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Dictionary of Law |
paid into court :: adj. referring to money deposited with the clerk o ... differences.
See also: interpleader pain 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. parole :: n. 1) the release of a convicted criminal defendan ... sed he will not take up arms again. partial :: adj. not complete or entire. See also: partial bre ... : partial breach partial disability partial breach :: n. the failure to meet a term of a contract which ... g in the missing or expected items. partial disability :: n. the result of an injury which permanently reduc ... erson's normal functioning is gone. partial verdict :: n. in a criminal trial, the result when the jury f ... re other charges. See also: verdict participate :: v. to invest and then receive a part or share, as ... he estate of a person who has died. partition :: n. a lawsuit which one co-owner of real property c ... sell, keep or divide the property. 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 party of the first part :: n. reference in a written contract to identify one ... ies another party to the agreement. party of the second part :: n. a reference to a party to a written contract, a ... " See also: party of the first part party wall :: n. a wall shared by two adjoining premises which i ... the property of one of the parties. passenger :: n. a rider who has paid a fare on a train, bus, ai ... also: common carrier guest statute 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 patent ambiguity :: n. an obvious inconsistency in the language of a w ... the language of a written document. patent defect :: n. an obvious flaw in a product or a document (suc ... he property description in a deed). patent infringement :: n. the manufacture and/or use of an invention or i ... not. See also: infringement patent patent pending :: n. often abbreviated to "pat. pend." or "pat. pend ... yet been granted. See also: patent paternity suit :: n. a lawsuit, usually by a mother, to prove that a ... d to a prompt and quiet settlement. pawn :: v. to pledge an item of personal property as secur ... nsed by the state. See also: pledge pay :: v. to deliver money owed. ... v. to deliver money owed. payable :: 1) adj. referring to a debt which is due. A debt m ... liabilities (debts) of a business. payable on demand :: adj. a debt on a promissory note or bill of exchan ... e (party to whom the debt is owed). payee :: n. the one named on a check or promissory note to ... promissory note to receive payment. payment in due course :: n. the giving of funds to the holder of a promisso ... nds. See also: holder in due course payment in full :: n. the giving of all funds due to another. This la ... ee accepts the payment as complete. payor :: (payer) n. the party who must make payment on a pr ... make payment on a promissory note. peace bond :: n. a bond required as part of a court order to gua ... ee also: injunction stay away order peaceable possession :: n. in real estate, holding property without any ad ... to possession or title by another. peculation :: n. misappropriation of public (government) funds o ... roperty. See also: misappropriation pecuniary :: adj. relating to money, as in "pecuniary loss." ... g to money, as in "pecuniary loss." pedophilia :: n. an obsession with children as sex objects. Over ... also: molestation pornography rape peeping tom :: n. a person who stealthily peeks into windows, hol ... n the basis of invasion of privacy. peer :: n. an equal. A "jury of one's peers," to which cri ... eria. See also: jury of one's peers peer review :: n. an examination and evaluation of the performanc ... claiming damages due to negligence. penal :: adj. referring to criminality, as in defining "pen ... ntiary confining convicted felons). penalty :: n. 1) in criminal law, a money fine or forfeiture ... contractor fails to complete a job. pendent jurisdiction :: n. in federal procedure, the policy that allows a ... n. (It also may be spelled: pendant pendente lite :: (pen-den-tay lee-tay) adj. Latin for awaiting the ... enforced until the lawsuit is over. penitentiary :: n. a state or federal prison in which convicts are ... mission of major crimes (felonies). people :: n. the designation for the prosecuting government ... secutions, United States v. Miller. per :: prep. from Latin for "by means of" or simply, "by" ... (by day) or "per capita" (by head). per capita :: adj. Latin for "by head," meaning to be determined ... ivided equally among those persons. per curiam :: adj. Latin for "by the court," defining a decision ... dentified as the specif- ic author. per diem :: adj. or n. Latin for "per day," it is short for pa ... or fees of