Dictionary of Law
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corporation :: legal definition


Corporation - n. an organization formed with state governmental approval to act as an artificial person to carry on business (or other activities), which can sue or be sued, and (unless it is non-profit) can issue shares of stock to raise funds with which to start a business or increase its capital. One benefit is that a corporation's liability for damages or debts is limited to its assets, so the shareholders and officers are protected from personal claims, unless they commit fraud. For private business corporations the articles of incorporation filed with the Secretary of State of the incorporating state must include certain information, including the name of the responsible party or parties (incorporators and agent for acceptance of service), the amount of stock it will be authorized to issue, and its purpose. In some states the purpose may be a general statement of any purpose allowed by law, while others require greater specificity. Corporation shareholders elect a board of directors, which in turn adopts bylaws, chooses the officers and hires top management (which in smaller corporations are often the directors and/or shareholders). Annual meetings are required of both the shareholders and the board, and major policy decisions must be made by resolution of the board (which often delegates much authority to officers and committees). Issuance of stock of less than $300,000, with no public solicitation and relatively few shareholders, is either automatically approved by the state commissioner of corporations or requires a petition outlining the financing. Some states are considered lax in supervision, have low filing fees and corporate taxes and are popular incorporation states, but corporations must register with Secretaries of State of other states where they do substantial business as a "foreign" corporation. Larger stock offerings and/or those offered to the general public require approval by the Securities and Exchange Commission after close scrutiny and approval of a public "prospectus" which details the entire operation of the corporation. There are also non-profit (or not for profit) corporations organized for religious, educational, charitable or public service purposes. Public corporations are those formed by a municipal, state or federal government for public purposes such as operating a dam and utility project. A close corporation is made up of a handful of shareholders with a working or familial connection which is permitted to operate informally without resolutions and regular board meetings. A de jure corporation is one that is formally operated under the law, while a de facto corporation is one which operates as if it were legal, but without the articles of incorporation being valid. Corporations can range from the Corner Mini-Mart to General Electric.

See also: articles of incorporation board of directors bylaws close corporation de facto corporation de jure corporation non-profit corporation public corporation securities and Related Law Terms ↓


Related Law Terms

abduction :: n. the criminal taking away of a person by persuas ... g of children. See also: kidnapping
abuse of discretion :: n. a polite way of saying a trial judge has made s ... partner's realistic ability to pay.
acceptance of service :: n. agreement by a defendant (or his/her attorney) ... o accept service. See also: service
account stated :: n. a statement between a creditor or the person to ... ending on the state. See also: debt
acknowledgment :: n. the section at the end of a document where a no ... me leases and various other papers.
actionable :: adj. when enough facts or circumstances exist to m ... ction lawsuit malicious prosecution
ad litem :: adj. legal Latin meaning "for the purposes of the ... of age. See also: guardian ad litem
administrative law :: n. the procedures created by administrative agenci ... judge Administrative Procedure Act
administrator :: n. the person appointed by the court to handle the ... e also: administer executor probate
admiralty :: n. concerning activities which occur at sea, inclu ... "proctors." See also: maritime law
admission against interest :: n. an admission of the truth of a fact by any pers ... earsay. See also: admission hearsay
admit :: v. 1) to state something is true in answering a co ... tted." See also: admission evidence
adoption :: n. the taking of a child into one's family, creati ... the child are met. See also: adopt
adverse party :: n. the opposite side in a lawsuit. Sometimes when ... the court rules the will was legal.
advisory opinion :: n. an opinion stated by a judge or a court upon th ... o: actual controversy friendly suit
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
agent for acceptance of service :: n. states require that a corporation name an actua ... corporations. See also: corporation
alter ego :: n. a corporation, organization or other entity set ... See also: pierce the corporate veil
amicus curiae :: n. Latin for "friend of the court," a party or an ... party's presentation to the court.
answer :: n. in law, a written pleading filed by a defendant ... emurrer general denial verification
antitrust laws :: n. acts adopted by Congress to outlaw or restrict ... so: price fixing restraint of trade
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
arrest :: v. 1) to take or hold a suspected criminal with le ... anda warning probable cause warrant
arrest warrant :: n. a judge's order to law enforcement officers to ... ommitted a crime. See also: warrant
articles of incorporation :: n. the basic charter of a corporation which spells ... year's taxes. See also: corporation
asset :: n. generally any item of property that has monetar ... ill and rights to market a product.
