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Dictionary of Law |
attachment :: legal definitionAttachment - n. the seizing of money or property prior to getting a judgment in court, in contemplation that the plaintiff will win at trial (usually in simple cases of money owed) and will require the money or property to cover (satisfy) the judgment. The Supreme Court has ruled that an attachment may be made only after a hearing before a judge in which both sides can argue the danger that the party being sued (defendant) is likely to leave the area or otherwise avoid probable payment. A temporary attachment may be allowed by court order without both parties being present based on a declaration of the party wanting the attachment that there is clear proof that the defendant is going to flee. The court must also require a bond to cover damages to the defendant if the attachment proves not to have been necessary. Before the hearing requirement, pre-judgment attachments were common in which automobiles and bank accounts were held by the sheriff merely upon the plaintiff seeking the attachment getting a writ of attachment, posting a bond. See also: writ of attachment and Related Law Terms ↓ Related Law Termsabstract of title :: n. the written report on a title search which show ... e also: chain of title title reportacceleration clause :: n. a provision in a contract or promissory note th ... . See also: acceleration assumption 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 alternative pleading :: n. a legal fiction in which a party to a lawsuit o ... t the defendant committed the act). amend :: v. to alter or change by adding, subtracting, or s ... mended pleading statute stipulation American Civil Liberties Union :: n. a membership organization founded in 1920 to de ... rk, NY 10036; tel.: (212) 944-9800. 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 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 arbitration :: n. a mini-trial, which may be for a lawsuit ready ... tance of the arbitrator's decision. attempt :: v. and n. to actually try to commit a crime and ha ... felt he tried but did not succeed. bail :: 1) n. the money or bond put up to secure the relea ... bond bail bondsman own recognizance bankruptcy :: n. a federal system of statutes and courts which p ... y proceedings trustee in bankruptcy bankruptcy proceedings :: n. the bankruptcy procedure is: a) filing a petiti ... ankruptcy court claim in bankruptcy bar examination :: n. the examination given in each state by either t ... n that district. See also: attorney bifurcate :: v. the order or ruling of a judge that one issue i ... is necessary. See also: bifurcation bill of particulars :: n. a written itemization of claims which a defenda ... the factual bases for the charges. breach of warranty :: n. determination that a statement as to title of p ... See also: implied warranty warranty burden of proof :: n. the requirement that the plaintiff (the party b ... ence prima facie weight of evidence certiorari :: n. (sersh-oh-rare-ee) a writ (order) of a higher c ... cedents (previously decided cases). Chief Justice :: n. the presiding judge of any State Supreme Court ... nks of existing Associate Justices. child custody :: n. a court's determination of which parent, relati ... pport custody divorce joint custody claim :: 1) v. to make a demand for money, for property, or ... the government, it is lawsuit time. 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 color of title :: n. the appearance of having title to personal or r ... rty based on this "color of title." commingling :: n. the act of mixing the funds belonging to one pa ... rust accounts for funds of another. community property :: n. property and profits received by a husband and ... and distribution separate property complaint :: n. the first document filed with the court (actual ... g prayer service of process summons condition precedent :: n. 1) in a contract, an event which must take plac ... o the property. See also: condition conservator :: n. a guardian and protector appointed by a judge t ... ies. See also: conservatee guardian constitution :: n. the fundamental, underlying document which esta ... ts common law constitutional rights contract :: 1) n. an agreement with specific terms between two ... n oral contract unilateral contract contributory negligence :: n. a doctrine of common law that if a person was i ... : comparative negligence negligence corporation :: n. an organization formed with state governmental ... ation public corporation securities cost bill :: n. a list of claimed court costs submitted by the ... also: court costs prevailing party counterclaim :: n. a retaliatory claim by a defendant against a pl ... d. See also: answer cross-complaint court :: n. 1) the judge, as in "The court rules in favor o ... cost and wait of full court trials. court costs :: n. fees for expenses that the courts pass on to at ... ee also: cost bill prevailing party criminal calendar :: n. the list of criminal cases to be called in cour ... e plea preliminary hearing sentence cross-complaint :: n. after a complaint has been filed against a defe ... g prayer service of process summons damages :: n. the amount of money which a plaintiff (the pers ... liquidated damages special damages declaratory judgment :: n. a judgment of a court which determines the righ ... ys it. See also: declaratory relief dedication :: n. the giving of land by a private person or entit ... perty. See also: quiet title action deed :: 1) n. the written