary of Law
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title :: legal definition


Title - n. 1) ownership of real property or personal property, which stands against the right of anyone else to claim the property. In real property, title is evidenced by a deed, judgment of distribution from an estate or other appropriate document recorded in the public records of the county. Title to personal property is generally shown by possession, particularly when no proof or strong evidence exists showing that the property belongs to another or that it has been stolen or known to be lost by another. In the case of automobiles and other vehicles, title is registered with the state's Department of Motor Vehicles, which issues a title document ("pink slip") to the owner. 2) the name for one's position in a business or organization, such as president, general manager, mayor, governor, duke. 3) the name for a legal case, such as Eugene Chan v. Runabout Taxi Company, Inc., which is part of the "caption" of the case.

See also: caption personal property pink slip real property title search and Related Law Terms ↓


Related Law Terms

abeyance :: 1) n. when the owner- ship of property has not bee ... 2) legal jargon for "undetermined."
abstract of judgment :: n. a written summary of a judgment which states ho ... aying the debt. See also: levy lien
abstract of title :: n. the written report on a title search which show ... e also: chain of title title report
acknowledgment :: n. the section at the end of a document where a no ... me leases and various other papers.
adjuster :: n. an employee (usually a non-lawyer) of an insura ... e company in approving settlements.
administrator :: n. the person appointed by the court to handle the ... e also: administer executor probate
adverse possession :: n. a means to acquire title to land through obviou ... o: possession prescriptive easement
after-acquired property :: n. 1) personal or real property acquired by a debt ... lso: bankruptcy secured transaction
after-acquired title :: n. title to property acquired after the owner atte ... ed title goes automatically to Sam.
appeal :: 1) v. to ask a higher court to reverse the decisio ... ng, as in "he has filed an appeal."
appurtenant :: adj. pertaining to something that attaches. In rea ... t. See also: easement real property
assess :: v. to set a value on property, usually for the pur ... e place upon sale of real property.
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
attorney of record :: n. the attorney who has appeared in court and/or s ... eve have long since been completed.
attorney-in-fact :: n. someone specifically named by another through a ... cument. See also: power of attorney
attorney's work product :: n. written materials, charts, notes of conversatio ... ivileged communication work product
bankruptcy :: n. a federal system of statutes and courts which p ... y proceedings trustee in bankruptcy
Bill of Rights :: n. the first ten amendments to the federal Constit ... ved to the states or to the people.
caption :: n. the first section of any written legal pleading ... to the exact format of the caption.
certificate of title :: n. generally, the title document for a motor vehic ... a "pink slip." See also: pink slip
chain of title :: n. the succession of title ownership to real prope ... title conveyance foreclosure title
character witness :: n. a person who testifies in a trial on behalf of ... ases and civil cases such as fraud.
chattel :: n. an item of personal property which is movable, ... ments). See also: personal property
closing :: n. the final step in the sale and purchase of real ... company, escrow holder or attorney.
cloud on title (cloud) :: n. an actual or apparent outstanding claim on the ... ion reconveyance title title report
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."
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
condominium :: n. title to a unit of real property which, in real ... ium projects. See also: common area
contractor :: n. 1) a person or entity that enters into a contra ... actor mechanic's lien subcontractor
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
corporation :: n. an organization formed with state governmental ... ation public corporation securities
covenant :: 1) n. a promise in a written contract or a deed of ... o compete deed restrictive covenant
damages :: n. the amount of money which a plaintiff (the pers ... liquidated damages special damages
declaration of mailing :: n. a form stating that a particular document has b ... other party. See also: declaration
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
defect :: n. an imperfection, quite often so great that the ... See also: defective defective title
defective title :: n. an apparent title to real property which fails ... so: chain of title defect defective
demise :: 1) v. an old-fashioned expression meaning to lease ... r life. 3) n. death. 4) n. failure.
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
disfigure :: v. to cause permanent change in a person's body, p ... . See also: damages general damages
easement :: n. the right to use the real property of another f ... rstandings at the time of creation.
ejusdem generis :: (eh-youse-dem generous) v adj. Latin for "of the s ... t was of land-based transportation.
encumbrance :: (incumbrance)n. a general term for any claim or li ... and must be paid for at some point.
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
extradition :: n. the surrender by one state or country of a pers ... ty. See also: fugitive from justice
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.
foreclosure :: n. the system by which a party who has loaned mone ... ced sale mortgage notice of default
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.
grant :: v. to transfer real property from a title holder ( ... deed grantee grantor quitclaim deed
grant deed :: n. the document which transfers title to real prop ... rant grantee grantor quitclaim deed
grantor-grantee index :: n. a set of books and/or computerized lists found ... ument in tracking a chain of title.
guardian :: n. a person who has been appointed by a judge to t ... torship. See also: conservator ward
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.
hostile possession :: n. occupancy of a piece of real property coupled w ... verse possession quiet title action
impound :: v. 1) to collect funds, in addition to installment ... cases. See also: forfeit forfeiture
in personam :: adj. (in purr-soh-nam) from Latin for "directed to ... here. See also: in rem jurisdiction
indenture :: n. a type of real property deed in which two parti ... bind a person to work for another.
insanity :: n. mental illness of such a severe nature that a p ... M'Naughten rule temporary insanity
interest :: n. 1) any and all, partial or total right to prope ... nal property real property standing
invitee :: n. a person who comes onto another's property, pre ... ail employees. See also: negligence
joint tenancy :: n. a crucial relationship in the ownership of real ... ty property tenancy in common title
jurat :: (jur-at) n. Latin for "been sworn," the portion of ... wledgment declaration notary public
jurisdiction :: n. the authority given by law to a court to try ca ... Superior Court Supreme Court venue
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
lease :: 1) n. a written agreement in which the owner of pr ... triple net lease unlawful detainer
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.
libel :: 1) n. to publish in print (including pictures), wr ... libel per se public figure slander
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.
lis pendens :: (lease pen-dense) n. Latin for "a suit pending," a ... ob can be penalized by court order.
living trust :: n. sometimes called an inter vivos (Latin for "wit ... thrift clause trust trustee trustor
marketable title :: n. the title to real property which has no encumbr ... e. See also: contract real property
mechanic's lien :: n. the right of a craftsman, laborer, supplier, ar ... ll sue for the debt. See also: lien
merger :: n. 1) in corporate law, the joining together of tw ... and taking one, and wife the other.
mortgage :: n. a document in which the owner pledges his/her/i ... losure notice of default trust deed
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-conforming use :: n. the existing use (residential, commercial, agri ... eneral plan grandfathered in zoning
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
operation of law :: n. a change or transfer which occurs automatically ... atically upon the child turning 18.
personal effects :: n. things which include clothes, cosmetics and ite ... e, Susannah"). See also: personalty
personal service :: n. delivering a summons, complaint, notice to quit ... process substituted service summons
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
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.
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
prosecute :: v. 1) in criminal law, to charge a person with a c ... rney General prosecution prosecutor
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
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
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
registry of deeds :: n. the records of land title documents kept by the ... mployee to locate. See also: record
remainder :: n. in real property law, the interest in real prop ... ed reversion title vested remainder
representative :: 1) n. an agent. 2) n. in probate law, a generic te ... of the conditions at the job site."
restraint on alienation :: n. an attempt in a deed or will to prevent the sal ... enant rule against perpetuities use
resulting trust :: n. a trust implied by law (as determined by a cour ... See also: constructive trust trust
reversion :: n. in real property, the return to the grantor or ... lled "reverter." See also: reverter
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
seisin :: (sees-in) n. an old feudal term for having both po ... perty). See also: fee simple seized
self-defense :: n. the use of reasonable force to protect oneself ... ndalism. See also: assault homicide
service :: n. 1) paid work by another person, either by contr ... ersonal services service of process
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
special appearance :: n. the representation by an attorney of a person i ... anged. See also: general appearance
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).
subject to :: adj. referring to the acquisition of title to real ... : assumption deed of trust mortgage
subpena duces tecum :: : (suh-pea-nah dooh-chess-take-uhm or dooh-kess-ta ... ng a court order. See also: witness
substituted service :: n. accomplishing service (delivery) of legal docum ... ee also: service service of process
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 insurance :: n. a policy issued by an insurance company guarant ... : chain of title title 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
transfer :: n. 1) the movement of property from one person or ... son or shipment to continue travel.
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.
variance :: n. 1) an exception to a zoning ordinance, authoriz ... process." See also: dismissal proof
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 - T

