Dictionary of Law
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
Founded: 279
affirmative action :: n. the process of a business or governmental agenc ... and state affirmative action laws.
quiet title action :: n. a lawsuit to establish a party's title to real ... opposition. See also: notice title
accord and satisfaction :: n. an agreement to accept less than is legally due ... h" practicality. See also: novation
retraction :: n. 1) to withdraw any legal document in a lawsuit ... igation. See also: defamation libel
class action :: n. a lawsuit filed by one or more people on behalf ... ees usually require court approval.
commencement of action :: n. an action (a lawsuit) commences (begins officia ... ing a complaint. See also: petition
action :: n. a lawsuit in which one party (or parties) sues ... . See also: cause of action lawsuit
actionable :: adj. when enough facts or circumstances exist to m ... ction lawsuit malicious prosecution
stockholders' derivative action :: n. See also: derivative action shareholders' deriv ... ion shareholders' derivative action
state action :: n. in federal Civil Rights Acts, dating back to 18 ... for damages. See also: civil rights
satisfaction :: n. receiving payment or performance of what is due ... n contract satisfaction of judgment
satisfaction of judgment :: n. a document signed by a judgment creditor (the p ... ord. See also: abstract of judgment
cause of action :: n. the basis of a lawsuit founded on legal grounds ... property. See also: element lawsuit
shareholders' derivative action :: n. a lawsuit by a corporation's shareholders, theo ... gement. See also: derivative action
qui tam action :: : (kwee tam) n. from Latin for "who as well," a la ... technical violations and/or errors.
affirmative defense :: n. part of an answer to a charge or complaint in w ... lp the defendant. See also: defense
collusive action :: n. a lawsuit brought by parties pretending to be a ... ion collusion controversy precedent
setoff :: (offset) n. a claim by a defendant in a lawsuit th ... ee also: affirmative defense offset
amended pleading :: n. a changed written pleading in a lawsuit, includ ... o: amend amended complaint demurrer
secured transaction :: n. any loan or credit in which property is pledged ... d of trust lien mortgage pawn UCC-1
legal action :: n. any lawsuit, petition or prosecution. ... y lawsuit, petition or prosecution.
satisfaction of mortgage :: n. a document signed by a lender acknowledging tha ... id off the debt. See also: mortgage
limitation of actions :: n. the period of time in which a person has to fil ... e. See also: statute of limitations
civil action :: n. any lawsuit relating to civil matters and not c ... inal prosecution. See also: lawsuit
condemnation action :: n. a lawsuit brought by a public agency to acquire ... e also: condemnation eminent domain
equal opportunity :: 1) n. a right supposedly guaranteed by both federa ... be so. See also: affirmative action
derivative action :: n. a lawsuit brought by a corporation shareholder ... on director shareholder stockholder
foreseeable risk :: n. a danger which a reasonable person should antic ... reseeable. See also: foreseeability
clean hands doctrine :: n. a rule of law that a person coming to court wit ... ices. See also: affirmative defense
petition :: 1) n. a formal written request to a court for an o ... dent. See also: divorce motion writ
perfect :: : (with stress on the second syllable) v. 1) to co ... perfect. See also: mechanic's lien
permanent injunction :: n. a final order of a court that a person or entit ... ary injunction temporary injunction
party :: n. 1) one of the participants in a lawsuit or othe ... y real party in interest respondent
overt act :: n. in criminal law, an action which might be innoc ... terrorist bombing of that building.
paralegal :: n. a non-lawyer who performs routine tasks requiri ... h less than that for the attorneys.
parens patriae :: (paa-rens pat-tree-eye) n. Latin for "father of hi ... pport custody divorce guardian ward
partner :: n. 1) one of the co-owners and investors in a "par ... ner limited partnership partnership
probative value :: n. evidence which is sufficiently useful to prove ... prior actions. See also: probative
promissory note :: n. a written promise by a person (variously called ... lso: interest obligee obligor usury
process :: n. in law, the legal means by which a person is re ... service of process subpena summons
out of court :: adj. referring to actions, including negotiations ... is dismissed. See also: settlement
proper party :: n. a person or entity who has an interest (financi ... lf. See also: necessary party party
prosecute :: v. 1) in criminal law, to charge a person with a c ... rney General prosecution prosecutor
puffing :: n. the exaggeration of the good points of a produc ... seller is possible. See also: fraud
public record :: n. any information, minutes, files, accounts or ot ... l judgment are both public records.