document which transfers title ( ... veyance deed of trust warranty deed deed of trust :: n. a document which pledges real property to secur ... : foreclosure mortgage reconveyance default judgment :: n. if a defendant in a lawsuit fails to respond to ... See also: complaint default summons defendant :: n. 1) the party sued in a civil lawsuit or the par ... nt. See also: codefendant plaintiff defense attorney :: n. 1) the attorney representing the defendant in a ... lso: defendant plaintiff's attorney deposition :: n. the taking and recording of testimony of a witn ... See also: deponent depose discovery dismiss :: v. the ruling by a judge that all or a portion (on ... nst that party. See also: dismissal divorce :: 1) n. the termination of a marriage by legal actio ... y separate property spousal support eminent domain :: n. the power of a governmental entity (federal, st ... ngs. See also: condemn condemnation 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 escrow :: 1) n. a form of account held by an "escrow agent" ... w the deal." See also: escrow agent ex parte :: (ex par-tay, but popularly, ex party) adj. Latin m ... and place of any ex parte hearing. 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. file :: 1) v. to deposit with the clerk of the court a wri ... rrespondence and notes on the case. final settlement :: n. an agreement reached by the parties to a lawsui ... rneys present. See also: settlement foreclosure :: n. the system by which a party who has loaned mone ... ced sale mortgage notice of default 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 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 Grand Jury :: n. a jury in each county or federal court district ... arge indictment preliminary hearing habeas corpus :: (hay-bee-us core-puss) n. Latin for "you have the ... nality of a state court conviction. harmless error :: n. an error by a judge in the conduct of a trial w ... ar to be harmless." See also: error 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. impleader :: n. a procedural device before trial in which a par ... than having two suits in a series. impound :: v. 1) to collect funds, in addition to installment ... cases. See also: forfeit forfeiture in kind :: adj. referring to payment, distribution or substit ... . See also: distribution trust will in propria persona :: adj. from Latin "for one's self," acting on one's ... client and an ass for an attorney." indenture :: n. a type of real property deed in which two parti ... bind a person to work for another. indictment :: n. a charge of a felony (serious crime) voted by a ... ictable offense preliminary hearing 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 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 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 interpleader :: n. the procedure when two parties are involved in ... e claimants fight over it in court. interrogatories :: n. a set of written questions to a party to a laws ... ing. See also: deposition discovery joint and several :: adj. referring to a debt or a judgment for neglige ... ution contributory negligence joint joint tenancy :: n. a crucial relationship in the ownership of real ... ty property tenancy in common title 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 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 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 juvenile court :: n. a special court or department of a trial court ... See also: court juvenile delinquent land :: n. real property, real estate (and all that grows ... See also: real estate real property last clear chance :: n. a rule of law in determining responsibility for ... contributory negligence negligence leading question :: n. a question asked of a witness by an attorney du ... e also: cross-examination objection leverage :: 1) n. the use of borrowed money to purchase real e ... e been created by risky leveraging. levy :: 1) v. to seize (take) property upon a writ of exec ... heriff's sale tax writ of execution liability :: n. one of the most significant words in the field ... bility joint tortfeasors negligence libel :: 1) n. to publish in print (including pictures), wr ... libel per se public figure slander limited partnership :: n. a special type of partnership which is very com ... mited liability partner partnership lis pendens :: (lease pen-dense) n. Latin for "a suit pending," a ... ob can be penalized by court order. literary property :: n. the writings of an author which entitles him/he ... as copyrighted. See also: copyright long-arm statute :: n. law which gives a local state court jurisdictio ... rt jurisdiction over the defendant. magistrate :: n. 1) a generic term for any judge of a court, or ... ce of the peace preliminary hearing 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 maxims :: n. a collection of legal truisms which are used as ... e and the ordinary habits of life." 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 motion :: n. a formal request made to a judge for an order o ... g, an oral motion may be permitted. 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 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 option :: n. a right to purchase property or require another ... ng or upon expiration of the lease. out of court :: adj. referring to actions, including negotiations ... is dismissed. See also: settlement paid into court :: adj. referring to money deposited with the clerk o ... differences. See also: interpleader party :: n. 1) one of the participants in a lawsuit or othe ... y real party in interest respondent party of the first part :: n. reference in a written contract to identify one ... ies another party to the agreement. 