T.R.O. :: n. legal slang for temporary restraining order. Se ... order. See also: restraining order
tainted evidence :: n. in a criminal trial, information which has been ... e search and seizure search warrant
take :: v. to gain or obtain possession, including the rec ... eal property or stealing an object.
taking the Fifth :: n. the refusal to testify on the ground that the t ... ifth." See also: self-incrimination
tangible property :: n. physical articles (things) as distinguished fro ... operty personal property personalty
tax :: n. a governmental assessment (charge) upon propert ... unified estate and gift tax use tax
tax costs :: n. a motion to contest a claim for court costs sub ... sts" to avoid paying these charges.
Tax Court :: n. a federal agency with courts in major cities wh ... Appeals. See also: court income tax
tax evasion :: n. intentional and fraudulent attempt to escape pa ... o reduce the amount of payable tax.
tax return :: n. the form to be filed with a taxing authority by ... able to the taxpayer. See also: tax
tax sale :: n. an auction sale of a taxpayer's property conduc ... government to collect unpaid taxes.
temporary injunction :: n. a court order prohibiting an action by a party ... ry injunction. See also: injunction
temporary insanity :: n. in a criminal prosecution, a defense by the acc ... diminished capacity insanity intent
tenancy :: n. the right to occupy real property permanently, ... rety tenancy in common tenant title
tenancy at sufferance :: n. a "hold-over" tenancy after a lease has expired ... y tenancy at will unlawful detainer
tenancy at will :: n. occupation of real property owned by another un ... right to occupy. See also: tenancy
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
tenant :: n. a person who occupies real property owned by an ... rental payments. See also: tenancy
tender :: 1) v. to present to another person an unconditiona ... he tender. See also: delivery offer