an employee or an agent. per se :: (purr say) adj. Latin for "by itself," meaning inh ... e statement. See also: libel per se peremptory :: adj. absolute, final and not entitled to delay or ... allenges or a date set for hearing. peremptory challenge :: n. the right of the plaintiff and the defendant in ... challenge for cause jury voir dire peremptory writ of mandate :: (or mandamus) n. a final order of a court to any g ... ve writ. See also: mandamus mandate perfect :: : (with stress on the second syllable) v. 1) to co ... perfect. See also: mechanic's lien perfected :: adj. having completed all necessary legal steps to ... itle to property. See also: perfect perform :: v. 1) to fulfill one's obligations under a contrac ... court order. See also: performance performance :: n. fulfillment of one's obligations required by co ... nce. See also: specific performance perjurer :: n. a person who intentionally lies while under an ... alse information. See also: perjury perjury :: n. the crime of intentionally lying after being du ... ly made a mistake or misunderstood. permanent disability :: n. an injury which impairs the physical and/or men ... t injury Workers' Compensation Acts permanent injunction :: n. a final order of a court that a person or entit ... ary injunction temporary injunction permanent injury :: n. physical or mental damage which will restrict t ... ges. See also: permanent disability permissive :: adj. 1) referring to any act which is allowed by c ... ting contrary to others' standards. permit :: 1) v. to allow by silence, agreement or giving a l ... f public revenue. See also: license perpetuity :: n. forever. See also: in perpetuity rule against p ... erpetuity rule against perpetuities person :: n. 1) a human being. 2) a corporation treated as h ... amages. See also: corporation party personal effects :: n. things which include clothes, cosmetics and ite ... e, Susannah"). See also: personalty personal property :: n. same as "personalty." See also: personalty ... "personalty." See also: personalty 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. personalty :: n. movable assets (things, including animals) whic ... lso: personal effects real property petit jury :: n. old-fashioned name for the jury sitting to hear ... r duties. See also: Grand Jury jury petition :: 1) n. a formal written request to a court for an o ... dent. See also: divorce motion writ petitioner :: n. one who signs and/or files a petition. See also ... iles a petition. See also: petition petty larceny :: n. a term used in many states for theft of a small ... emeanor in charging and sentencing. physician-patient privilege :: n. the right and obligation of a physician to refu ... onfidential communication privilege picketing :: n. standing or parading near a business or governm ... es or threats to the public safety. pierce the corporate veil :: v. to prove that a corporation exists merely as a ... ling with it. See also: corporation pilferage :: n. a crime of theft of little things, usually from ... ipments or baggage. See also: theft pimp :: n. a person who procures a prostitute for customer ... also: pander panderer prostitution pink slip :: n. 1) slang for official automobile registration c ... being fired or laid off from a job. piracy :: n. the crime of robbery of ships or boats on the o ... here the accused has been captured. plagiarism :: n. taking the writings or literary concepts (a plo ... d. See also: copyright infringement plain error :: n. a mistake by the trial court found by a court o ... ire reversal of the trial decision. plain view doctrine :: n. the rule that a law enforcement officer may mak ... : search and seizure search warrant plaintiff :: n. the party who initiates a lawsuit by filing a c ... lso: complaint defendant petitioner plaintiff's attorney :: n. the attorney who represents a plaintiff (the su ... ee also: defense attorney plaintiff plea :: n. 1) in criminal law, the response by an accused ... raignment plead preliminary hearing plea bargain :: n. in criminal procedure, a negotiation between th ... the ban. See also: cop a plea plea plea in abatement :: n. See also: plea ... n. See also: plea plead :: v. 1) in civil lawsuits and petitions, to file any ... al conduct. See also: plea pleading pleading :: n. 1) every legal document filed in a lawsuit, pet ... nswer complaint demurrer plea plead pledge :: v. to deposit personal property as security for a ... ise to do something. See also: pawn plenary :: adj. full, complete, covering all matters, usually ... ring to an order, hearing or trial. police court :: n. in some states a type of municipal court which ... municipal court preliminary hearing police powers :: n. from the 10th Amendment to the Constitution, wh ... host of state regulatory statutes. political question :: n. the determination by a court (particularly the ... ne-vote," as constitutional issues. polygamy :: n. having more than one wife or husband at the sam ... ime in all states. See also: bigamy polygraph :: n. a lie detector device, from Greek for "many" (p ... swered. See also: lie detector test pornography :: n. pictures and/or writings of sexual activity int ... courts to follow. See also: obscene positive law :: n. statutory man-made law, as compared to "natural ... 