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 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 police court :: n. in some states a type of municipal court which ... municipal court preliminary hearing 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 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. probate :: 1) n. the process of proving a will is valid and t ... e also: administrator executor will process :: n. in law, the legal means by which a person is re ... service of process subpena summons 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 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 recoupment :: n. the right of a defendant in a lawsuit to demand ... ter, including outside the lawsuit. remand :: v. to send back. An appeals court may remand a cas ... ee also: appeal preliminary hearing 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 respondent :: n. 1) the party who is required to answer a petiti ... "appellant") in the appeals court. resulting trust :: n. a trust implied by law (as determined by a cour ... See also: constructive trust trust review :: n. the judicial consideration of a lower court jud ... ate court reversal reversible error rule against perpetuities :: n. the legal prohibition against tying up property ... . See also: restraint on alienation sanction :: n. 1) a financial penalty imposed by a judge on a ... ction." See also: contempt of court satisfaction of judgment :: n. a document signed by a judgment creditor (the p ... ord. See also: abstract of judgment self-defense :: n. the use of reasonable force to protect oneself ... ndalism. See also: assault homicide setoff :: (offset) n. a claim by a defendant in a lawsuit th ... ee also: affirmative defense offset sheriff's sale :: n. an auction sale of property held by the sheriff ... so: execution forced sale levy writ shortening time :: n. an order of the court in response to the motion ... e notice is served within 24 hours. small claims court :: n. a division of most municipal, city or other low ... od example of a small claims court. specific performance :: n. the right of a party to a contract to demand th ... artwork. See also: contract prayer star chamber proceedings :: n. any judicial or quasi-judicial action, trial or ... ate 1960s. See also: kangaroo court 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 statutory offer of settlement :: n. a written offer of a specific sum of money made ... ly awarded to the prevailing party. subpena duces tecum :: : (suh-pea-nah dooh-chess-take-uhm or dooh-kess-ta ... ng a court order. See also: witness 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 Tax Court :: n. a federal agency with courts in major cities wh ... Appeals. See also: court income tax 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 unjust enrichment :: n. a benefit by chance, mistake or another's misfo ... perty. See also: constructive trust variance :: n. 1) an exception to a zoning ordinance, authoriz ... process." See also: dismissal proof venue :: n. 1) the proper or most convenient location for t ... ion. See also: forum non conveniens writ of coram nobis :: : (writ of core-uhm noh-bis) n. from Latin for "in ... ment if known at the time of trial. 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 - Aa fortiori :: (ah-for-she-ory) prep. Latin for "with even strong ... rother Cain certainly is too young.a priori assumption :: (ah-pree-ory) n. from Latin, an assumption that is ... when the reality is not so certain. a.k.a. :: prep. abbreviation for "also known as" when someon ... nodgrass, a.k.a. "Snuffy the Snod." ab initio :: prep. lawyer Latin for "from the start," as "it wa ... tart," as "it was legal ab initio." abandon :: v. to intentionally and permanently give up, surre ... lso: abandoned property abandonment abandoned property :: n. property left behind (often by a tenant) intent ... -use. See also: abandon abandonment abandonment :: n. the act of intentionally and permanently giving ... : abandon abandoned property patent abate :: v. to do away with a problem, such as a public or ... ty septic tank. See also: abatement abatement :: n. 1) the removal of a problem which is against pu ... eneficiary in full. See also: abate abduction :: n. the criminal taking away of a person by persuas ... g of children. See also: kidnapping abet :: v. to help someone commit a crime, including helpi ... n the crime. See also: aid and abet abeyance :: 1) n. when the owner- ship of property has not bee ... 2) legal jargon for "undetermined." able-bodied :: adj. physically capable of working at a job or in ... of paying alimony or child support. abortion :: n. the termination of pregnancy by various means, ... ed abortion continue in the future. abrogate :: v. to annul or repeal a law or pass legislation th ... ons of a contract. See also: repeal abscond :: v. 1) traditionally to leave a jurisdiction (where ... as in "he absconded with the loot." absolute :: adj. complete, and without condition. ... j. complete, and without condition. abstention doctrine :: n. when the Supreme Court refuses to exercise its ... being appealed from a state court. abstract :: n. in general, a summary of a record or document, ... tract of judgment abstract of title abstract of judgment :: n. a written summary of a judgment which states ho ... aying the debt. See also: levy lien |