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 General :: n. in each state and the federal government the hi ... izenry. See also: Solicitor General
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.
blue sky laws :: n. laws intended to protect the public from purcha ... e sky." See also: corporation stock
board of directors :: n. the policy managers of a corporation or organiz ... he expertise. See also: corporation
bond :: n. 1) written evidence of debt issued by a company ... good up to the amount of the bond.
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
bylaws :: n. the written rules for conduct of a corporation, ... d/or amended. See also: corporation
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 stock :: n. the original amount paid by investors into a co ... price. See also: corporation stock
carrier :: n. in general, any person or business which transp ... lso: common carrier private carrier
cartel :: n. 1) an arrangement among supposedly independent ... Colombia. See also: antitrust laws
certificate of incorporation :: n. document which some states issue to prove a cor ... the articles are sufficient proof.
chattel mortgage :: n. an outmoded written document which made a chatt ... ed by the property. See also: UCC-1
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 law :: n. 1) a body of laws and legal concepts which come ... generic term for non-criminal law.
civil rights :: n. those rights guaranteed by the Bill of Rights, ... ill of Rights civil civil liberties
claim against a governmental agency :: n. any time one believes he/she has a right to pay ... orter than other types of lawsuits.
claim against an estate :: n. upon the death of a person and beginning of pro ... ade to the heirs. See also: probate
claim in bankruptcy :: n. the written claim filed by persons or businesse ... : bankruptcy bankruptcy proceedings
class action :: n. a lawsuit filed by one or more people on behalf ... ees usually require court approval.
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.
commercial frustration :: n. an unforeseen uncontrollable event which occurs ... rustration of purpose impossibility
commingling :: n. the act of mixing the funds belonging to one pa ... rust accounts for funds of another.
common law :: n. the traditional unwritten law of England, based ... plied without reference to statute.
common stock :: n. stock in a corporation in which dividends (payo ... oration preferred stock share stock
community property :: n. property and profits received by a husband and ... and distribution separate property
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
complaint :: n. the first document filed with the court (actual ... g prayer service of process summons
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
conscious parallelism :: n. an undiscussed imitation by a business of a com ... cidence? No, conscious parallelism.
constable :: n. a law officer for a particular area such as a r ... ice of the Peace. See also: sheriff
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
consumer protection laws :: n. almost all states and the federal government ha ... rranty product liability securities
contempt of court :: n. there are essentially two types of contempt: a) ... roduce evidence. See also: sanction
contract :: 1) n. an agreement with specific terms between two ... n oral contract unilateral contract
contractor :: n. 1) a person or entity that enters into a contra ... actor mechanic's lien subcontractor
contributory negligence :: n. a doctrine of common law that if a person was i ... : comparative negligence negligence
controlling law :: n. the laws of the state which will be relied upon ... will be that of a particular state.
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
court costs :: n. fees for expenses that the courts pass on to at ... ee also: cost bill prevailing party
court-martial :: 1) n. a military court for trying offenses in viol ... the U.S. Court of Military Appeals.
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
cumulative voting :: n. in corporations, a system of voting by sharehol ... eholders with 1,001 or more shares.