651). See also: natural law statute posse comitatus :: (pahs-see coh-mitt-tah-tus) n. from Latin for "pos ... group is called a posse for short. possess :: v. to own, have title to, occupy, physically hold ... ng the estate. See also: possession possession :: n. 1) any article, object, asset or property which ... ctive possession. See also: possess possession of stolen goods :: n. the crime of possession of goods which one know ... e legal owner. See also: possession 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 post :: v. 1) to place a notice on the entrance or a promi ... or recording a payment. 4) to mail. post mortem :: n. Latin for "after death," an examination of a de ... alled an autopsy. See also: coroner postdated check :: n. a check delivered now with a written date in th ... livery of a bad check was criminal. pot :: n. slang for marijuana, an illeg- al narcotic. ... r marijuana, an illeg- al narcotic. pour over will :: n. a will of a person who has already executed a t ... invalid trust. See also: trust will power :: n. the right, authority and ability to take some a ... g legal rights and many other acts. power of acceptance :: n. the ability to accept an offer and thus create ... ecide to accept the original offer. power of appointment :: n. the right to leave property by will, transfer, ... death of the person with the power. power of attorney :: n. a written document signed by a person giving an ... y, as in a real estate transaction. practicable :: adj. when something can be done or performed. ... something can be done or performed. practice :: 1) n. custom or habit as shown by repeated action, ... s "she practices law in St. Louis." pray :: v. to formally request judicial judgment, relief a ... laint or petition. See also: prayer prayer :: n. the specific request for judgment, relief and/o ... ee also: complaint default judgment precatory :: adj. referring to a wish or advisory suggestion wh ... lutely prevent her from selling it. precedent :: 1) n. a prior reported opinion of an appeals court ... to perform. See also: stare decisis predecease :: v. to die before someone else, as "if my brother, ... estate I give to his son, Eugene." 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 preference :: n. in bankruptcy, the payment of a debt to one cre ... nds or assets. See also: bankruptcy preferred dividend :: n. a payment of a corporation's profits to holders ... of stock. See also: preferred stock preferred stock :: n. a class of shares of stock in a corporation whi ... on stock corporation dividend stock preliminary hearing :: n. in criminal law, a hearing to determine if a pe ... nment charge Grand Jury information preliminary injunction :: n. a court order made in the early stages of a law ... ent injunction temporary injunction premeditation :: n. planning, plotting or deliberating before doing ... e murder malice aforethought murder premises :: n. 1) in real estate, land and the improvements on ... t). See also: real estate structure premium :: n. 1) payment for insurance coverage either in a l ... ent for an act, option or priority. prenuptial agreement :: n. also called an antenuptial agreement, a written ... been "taken" by a previous spouse. preponderance of the evidence :: n. the greater weight of the evidence required in ... what subjective. See also: evidence prerogative writ :: n. an historic generic term for any writ (court or ... ls or another court. See also: writ prescription :: n. the method of acquiring an easement upon anothe ... ty. See also: prescriptive easement prescriptive easement :: n. an easement upon another's real property acquir ... on. See also: easement prescription presentment :: n. 1) making a demand for payment of a promissory ... ee also: Grand Jury promissory note presiding judge :: n. 1) in both state and federal appeals court, the ... and chairs meetings of the judges. presumption :: n. a rule of law which permits a court to assume a ... resumption at all, but a certainty. presumption of innocence :: n. a fundamental protection for a person accused o ... yond a reasonable doubt presumption pretermitted heir :: n. the child of