probable cause :: n. sufficient reason based upon known facts to bel ... of Rights search search and seizure
pro rata :: (proh rat-ah or proh ray-tah) adj. from Latin for ... e year in which he/she holds title.
power of attorney :: n. a written document signed by a person giving an ... y, as in a real estate transaction.
power :: n. the right, authority and ability to take some a ... g legal rights and many other acts.
practice :: 1) n. custom or habit as shown by repeated action, ... s "she practices law in St. Louis."
prevailing party :: n. the winner in a lawsuit. Many contracts, leases ... ed before or after trial has begun.
privileges and immunities :: n. the fundamental rights that people enjoy in fre ... t impinge on constitutional rights.
prior restraint :: n. an attempt to prevent publication or broadcast ... e words of Sir William Blackstone).
pierce the corporate veil :: v. to prove that a corporation exists merely as a ... ling with it. See also: corporation
motion to strike :: n. a request for a judge's order to eliminate all ... be unrung." See also: motion strike
levy :: 1) v. to seize (take) property upon a writ of exec ... heriff's sale tax writ of execution
letter of credit :: n. a document issued by a bank guaranteeing to pro ... ong-distance business transactions.
legal age :: n. the age at which a person is responsible for hi ... so: infancy juvenile court minority
libel :: 1) n. to publish in print (including pictures), wr ... libel per se public figure slander
lie detector test :: n. a popular name for a polygraph which tests the ... be referred to. See also: polygraph
litigious :: adj. referring to a person who constantly brings o ... e called "professional plaintiffs."
lis pendens :: (lease pen-dense) n. Latin for "a suit pending," a ... ob can be penalized by court order.
lawsuit :: n. a common term for a legal action by one person ... See also: case cause of action suit
law of admiralty :: n. statutes, customs and treaties dealing with act ... w. See also: Jones Act maritime law
judicial proceedings :: n. any action by a judge re: trials, hearings, pet ... efore the court. See also: judicial
joint custody :: n. in divorce actions, a decision by the court (of ... em. See also: child custody divorce
jurisdiction :: n. the authority given by law to a court to try ca ... Superior Court Supreme Court venue
justice of the peace :: (JP) n. a judge who handles minor legal matters su ... ersons to qualify by taking a test.
last clear chance :: n. a rule of law in determining responsibility for ... contributory negligence negligence
justiciable :: n. referring to a matter which is capable of being ... e of action" or "justiciable case."
long-arm statute :: n. law which gives a local state court jurisdictio ... rt jurisdiction over the defendant.
malicious prosecution :: n. filing a lawsuit with the intention of creating ... vor of the victim. See also: malice
negligence :: n. failure to exercise the care toward others whic ... gence per se res ipsa loquitur tort
muniment of title :: n. documentary evidence of title to real property. ... also: deed quiet title action title
notice :: n. 1) information, usually in writing in all legal ... Thirty-day notice three-day notice
novation :: n. agreement of parties to a contract to substitut ... . See also: accord and satisfaction
oral contract :: n. an agreement made with spoken words and either ... itten. See also: agreement contract
officious intermeddler :: n. a volunteer who assists and/or benefits another ... efit. See also: Good Samaritan rule
multifarious :: adj., adv. reference to a lawsuit in which either ... ed misjoinder. See also: misjoinder
quash :: v. to annul or set aside. In law, a motion to quas ... s when the wrong person was served.
matter of record :: n. anything, including testimony, evidence, ruling ... cussions not written down or taped.
malpractice :: n. An act or continuing conduct of a professional ... eed. See also: errors and omissions
mercantile law :: n. that broad area of the law (also called commerc ... tion seller Uniform Commercial Code
misjoinder :: n. the inclusion of parties (plaintiffs or defenda ... ent transactions. See also: joinder
motion for a summary judgment :: n. a written request for a judgment in the moving ... strict procedures. See also: motion
mortgage :: n. a document in which the owner pledges his/her/i ... losure notice of default trust deed
order :: 1) n. every direction or mandate of a judge or a c ... defendant. See also: judge judgment
replevin :: n. under common law, the right to bring a lawsuit ... se of action" for all civil wrongs.