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
de facto corporation :: n. a company which operates as if it were a corpor ... also: de facto de jure ultra vires
de jure :: adj. Latin for "lawful," as distinguished from de ... also: de facto de jure corporation
de jure corporation :: n. a corporation in good standing under the law, a ... also: de facto corporation de jure
default :: 1) n. failure to respond to a summons and complain ... default judgment notice of default
demurrer :: n. (dee-muhr-ur) a written response to a complaint ... demurrer. See also: motion pleading
derivative action :: n. a lawsuit brought by a corporation shareholder ... on director shareholder stockholder
descent :: n. the rules of inheritance established by law in ... on inheritance intestate succession
director :: n. a member of the governing board of a corporatio ... lso: board of directors corporation
disbar :: v. to remove an attorney from the list of practici ... legal ethics. (See moral turpitude
discrimination :: n. unequal treatment of persons, for a reason whic ... qual rights. See also: civil rights
disfigure :: v. to cause permanent change in a person's body, p ... . See also: damages general damages
disinherit :: v. to intentionally take actions to guarantee that ... rorem clause pretermitted heir will
dissolution of corporation :: n. termination of a corporation, either a) volunta ... e government. See also: corporation
dividend :: n. a portion of profit, usually based on the numbe ... . See also: corporation shareholder
divorce :: 1) n. the termination of a marriage by legal actio ... y separate property spousal support
doing business :: v. carrying on the normal activities of a corporat ... oration operating within the state.
domicile :: n. the place where a person has his/her permanent ... where its headquarters is located.
double jeopardy :: n. placing someone on trial a second time for an o ... that occurred thirty years earlier.
draft :: 1) n. a bill of exchange or check in which one par ... s. See also: bill of exchange check
ejusdem generis :: (eh-youse-dem generous) v adj. Latin for "of the s ... t was of land-based transportation.
element :: n. 1) an essential requirement to a cause of actio ... of action crime general plan zoning
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
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
evidence :: n. every type of proof legally presented at trial ... material object objection relevant
exchange :: 1) v. to trade or barter property, goods and/or se ... ins tax. See also: delayed exchange
executive clemency :: n. the power of a President in federal criminal ca ... ernor. See also: commutation pardon
extradition :: n. the surrender by one state or country of a pers ... ty. See also: fugitive from justice
fair comment :: n. a statement of opinion (no matter how ludicrous ... amation libel public figure slander
fair trade laws :: n. state laws which permit manufacturers or produc ... state constitutions in many states.
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
foreign corporation :: n. a corporation which is incorporated under the l ... tate or Whoopee's designated agent.
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
fresh pursuit :: n. immediate chase of a suspected criminal by a la ... hot pursuit. See also: hot pursuit
frisk :: v. quickly patting down the clothes of a possible ... k women and men officers frisk men.
gag order :: n. a judge's order prohibiting the attorneys and t ... st day in office, January 22, 1993.
general appearance :: n. an attorney's representation of a client in cou ... case. See also: special appearance
general partner :: n. 1) usually one of the owners and operators of a ... ted partnership partner partnership
grace period :: n. a time stated in a contract in which a late pay ... the contract, i.e. your insurance.
grandfather clause :: n. 1) a clause in a statute or zoning ordinance (p ... Such laws are now unconstitutional.
guarantee :: 1) v. to pledge or agree to be responsible for ano ... as some defect. See also: guarantor
guardian :: n. a person who has been appointed by a judge to t ... torship. See also: conservator ward
guest statute :: n. a state law which sets standards of care by the ... sked to be let out. See also: guest
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.
impute :: v. 1) to attach to a person responsibility (and th ... also. See also: vicarious liability
in personam :: adj. (in purr-soh-nam) from Latin for "directed to ... here. See also: in rem jurisdiction
incest :: n. sexual intercourse between close blood relative ... ily genes carrying such weaknesses.
incompetent :: adj. 1) referring to a person who is not able to m ... n incompetency incompetent evidence
incorporate :: v. 1) to obtain an official charter or articles of ... te by reference incorporation stock
incriminate :: v. to make a statement in which one admits that he ... d to information which would be so.
indenture :: n. a type of real property deed in which two parti ... bind a person to work for another.