a person who has written a will in ... cified $10,000 each. See also: heir pretrial discovery :: n. See also: discovery ... n. See also: discovery prevailing party :: n. the winner in a lawsuit. Many contracts, leases ... ed before or after trial has begun. price fixing :: n. a criminal violation of federal antitrust statu ... stributors to beat the competition. prima facie :: : (pry-mah fay-shah) adj. Latin for "at first look ... t" case. See also: prima facie case prima facie case :: n. a plaintiff's lawsuit or a criminal charge whic ... en and shut." See also: prima facie prime suspect :: n. the one person law enforcement officers believe ... in trial. See also: Miranda warning primogeniture :: n. from Latin for "first born," the ancient rule f ... oes not exist in the United States. principal :: n. 1) main person in a business. 2) employer, the ... ry agency agent respondeat superior principal place of business :: n. location of head office of a business where the ... business to the Secretary of State. prior restraint :: n. an attempt to prevent publication or broadcast ... e words of Sir William Blackstone). prior(s) :: n. slang for a criminal defendant's previous recor ... es for the third felony conviction. priority :: n. the right to be first or ahead of the rights or ... (in the "race to the courthouse"). privacy :: n. the right to be free of unnecessary public scru ... lso: public figure right to privacy private carrier :: n. one who provides transportation or delivery of ... also: common carrier guest statute private nuisance :: n. the interference with an individual's peaceful ... See also: nuisance public nuisance private parts :: n. men's or women's genitalia, excluding a woman's ... duction and/or sale of pornography. private property :: n. land not owned by the government or dedicated t ... ernment or dedicated to public use. private road :: n. a road or driveway on privately owned property, ... ng. See also: prescriptive easement privilege :: n. a special benefit, exemption from a duty, or im ... rson, a group or a class of people. privilege against self incrimina-tion :: n. a right to refuse to testify against oneself in ... so: Bill of Rights taking the Fifth privileged communication :: n. statements and conversations made under circums ... See also: attorney-client privilege privileges and immunities :: n. the fundamental rights that people enjoy in fre ... t impinge on constitutional rights. privity :: n. contact, connection or mutual interest between ... with the seller. See also: contract pro bono :: adj. short for pro bono publico, Latin for "for th ... cation organizations and charities. pro forma :: 1) prep. Latin for "as a matter of form," the phra ... se in annual sales or 6% inflation. pro hac vice :: : (proh hock vee-chay) prep. Latin for "this time ... association with a local attorney. pro per :: adj. short for "propria persona," which is Latin f ... in propria persona propria persona pro rata :: (proh rat-ah or proh ray-tah) adj. from Latin for ... e year in which he/she holds title. pro se :: (proh say) prep. Latin for "for himself." A party ... o se." See also: in propria persona pro tanto :: : (proh tahn-toe) Latin for "only to that extent." ... r payments for one year, pro tanto. pro tem :: 1) adj. short for the Latin pro tempore, temporari ... as "Sam Collins is Pro Tem today." pro tempore :: (proh temp-oh-ray): See also: pro tem ... roh temp-oh-ray): See also: pro tem probable cause :: n. sufficient reason based upon known facts to bel ... of Rights search search and seizure probate :: 1) n. the process of proving a will is valid and t ... e also: administrator executor will probation :: n. a chance to remain free (or serve only a short ... See also: attorney-client privilege probative :: adj. in evidence law, tending to prove something. ... so: probative facts probative value probative facts :: n. evidence which tends to prove something which i ... See also: probative probative value probative value :: n. evidence which is sufficiently useful to prove ... prior actions. See also: probative procedure :: n. the methods and mechanics of the legal process. ... cases are tried and judgments made. proceeding :: n. any legal filing, hearing, trial and/or judgmen ... edings," as in "legal proceedings." process :: n. in law, the legal means by which a person is re ... service of process subpena summons process server :: n. a person who serves (delivers) legal papers in ... table. See also: service of process proctor :: n. 1) in admiralty (maritime) law, an attorney. 2) ... ttorney. 