statute of limitations :: n. a law which sets the maximum period which one c ... ies. See also: demurrer laches toll
star chamber proceedings :: n. any judicial or quasi-judicial action, trial or ... ate 1960s. See also: kangaroo court
stipulation :: n. an agreement, usually on a procedural matter, b ... g, signed and filed with the court.
strike :: 1) v. to remove a statement from the record of the ... ing the business, factory or store.
summary adjudication of issues :: n. a court order ruling that certain factual issue ... is made. See also: summary judgment
suit :: n. generic term for any filing of a complaint (or ... "suit in equity." See also: lawsuit
standard of care :: n. the watchfulness, attention, caution and pruden ... of care foreseeable risk negligence
special master :: n. a person appointed by the court to carry out an ... ting to the judge. See also: master
sine qua non :: (see-nay kwah nahn) prep. Latin for "without which ... qua non of the injury to Playmate.
similarly situated :: adj. with the same problems and circumstances, ref ... class action multiplicity of suits
sound mind and memory :: n. having an understanding of one's actions and re ... ee also: competent incompetent will
sounds in :: adj. referring to the underlying legal basis for a ... ause of action sounds in contract."
special circumstances :: n. in criminal cases, particularly homicides, acti ... urant. See also: capital punishment
summary judgment :: n. a court order ruling that no factual issues rem ... tion summary adjudication of issues
tax :: n. a governmental assessment (charge) upon propert ... unified estate and gift tax use tax
vexatious litigation :: n. filing a lawsuit with the knowledge that it has ... lous malicious prosecution sanction
unlawful detainer :: n. 1) keeping possession of real property without ... Thirty-day notice three-day notice
writ :: n. a written order of a judge requiring specific a ... ntity to whom the writ is directed.
writ of mandate :: (mandamus) n. a court order to a government agency ... al acts. See also: mandamus mandate
wrongful termination :: n. a right of an employee to sue his/her employer ... ing an employee's grounds for suit.
wrongful death :: n. the death of a human being as the result of a w ... ual beneficiaries (family members).
unlawful :: adj. referring to any action which is in violation ... on, or established legal precedents
unfair competition :: n. wrongful and/or fraudulent business methods to ... ctices tend to harm one's business.
temporary insanity :: n. in a criminal prosecution, a defense by the acc ... diminished capacity insanity intent
temporary injunction :: n. a court order prohibiting an action by a party ... ry injunction. See also: injunction
third party :: n. a person who is not a party to a contract or a ... beneficiary third-party beneficiary
tide lands :: n. land between the high and low tides, which is u ... ch fronts on the sea at that point.
ultrahazardous activity :: n. an action or process which is so inherently dan ... sional auto race on public streets.
show cause order :: n. an order of the court, also called an order to ... hild. See also: order to show cause
shortening time :: n. an order of the court in response to the motion ... e notice is served within 24 hours.
recoupment :: n. the right of a defendant in a lawsuit to demand ... ter, including outside the lawsuit.
record :: 1) v. (ree-cored) to put a document into the offic ... eeding race to the courthouse trial
remand :: v. to send back. An appeals court may remand a cas ... ee also: appeal preliminary hearing
renewal :: n. keeping an existing arrangement in force for an ... ction which evidences the new term.
respondeat superior :: (rehs-pond-dee-at superior) n. Latin for "let the ... : agency agent negligence principal
joint adventure :: n. when two or more people go together on a trip o ... e activity. See also: joint venture
reasonable reliance :: n. particularly in contracts, what a prudent perso ... the following:." See also: contract
reasonable :: adj., adv. in law, just, rational, appropriate, or ... ost of other actions or activities.
quasi-criminal :: adj. a reference to a court's right to punish for ... defendant. See also: criminal quasi
quasi in rem :: adj. referring to a legal action which is primaril ... See also: in personam in rem quasi
quasi-judicial :: adj., adv. referring to the actions of an agency, ... -judicial. See also: judicial quasi
quitclaim deed :: n. a real property deed which transfers (conveys) ... also: convey deed grant deed title
ratification :: n. confirmation of an action which was not pre-app ... mployee). See also: agent principal
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
setting :: n. the action of a court, clerk or commissioner in ... g a trial or hearing. See also: set
service by publication :: n. serving a summons or other legal document in a ... perty. See also: service of process
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
sharp practice :: n. actions by a lawyer using misleading statements ... e bar association or by the courts.