independent contractor :: n. a person or business which performs services fo ... ue independence. See also: employee
information and belief :: n. a phrase often used in legal pleadings (complai ... nswer complaint declaration perjury
informed consent :: n. agreement to do something or to allow something ... . See also: consent Miranda warning
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
insider :: n. someone who has a position in a business or sto ... ange Act. See also: insider trading
insider trading :: n. the use of confidential information about a bus ... o catch insiders. See also: insider
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
interest :: n. 1) any and all, partial or total right to prope ... nal property real property standing
interrogatories :: n. a set of written questions to a party to a laws ... ing. See also: deposition discovery
interstate commerce :: n. commercial trade, business, movement of goods o ... and the I.C.C. may soon be history.
invasion of privacy :: n. the intrusion into the personal life of another ... randeis. See also: right to privacy
invitee :: n. a person who comes onto another's property, pre ... ail employees. See also: negligence
issue :: 1) n. a person's children or other lineal descenda ... the body incorporation share stock
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
judge :: 1) n. an official with the authority and responsib ... ice justice of the peace magistrate
judge advocate general :: (J.A.G.) n. a military officer who advises the gov ... also: court-martial judge advocate
judicial foreclosure :: n. a judgment by a court in favor of foreclosure o ... deed of trust foreclosure mortgage
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
jury :: n. one of the remarkable innovations of the Englis ... hallenge sequester venire voir dire
justice :: n. 1) fairness. 2) moral rightness. 3) a scheme or ... e appellate courts. See also: court
kidnapping :: (also spelled kidnaping) n. the taking of a person ... but now applies to adults as well.
law :: n. 1) any system of regulations to govern the cond ... um maritime law natural law statute
law book :: n. any of numerous volumes dealing with law, inclu ... : common law law Shepardize statute
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
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
limited liability :: n. the maximum amount a person participating in a ... ted damages partnership shareholder
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.
literary property :: n. the writings of an author which entitles him/he ... as copyrighted. See also: copyright
living trust :: n. sometimes called an inter vivos (Latin for "wit ... thrift clause trust trustee trustor
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
mandamus :: (man-dame-us) n. Latin for "we order," a writ (mor ... mandamus. See also: writ of mandate
marriage :: n. the joining of a male and female in matrimony b ... of time without legal formalities.
marshal :: 1) n. a federal court official who may serve paper ... tablish priorities among creditors.
martial law :: n. a system of complete control by a country's mil ... n and women. See also: military law
Massachusetts Trust :: n. a business in which the investors give manageme ... provide for eventual distribution.
maxims :: n. a collection of legal truisms which are used as ... e and the ordinary habits of life."
mercantile law :: n. that broad area of the law (also called commerc ... tion seller Uniform Commercial Code
merger :: n. 1) in corporate law, the joining together of tw ... and taking one, and wife the other.
mistake :: n. 1) an error in comprehending facts, meaning of ... time. See also: contract rescission
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
motion for a summary judgment :: n. a written request for a judgment in the moving ... strict procedures. 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 fault insurance :: n: a type of automobile insurance required of car ... ling lawsuits. See also: negligence
non-profit corporation :: n. an organization incorporated under state laws a ... harity corporation cy pres doctrine
not guilty :: n. 1) plea of a person who claims not to have comm ... t guilty by reason of insanity plea
notary public :: n. a person authorized by the state in which the p ... he state which appoints the notary.
notice :: n. 1) information, usually in writing in all legal ... Thirty-day notice three-day notice
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
occupy the field :: v. to preempt (monopolize) an area of statutory la ... ertain topics. See also: preemption
of counsel :: adj. reference to an attorney who is not actively ... quiring his/her full-time presence.
officer :: n. 1) a high-level management official of a corpor ... deputy sheriff or federal marshal.
officer of the court :: n. any person who has an obligation to promote jus ... also: attorney bailiff clerk judge
official :: 1) adj. referring to an act, document or anything ... tion or business. See also: officer
official misconduct :: n. improper and/or illegal acts by a public offici ... ty. See also: color of law official
offshore corporation :: n. a corporation chartered under the laws of a cou ... nds in accounts out of the country.
opinion :: n. the explanation of a court's judgment. When a t ... which the author is not specified.