2) person who keeps order. product liability :: n. the responsibility of manufacturers, distributo ... e known. See also: warrant warranty professional corporation :: n. a corporation formed for the purpose of conduct ... rofessionals. See also: corporation professional negligence :: n. See also: malpractice ... n. See also: malpractice proffer :: v. to offer evidence in a trial. ... v. to offer evidence in a trial. prohibition :: n. forbidding an act or activity. A court order fo ... icial. See also: injunction mandate promise :: 1) n. a firm agreement to perform an act, refrain ... so: consideration contract covenant promissory estoppel :: n. a false statement treated as a promise by a cou ... lue of his work. See also: estoppel promissory note :: n. a written promise by a person (variously called ... lso: interest obligee obligor usury promoter :: n. a person who puts together a business, particul ... y effort and not by assets or cash. promotional stock :: n. stock issued in a newly formed corporation and ... assets or money. See also: promoter 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 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 propria persona :: adj. from Latin, for oneself. See also: in pro per ... pro per in propria persona pro per proprietary :: adj. referring to ownership. ... adj. referring to ownership. proprietary interest :: n. a total or partial ownership. ... n. a total or partial ownership. proprietary rights :: n. those rights which go with ownership of real pr ... hip of real property or a business. proprietor :: n. the owner of anything, but particularly the own ... siness operated by that individual. prosecute :: v. 1) in criminal law, to charge a person with a c ... rney General prosecution prosecutor prosecution :: n. 1) in criminal law, the government attorney cha ... se). See also: prosecute prosecutor prosecutor :: n. generic term for the government's attorney in a ... ee also: Attorney General prosecute prospectus :: n. a detailed statement by a corporation required ... rporation limited partnership stock prostitute :: n. a person who receives payment for sexual interc ... also: pander panderer prostitution prostitution :: n. the profession of performing sexual acts for mo ... so: pander panderer pimp prostitute protective custody :: n. the act of law enforcement officials in placing ... ical harm or death if they testify. protest :: 1) v. to complain in some public way about any act ... dishonored (not paid by the bank). prove :: v. to present evidence and/or logic that makes a f ... t or criminal case. See also: proof provisional remedy :: n. a generic term for any temporary order of a cou ... ing. See also: temporary injunction proviso :: n. a term or condition in a contract or title docu ... on in a contract or title document. proximate cause :: n. a happening which results in an event, particul ... also: intervening cause negligence proxy :: n. 1) someone who is authorized to serve in one's ... d members and convention delegates. prudent man rule :: n. the requirement that a trustee, investment mana ... (1994). See also: fiduciary trustee public :: 1) n. the people of the nation, state, county, dis ... lands and public and private roads. public administrator :: n. a county official with the responsibility to ha ... ian is available. See also: probate public benefit corporation :: n. a term used in some states for a nonprofit comm ... ts and Lions. See also: corporation public charge :: n. a general term for an indigent, sick or severel ... be taken care of at public expense. public corporation :: n. a corporation created to perform a governmental ... or hospital. See also: corporation 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 easement :: n. the right of the general public to use certain ... lso: easement prescriptive easement public figure :: n. in the law of defamation (libel and slander), a ... See also: defamation libel slander public nuisance :: n. a nuisance which affects numerous members of th ... y the neighbors. See also: nuisance public property :: n. property owned by the government or one of its ... l public. See also: common property public record :: n. any information, minutes, files, accounts or ot ... l judgment are both public records. public trust doctrine :: n. the principle that the government holds title t ... interest has been dubious at best. 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 publish :: v. to make public to at least one other person by ... by any means. See also: publication puffing :: n. the exaggeration of the good points of a produc ... seller is possible. See also: fraud punitive damages :: n. (synony- mous with exemplary damages), damages ... t acts. See also: exemplary damages putative :: adj. commonly believed, supposed or claimed. Thus ... not the last will of the deceased. |