self-help :: n. 1) obtaining relief or enforcing one's rights w ... maximizing of one's opportunities.
self-executing :: adj. immediately effective without further action, ... party the right to try to collect.
reversal :: n. the decision of a court of appeal ruling that t ... e of damages is ordered to dismiss.
retroactive :: adj. referring to a court's decision or a statute ... ospective." See also: ex post facto
riot :: n. 1) technically a turbulent and violent disturba ... to unlawful possession of firearms.
scope of employment :: n. actions of an employee which further the busine ... ter and servant respondeat superior
securities :: n. generic term for shares of stock, bonds and deb ... ee also: bond debenture share stock
quasi :: : (kway-zeye, kwah-zee) adj., adv. from Latin for ... ve to be treated "as if" they were.
inter alia :: (in-tur eh-lee-ah) prep. Latin for "among other th ... ime to file the action had passed."
collateral estoppel :: n. the situation in which a judgment in one case p ... ng. See also: estoppel res judicata
collateral attack :: n. a legal action to challenge a ruling in another ... of paternity in the divorce action.
collateral :: 1) n. property pledged to secure a loan or debt, u ... ral to the Colorado divorce action.
common counts :: n. claims for debt alleged in a lawsuit (included ... so: cause of action complaint count
community property :: n. property and profits received by a husband and ... and distribution separate property
condemn :: v. 1) for a public agency to determine that a buil ... condemnation action eminent domain
compensatory damages :: n. damages recovered in payment for actual injury ... es punitive damages special damages
cloud on title (cloud) :: n. an actual or apparent outstanding claim on the ... ion reconveyance title title report
class :: n. in legal (not sociological) terms, all those pe ... nt is given. See also: class action
burden of proof :: n. the requirement that the plaintiff (the party b ... ence prima facie weight of evidence
bankruptcy :: n. a federal system of statutes and courts which p ... y proceedings trustee in bankruptcy
but for rule :: n. one of several tests to determine if a defendan ... e damage. See also: proximate cause
case :: n. short for a cause of action, lawsuit, or the ri ... ny, the court stated the rule as:."
civil procedure :: n. the complex and often confusing body of rules a ... l civil action civil code civil law
cause :: from Latin causa 1) v. to make something happen. 2 ... so: cause of action proximate cause
condemnation :: n. the legal process by which a governmental body ... eminent domain inverse condemnation
conditional sale :: n. a sale of property or goods which will be compl ... ng by September 1st. See also: sale
culpable :: adj. sufficiently responsible for criminal acts or ... ons and thus should take the blame.
cruel and unusual punishment :: n. governmental penalties against convicted crimin ... opted. See also: capital punishment
court :: n. 1) the judge, as in "The court rules in favor o ... cost and wait of full court trials.
damages :: n. the amount of money which a plaintiff (the pers ... liquidated damages special damages
debt :: n. 1) a sum of money due to another. 2) obligation ... mount owed. See also: common counts
dedication :: n. the giving of land by a private person or entit ... perty. See also: quiet title action
deception :: n. the act of misleading another through intention ... ent actions. See also: deceit fraud
count :: n. each separate statement in a complaint which st ... also: cause of action common counts
corporate opportunity :: n. a business opportunity which becomes known to a ... ative action fiduciary relationship
conspiracy :: n. when people work together by agreement to commi ... d conspiracy. See also: conspirator
conscious parallelism :: n. an undiscussed imitation by a business of a com ... cidence? No, conscious parallelism.
constructive fraud :: n. when the circumstances show that someone's acti ... been proven. See also: constructive
constructive notice :: n. a fiction that a person got notice even though ... personally. See also: constructive
controlled substance :: n. a drug which has been declared by federal or st ... those who have used the substances.
contemplation of death :: n. the anticipation of death in a relatively short ... e also: unified estate and gift tax
bank :: n. 1) an officially chartered institution empowere ... erred to as "in bank" or "en banc."
bait and switch :: n. a dishonest sales practice in which a business ... rants the costs of a separate suit.
abuse of discretion :: n. a polite way of saying a trial judge has made s ... partner's realistic ability to pay.