ostensible agent :: n. a person who has been given the appearance of b ... rent authority ostensible authority
out of court :: adj. referring to actions, including negotiations ... is dismissed. See also: settlement
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.
pardon :: 1) v. to use the executive power of a Governor or ... also: amnesty commutation reprieve
partner :: n. 1) one of the co-owners and investors in a "par ... ner limited partnership partnership
partnership :: n. a business enterprise entered into for profit w ... partnership partner silent partner
party :: n. 1) one of the participants in a lawsuit or othe ... y real party in interest respondent
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
peremptory challenge :: n. the right of the plaintiff and the defendant in ... challenge for cause jury voir dire
permit :: 1) v. to allow by silence, agreement or giving a l ... f public revenue. See also: license
person :: n. 1) a human being. 2) a corporation treated as h ... amages. See also: corporation party
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
police powers :: n. from the 10th Amendment to the Constitution, wh ... host of state regulatory statutes.
possession :: n. 1) any article, object, asset or property which ... ctive possession. See also: possess
practice :: 1) n. custom or habit as shown by repeated action, ... s "she practices law in St. Louis."
preemption :: n. the rule of law that if the federal government ... cs control may parallel each other.
preemptive right :: n. the right of a shareholder in a corporation to ... also: corporation shareholder stock
preferred stock :: n. a class of shares of stock in a corporation whi ... on stock corporation dividend stock
presumption :: n. a rule of law which permits a court to assume a ... resumption at all, but a certainty.
probate :: 1) n. the process of proving a will is valid and t ... e also: administrator executor will
procedure :: n. the methods and mechanics of the legal process. ... cases are tried and judgments made.
process :: n. in law, the legal means by which a person is re ... service of process subpena summons
promissory note :: n. a written promise by a person (variously called ... lso: interest obligee obligor usury
promotional stock :: n. stock issued in a newly formed corporation and ... assets or money. See also: promoter
property :: n. anything that is owned by a person or entity. P ... rty real property separate property
prosecute :: v. 1) in criminal law, to charge a person with a c ... rney General prosecution prosecutor
prospectus :: n. a detailed statement by a corporation required ... rporation limited partnership stock
public defender :: n. an elected or appointed public official (usuall ... to convicted indigents for appeals.
public domain :: n. 1) in copyright law, the right of anyone to use ... al governments. See also: copyright
public record :: n. any information, minutes, files, accounts or ot ... l judgment are both public records.
public use :: n. the only purpose for which private property can ... e also: condemnation eminent domain
public utility :: n. any organization which provides services to the ... nder state laws. See also: monopoly
publication :: n. 1) anything made public by print (as in a news- ... so: defamation libel notice slander
quiet title action :: n. a lawsuit to establish a party's title to real ... opposition. See also: notice title
quorum :: n. the number of people required to be present bef ... ly set by statute. See also: bylaws
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.
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.
remedy :: n. the means to achieve justice in any matter in w ... gment provisional remedy settlement
reorganization :: n. the implementation of a business plan to restru ... also: bankruptcy corporation merger
reports :: n. the published decisions of appeals courts in al ... ilable in almost all law libraries.
representative :: 1) n. an agent. 2) n. in probate law, a generic te ... of the conditions at the job site."
respondent :: n. 1) the party who is required to answer a petiti ... "appellant") in the appeals court.
restraint of trade :: n. in antitrust law, any activity (including agree ... also: antitrust laws monopoly trust
retroactive :: adj. referring to a court's decision or a statute ... ospective." See also: ex post facto
review :: n. the judicial consideration of a lower court jud ... ate court reversal reversible error
robbery :: n. 1) the direct taking of property (including mon ... We've been robbed." See also: theft
sanction :: n. 1) a financial penalty imposed by a judge on a ... ction." See also: contempt of court
seal :: n. a device which creates an impression upon paper ... e "sealed," but that is rare today.
