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Dictionary of Law |
process :: legal definitionProcess - n. in law, the legal means by which a person is required to appear in court or a defendant is given notice of a legal action against him/her/it. When a complaint in a lawsuit is filed, it must be served on each defendant, together with a summons issued by the clerk of the court stating the amount of time (say, 30 days) in which the defendant has to file an answer or other legal pleading with the clerk of the court, and sent to the plaintiff. New York has an unusual system in which a summons may be served without a complaint. A subpena is similar to a summons but is a notice to a witness to appear at a deposition (testimony taken outside court), or at a trial. A subpena duces tecum is an order to deliver documents or other evidence either into court or to the attorney for a party to a lawsuit or criminal prosecution. An order to show cause is a court order to appear in court and give a reason why the court should not issue an order (such as paying temporary child support). The summons, complaint, subpena, subpena duces tecum and order to show cause must all be "served" on the defendant or person required to appear or produce, and this is called "service of process." Service of process is usually made by an officer of the court such as a deputy sheriff or marshal, or a professional process server, but can be performed by others in most jurisdictions. See also: order to show cause process server service of process subpena summons and Related Law Terms ↓ Related Law Termsabeyance :: 1) n. when the owner- ship of property has not bee ... 2) legal jargon for "undetermined."abortion :: n. the termination of pregnancy by various means, ... ed abortion continue in the future. abuse of discretion :: n. a polite way of saying a trial judge has made s ... partner's realistic ability to pay. 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 actionable :: adj. when enough facts or circumstances exist to m ... ction lawsuit malicious prosecution 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 adequate remedy :: n. a remedy (money or performance) awarded by a co ... es it, giving cause for his arrest. 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 alimony :: n. support paid by one ex-spouse to the other as o ... ild support divorce spousal support amended complaint :: n. what results when the party suing (plaintiff or ... cause of action complaint demurrer 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 apparent authority :: n. the appearance of being the agent of another (e ... e also: agency ostensible authority 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 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 attorney :: n. 1) an agent or someone authorized to act for an ... ialize. See also: court reciprocity 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 bailiff :: n. 1) a court official, usually a deputy sheriff, ... isdictional territory of a bailiff. bankruptcy :: n. a federal system of statutes and courts which p ... y proceedings trustee in bankruptcy benefit of counsel :: n. having the opportunity to have an attorney and ... attorney is the person's own fault. bifurcate :: v. the order or ruling of a judge that one issue i ... is necessary. See also: bifurcation Bill of Rights :: n. the first ten amendments to the federal Constit ... ved to the states or to the people. brief :: 1) n. a written legal argument, usually in a forma ... another person. See also: precedent burden of proof :: n. the requirement that the plaintiff (the party b ... ence prima facie weight of evidence but for rule :: n. one of several tests to determine if a defendan ... e damage. See also: proximate cause cause of action :: n. the basis of a lawsuit founded on legal grounds ... property. See also: element lawsuit 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 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 :: adj. 1) that part of the law that encompasses busi ... also: civil liberties civil rights 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 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. collateral :: 1) n. property pledged to secure a loan or debt, u ... ral to the Colorado divorce action. complaint :: n. the first document filed with the court (actual ... g prayer service of process summons 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 constructive notice :: n. a fiction that a person got notice even though ... personally. See also: constructive contempt of court :: n. there are essentially two types of contempt: a) ... roduce evidence. See also: sanction 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 count :: n. each separate statement in a complaint which st ... also: cause of action common counts 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 cross-complaint :: n. after a complaint has been filed against a defe ... g prayer service of process summons dangerous weapon :: n. any gun, knife, sword, crossbow, slingshot or o ... igence and possibly win a judgment. declaration of mailing :: n. a form stating that a particular document has b ... other party. See also: declaration 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 demurrer :: n. (dee-muhr-ur) a written response to a complaint ... demurrer. See also: motion pleading deposition :: n. the taking and recording of testimony of a witn ... See also: deponent depose discovery direct and proximate cause :: n. the immediate reason damage was caused by an ac ... so: cause complaint proximate cause disfigure :: v. to cause permanent change in a person's body, p ... . See also: damages general damages dismiss :: v. the ruling by a judge that all or a portion (on ... nst that party. See also: dismissal dismissal :: n. 1) the act of voluntarily terminating a crimina ... f the settlement. See also: dismiss divorce :: 1) n. the termination of a marriage by legal actio ... y separate property spousal support dram shop rule :: n. a statute (Dram Shop Act) or case law in 38 sta ... tervening cause, namely, the drunk. due process of law :: n. a fundamental principle of fairness in all lega ... procedural and substantive rights. element :: n. 1) an essential requirement to a cause of actio ... of action crime general plan zoning 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 estate :: n. 1) all that one owns in real estate and other a ... ife estate probate real estate will 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 execute :: v. 1) to finish, complete or perform as required, ... ishment contract executed execution execution :: n. 1) the act of getting an officer of the court t ... so: death penalty writ of execution 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. 