unclean hands :: n. a legal doctrine which is a defense to a compla ... ough. See also: affirmative defense
new matter :: n. newly claimed facts or legal issues raised (bro ... ee also: affirmative defense answer
acceptance of service :: n. agreement by a defendant (or his/her attorney) ... o accept service. See also: service
accretion :: n. 1) in real estate, the increase of the actual l ... cted event. See also: probate trust
actual controversy :: n. a true legal dispute which leads to a genuine l ... al outcome. See also: friendly suit
act :: 1) n. in general, any action by a person. 2) n. a ... ct on your motion for a new trial."
laches :: n. the legal doctrine that a legal right or claim ... , breach of contract, fraud, etc.).
denial :: n. a statement in the defendant's answer to a comp ... ative defense answer general denial
allege :: v. to claim a fact is true, commonly in a complain ... or any claim. See also: allegation
allegation :: n. a statement of claimed fact contained in a comp ... sure of a fact. See also: complaint
answer :: n. in law, a written pleading filed by a defendant ... emurrer general denial verification
assumption of risk :: n. 1) taking a chance in a potentially dangerous s ... d be damaged or prove unprofitable.
defense :: n. 1) a general term for the effort of an attorney ... tiff. See also: affirmative defense
confession and avoidance :: n. when a defendant admits the allegations in a co ... tries to avoid their legal impact.
ad litem :: adj. legal Latin meaning "for the purposes of the ... of age. See also: guardian ad litem
adequate remedy :: n. a remedy (money or performance) awarded by a co ... es it, giving cause for his arrest.
arm's length :: adj. the description of an agreement made by two p ... th" transaction. See also: contract
appraiser :: n. a professional who makes appraisals of the valu ... isal Institute). See also: appraise
attempt :: v. and n. to actually try to commit a crime and ha ... felt he tried but did not succeed.
attorney's fee :: n. the payment for legal services. It can take sev ... ees in the particular type of case.
bailment :: n. 1) the act of placing property in the custody a ... "bailment." See also: bailee bailor
bad faith :: 1) n. intentional dishonest act by not fulfilling ... ean hands doctrine fraud good faith
anticipatory breach :: n. when a party to a contract repudiates (reneges ... perform. See also: breach contract
amicus curiae :: n. Latin for "friend of the court," a party or an ... party's presentation to the court.
after-acquired property :: n. 1) personal or real property acquired by a debt ... lso: bankruptcy secured transaction
adopt :: v. 1) to take on the relationship of parent to chi ... nt in a lawsuit. See also: adoption
aliquot :: (al-ee-kwoh) adj. a definite fractional share, us ... trust assets. See also: share
alluvion :: n. an increase in one's land from soil deposited o ... , bay or ocean. See also: accretion
American Civil Liberties Union :: n. a membership organization founded in 1920 to de ... rk, NY 10036; tel.: (212) 944-9800.
amended complaint :: n. what results when the party suing (plaintiff or ... cause of action complaint demurrer
defamation :: n. the act of making untrue statements about anoth ... comment libel public figure slander
defense attorney :: n. 1) the attorney representing the defendant in a ... lso: defendant plaintiff's attorney
guardian ad litem :: n. a person appointed by the court only to take le ... awsuit is filed. See also: ad litem
gravamen :: n. Latin for "to weigh down," the basic gist of ev ... o: cause of action charge complaint
good faith :: n. honest intent to act without taking an unfair a ... plied to all kinds of transactions.
guest statute :: n. a state law which sets standards of care by the ... sked to be let out. See also: guest
habitable :: adj. referring to a residence that is safe and can ... rent. See also: landlord and tenant
hostile possession :: n. occupancy of a piece of real property coupled w ... verse possession quiet title action
harassment :: (either harris-meant or huh-rass-meant) n. the act ... See also: harass sexual harassment
good cause :: n. a legally sufficient reason for a ruling or oth ... od cause shown, the court orders:."
full disclosure :: n. the need in business transactions to tell the " ... icant fact. See also: caveat emptor
foreign corporation :: n. a corporation which is incorporated under the l ... tate or Whoopee's designated agent.
final settlement :: n. an agreement reached by the parties to a lawsui ... rneys present. See also: settlement
foreseeability :: n. reasonable anticipation of the possible results ... e also: foreseeable risk negligence
friendly suit :: n. a lawsuit filed in order to obtain a court orde ... eement in which there was an error.
frivolous :: adj. referring to a legal move in a lawsuit clearl ... ing the courts to resolve disputes.
frisk :: v. quickly patting down the clothes of a possible ... k women and men officers frisk men.