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
securities :: n. generic term for shares of stock, bonds and deb ... ee also: bond debenture share stock
security deposit :: n. a payment required by a landlord from a tenant ... lso: landlord and tenant lease rent
self-dealing :: n. in the stock market, using secret "inside" info ... ederal Securities and Exchange Act.
sentence :: 1) n. the punishment given to a person convicted o ... ence restitution suspended sentence
separate property :: n. in community property states (California, Texas ... pouse. See also: community property
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
share :: n. 1) a portion of a benefit from a trust, estate, ... n issue of the corporation's stock.
shareholder :: n. the owner of one or more shares of stock in a c ... : corporation shareholders' meeting
shareholders' agreement :: n. an employment agreement among the shareholders ... re only three or four shareholders.
shareholders' derivative action :: n. a lawsuit by a corporation's shareholders, theo ... gement. See also: derivative action
shareholders' meeting :: n. a meeting, usually annual, of all shareholders ... ctors corporation proxy shareholder
sheriff :: n. the top law enforcement officer for a county, u ... ." See also: bailiff sheriff's sale
shield laws :: n. statutes enacted in some states which declare t ... See also: privileged communication
sodomy :: n. anal copulation by a man inserting his penis in ... tiality). See also: bestiality rape
speaking demurrer :: n. an attempt to introduce evidence during a heari ... the operation." See also: demurrer
special appearance :: n. the representation by an attorney of a person i ... anged. See also: general appearance
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
state of domicile :: n. the state in which a person has his/her permane ... orated. See also: domicile resident
statute :: n. a federal or state written law enacted by the C ... and proclamations are not statutes.
statute of limitations :: n. a law which sets the maximum period which one c ... ies. See also: demurrer laches toll
stock certificate :: n. printed document which states the name, incorpo ... . See also: corporation share stock
straw man :: n. 1) a person to whom title to property or a busi ... a trail will mislead hunting dogs).
subchapter S corporation :: n. the choice by a small corporation to be treated ... ing attorney. See also: corporation
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
supremacy clause :: n. Article VI, section 2 of the U.S. Constitution, ... f involving a constitutional issue.
tax :: n. a governmental assessment (charge) upon propert ... unified estate and gift tax use tax
tender :: 1) v. to present to another person an unconditiona ... he tender. See also: delivery offer
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
timely :: adj. within the time required by statute, court ru ... ed on the 61st day is not "timely."
title :: n. 1) ownership of real property or personal prope ... ink slip real property title search
title search :: n. the examination of county records for the prope ... e escrow lien title title insurance
toll :: v. 1) to delay, suspend or hold off the effect of ... bridge or take passage on a ferry.
tort :: n. from French for "wrong," a civil wrong or wrong ... nce slander trespass wrongful death
transcript :: n. the written record of all proceedings, includin ... unless transcription is requested.
transfer agent :: n. a person or company retained by a corporation t ... stockbroker. See also: share stock
transferred intent :: n. in both criminal and tort (civil wrong) law, wh ... hit upon Truehart. See also: intent
treason :: n. the crime of betraying one's country, defined i ... nment. See also: espionage sedition
treasury stock :: n. stock of a private corporation which was issued ... be entitled. See also: share stock
trial :: n. the examination of facts and law presided over ... at a hearing held at a later time.
ultra vires :: (uhl-trah veye-rehz) adj. Latin for "beyond powers ... it is issued. See also: corporation
unconscionable :: adj. referring to a contract or bargain which is s ... ee also: adhesion contract contract
unissued stock :: n. a corporation's shares of stock which are autho ... poration share stock treasury stock
venue :: n. 1) the proper or most convenient location for t ... ion. See also: forum non conveniens
voting trust :: n. a trust which solicits vote proxies of sharehol ... ation proxy shareholder stockholder
warrant :: 1) n. an order (writ) of a court which directs a l ... e search and seizure search warrant
watered stock :: n. shares of stock of a corporation which have bee ... . See also: corporation share stock
will :: n. a written document which leaves the estate of t ... will and testament probate testator
winding up :: n. liquidating the assets of a corporation or part ... ration cy pres doctrine partnership
wrongful death :: n. the death of a human being as the result of a w ... ual beneficiaries (family members).

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 - C

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