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 gravamen :: n. Latin for "to weigh down," the basic gist of ev ... o: cause of action charge complaint guardian :: n. a person who has been appointed by a judge to t ... torship. See also: conservator ward guardian ad litem :: n. a person appointed by the court only to take le ... awsuit is filed. See also: ad litem head of household :: n. 1) in federal income tax law, the person filing ... n or daughter. 3) "head of family." 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 in personam :: adj. (in purr-soh-nam) from Latin for "directed to ... here. See also: in rem jurisdiction incompetency :: n. the condition of lacking the ability to handle ... and/or represented by an attorney. incorporate :: v. 1) to obtain an official charter or articles of ... te by reference incorporation stock independent contractor :: n. a person or business which performs services fo ... ue independence. See also: employee indictment :: n. a charge of a felony (serious crime) voted by a ... ictable offense preliminary hearing indigent :: 1) n. a person so poor and needy that he/she canno ... person who is very poor and needy. indispensable party :: n. a person or entity which must be included in a ... tion to join Olivia as a defendant. 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 inspection of documents :: n. the right to examine and copy the opposing part ... evidence subpena duces tecum trial interest :: n. 1) any and all, partial or total right to prope ... nal property real property standing interpleader :: n. the procedure when two parties are involved in ... e claimants fight over it in court. invasion of privacy :: n. the intrusion into the personal life of another ... randeis. See also: right to privacy 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 judicial sale :: n. a sale of goods by an official (keeper, trustee ... o be sold. See also: sheriff's sale 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 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 laches :: n. the legal doctrine that a legal right or claim ... , breach of contract, fraud, etc.). last clear chance :: n. a rule of law in determining responsibility for ... contributory negligence negligence lawsuit :: n. a common term for a legal action by one person ... See also: case cause of action suit legal advertising :: n. 1) notices of probate sales and other documents ... quality of the lawyers advertising. legal aid society :: n. an organization formed to assist persons who ha ... bar association. See also: pro bono letters of administration :: n. a document issued by the court clerk which stat ... estate. See also: executor probate letters testamentary :: n. a document issued by the court clerk which stat ... te. See also: administrator probate 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 lis pendens :: (lease pen-dense) n. Latin for "a suit pending," a ... ob can be penalized by court order. litigious :: adj. referring to a person who constantly brings o ... e called "professional plaintiffs." long cause :: n. a lawsuit in which it is estimated that a trial ... dar call court calendar short cause 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 mandate :: n. 1) any mandatory order or requirement under sta ... See also: mandamus 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. martial law :: n. a system of complete control by a country's mil ... n and women. See also: military law 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 modification :: n. a change in an existing court order or judgment ... terms of child support and custody. motion for a summary judgment :: n. a written request for a judgment in the moving ... strict procedures. See also: motion motion for dismissal :: (non-suit) n. application by a defendant in a laws ... otion for nonsuit. See also: motion 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 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 party :: n. a defendant or a plaintiff included in a lawsui ... ed. See also: necessary party party not guilty by reason of insanity :: n. plea in court of a person charged with a crime ... fense not guilty temporary insanity notice :: n. 1) information, usually in writing in all legal ... Thirty-day notice three-day notice notice to quit :: n. the notice given by a landlord (owner) to a ten ... h-to-month notice unlawful detainer nuisance :: n. the unreasonable, unwarranted and/or unlawful u ... evening). See also: public nuisance nunc pro tunc :: (nuhnk proh tuhnk) adj. Latin for "now for then," ... r actuality of a bigamous marriage. obscene :: adj., adv. a highly subjective reference to materi ... en I see it." See also: pornography officer of the court :: n. any person who has an obligation to promote jus ... also: attorney bailiff clerk judge order :: 1) n. every direction or mandate of a judge or a c ... defendant. See also: judge judgment order to show cause :: n. a judge's written mandate that a party appear i ... vernmental agency. See also: O.S.C. overrule :: v. 1) to reject an attorney's objection to a quest ... : appellate court objection sustain own recognizance :: (O.R.) n. the basis for a judge allowing a person ... n recognizance. See also: bail O.R. party :: n. 1) one of the participants in a lawsuit or othe ... y real party in interest respondent peace bond :: n. a bond required as part of a court order to gua ... ee also: injunction stay away order peremptory writ of mandate :: (or mandamus) n. a final order of a court to any g ... ve writ. See also: mandamus mandate personal service :: n. delivering a summons, complaint, notice to quit ... process substituted service summons personal services :: n. in contract law, the talents of a person which ... his/her unique ability and product. 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 political question :: n. the determination by a court (particularly the ... ne-vote," as constitutional issues. 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 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. 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 proximate cause :: n. a happening which results in an event, particul ... also: intervening cause negligence 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 remedy :: n. the means to achieve justice in any matter in w ... gment provisional remedy settlement remittitur :: n. 1) a judge's order reducing a judgment awarded ... party on appeal). See also: remand res judicata :: : (rayz judy-cot-ah) n. Latin for "the thing has b ... djudicata. See also: res adjudicata 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 return of service :: n. written confirmation under oath by a process se ... ee also: service service of process reversal :: n. the decision of a court of appeal ruling that t ... e of damages is ordered to dismiss. review :: n. the judicial consideration of a lower court jud ... ate court reversal reversible error rights :: n. 1) plural of right, which is the collection of ... evidence. See also: Miranda warning 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 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 self-defense :: n. the use of reasonable force to protect oneself ... ndalism. See also: assault homicide 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 :: n. 1) paid work by another person, either by contr ... ersonal services service of process 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 set aside :: v. to annul or negate a court order or judgment by ... "set aside" the original dismissal. settlement :: n. the resolution of a lawsuit (or of a legal disp ... ult in settlement. See also: settle shortening time :: n. an order of the court in response to the motion ... e notice is served within 24 hours. show cause order :: n. an order of the court, also called an order to ... hild. See also: order to show cause speaking demurrer :: n. an attempt to introduce evidence during a heari ... the operation." See also: demurrer special administrator :: n. a person appointed by the court in a probate pr ... or administrator. See also: probate special appearance :: n. the representation by an attorney of a person i ... anged. See also: general appearance specific performance :: n. the right of a party to a contract to demand th ... artwork. See also: contract prayer standing :: n. the right to file a lawsuit or file a petition ... so: actual controversy jurisdiction status conference :: n. a pre-trial meeting of attorneys before a judge ... g a trial date. See also: discovery 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 :: (subpoena): (suh-pea-nah) n. an order of the court ... ubpena duces tecum subpoena witness 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 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 supersedeas :: (sooh-purr-said-ee-uhs) Latin for "you shall desis ... . See also: appeal court of appeals temporary injunction :: n. a court order prohibiting an action by a party ... ry injunction. See also: injunction Thirty-day notice :: n. a notice by a landlord to a tenant on a month-t ... e also: landlord and tenant service three-day notice :: n. a notice to pay delinquent rent or quit (leave ... nd tenant service unlawful detainer time served :: n. the period a criminal defendant has been in jai ... o the defendant. See also: sentence timely :: adj. within the time required by statute, court ru ... ed on the 61st day is not "timely." transcript :: n. the written record of all proceedings, includin ... unless transcription is requested. trial :: n. the examination of facts and law presided over ... at a hearing held at a later time. unclean hands :: n. a legal doctrine which is a defense to a compla ... ough. See also: affirmative defense unlawful detainer :: n. 1) keeping possession of real property without ... Thirty-day notice three-day notice venue :: n. 1) the proper or most convenient location for t ... ion. See also: forum non conveniens vexatious litigation :: n. filing a lawsuit with the knowledge that it has ... lous malicious prosecution sanction warrant :: 1) n. an order (writ) of a court which directs a l ... e search and seizure search warrant 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 Searcheslegal 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 - Ppaid into court :: adj. referring to money deposited with the clerk o ... differences. See also: interpleaderpain and suffering :: n. the physical and mental distress suffered from ... l damages special damages suffering palimony :: n. a substitute for alimony in cases in which the ... the relationship. See also: alimony pander :: 1) v. to solicit customers for a prostitute. 2) n. ... ons or favors. See also: prostitute panderer :: n. 1) a person who panders or solicits for a prost ... special interests. See also: pander panel :: n. the list of people selected to appear for jury ... or jury duty. See also: jury venire paper hanger :: n. slang for a person who criminally writes and ca ... ey in them. See also: forgery fraud par :: n. 1) an equal level. 2) the face value of a stock ... common stock preferred stock stock paralegal :: n. a non-lawyer who performs routine tasks requiri ... h less than that for the attorneys. paramount title :: n. a right to real property which prevails over an ... n's claim of title. See also: title parcel :: n. a defined piece of real estate, usually resulti ... See also: real estate real property pardon :: 1) v. to use the executive power of a Governor or ... also: amnesty commutation reprieve parens patriae :: (paa-rens pat-tree-eye) n. Latin for "father of hi ... pport custody divorce guardian ward parent :: n. the lawful and natural father or mother of a pe ... natural parent. See also: adoption parental neglect :: n. a crime consisting of acts or omissions of a pa ... usive or sexually predatory person. pari delicto :: adj. equal fault. See also: in pari delicto ... al fault. See also: in pari delicto parish :: n. 1) a geographic area served by a church (partic ... overnmental equivalent of a county. parody :: n. the humorous use of an existing song, play, or ... l significance. See also: copyright parol :: adj. oral. See also: parol evidence rule ... oral. See also: parol evidence rule parol evidence rule :: n. if there is evidence in writing (such as a sign ... or contradict the written document. |