hypothecate :: v. from Greek for "pledge," a generic term for usi ... sion. See also: secured transaction
implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing :: n. a general assumption of the law of contracts, t ... -long employment. See also: implied
international law :: n. treaties between countries; multi-lateral agree ... all nations. See also: World Court
interlocutory decree :: n. a court judgment which is temporary and not int ... ppeared to waste the parties' time.
interstate commerce :: n. commercial trade, business, movement of goods o ... and the I.C.C. may soon be history.
intervening cause :: n. an event which occurs between the original impr ... cause negligence superseding cause
irreparable damage or injury :: n. the type of harm which no monetary compensation ... also: equity injunction remedy writ
intervention :: n. the procedure under which a third party may joi ... rvene joinder multiplicity of suits
instrument :: n. 1) a written legal document such as a contract, ... in an assault (a blunt instrument).
indispensable party :: n. a person or entity which must be included in a ... tion to join Olivia as a defendant.
in personam :: adj. (in purr-soh-nam) from Latin for "directed to ... here. See also: in rem jurisdiction
impound :: v. 1) to collect funds, in addition to installment ... cases. See also: forfeit forfeiture
in re :: prep. short for "in regard to" or concerning. Ofte ... e Adoption of Marcus McGillicuddy."
in rem :: adj. from Latin "against or about a thing," referr ... cular person. See also: in personam
incorporate by reference :: v. to include language from another document or el ... uses of Action hereinabove stated."
incapacity :: adj. 1) not being able to perform any gainful empl ... of the will. See also: incompetent
fiduciary relationship :: n. where one person places complete confidence in ... handling. See also: fiduciary trust
failure of consideration :: n. not delivering goods or services when promised ... n. See also: consideration contract
dissolution of corporation :: n. termination of a corporation, either a) volunta ... e government. See also: corporation
disorderly conduct :: n. 1) actions that disturb others. 2) minor crimin ... peace, and loud threats or parties.
dismissal :: n. 1) the act of voluntarily terminating a crimina ... f the settlement. See also: dismiss
divestiture :: n. the court-ordered or voluntary giving up of a p ... nopoly or other restraint of trade.
divorce :: 1) n. the termination of a marriage by legal actio ... y separate property spousal support
duress :: n. the use of force, false imprisonment or threats ... pardoned by President Jimmy Carter.
docket :: 1) n. the cases on a court calendar. 2) n. brief n ... r or make notes on action in court.
dismiss :: v. the ruling by a judge that all or a portion (on ... nst that party. See also: dismissal
disjunctive allegations :: n. the attempt to claim in a civil lawsuit that on ... o: cause of action charge complaint
demand :: 1) v. to claim as a need, requirement or entitleme ... pay is made. See also: demand note
delivery :: n. the actual handing to another of an object, mon ... rties. See also: contract deed sale
demurrer :: n. (dee-muhr-ur) a written response to a complaint ... demurrer. See also: motion pleading
discharge in bankruptcy :: n. an order given by the bankruptcy judge, at the ... red creditors. See also: bankruptcy
disinherit :: v. to intentionally take actions to guarantee that ... rorem clause pretermitted heir will
disfigure :: v. to cause permanent change in a person's body, p ... . See also: damages general damages
duty of care :: n. a requirement that a person act toward others a ... e also: negligence standard of care
element :: n. 1) an essential requirement to a cause of actio ... of action crime general plan zoning
exculpatory :: adj. applied to evidence which may justify or excu ... t guilty or has no criminal intent.
ex delicto :: (ex dee-lick-toe)adj. Latin for a reference to som ... ns which were civil wrongs (torts).
excusable neglect :: n. a legitimate excuse for the failure of a party ... See also: default default judgment
executive order :: n. a President's or Governor's declaration which h ... the Congress or state legislature.
extrajudicial :: adj. referring to actions outside the judicial (co ... gnized by the judge during a trial.
exemplary damages :: n. often called punitive damages, these are damage ... See also: damages punitive damages
eviction :: n. a generic word for the act of expelling (kickin ... ve eviction lease unlawful detainer
estoppel :: n. a bar or impediment (obstruction) which preclud ... pel equitable estoppel estop laches
enter a judgment :: v. to officially record a judgment on the "judgmen ... ounced. See also: entry of judgment
emergency :: n. a sudden, unforeseen happening which requires a ... r to protect lives and/or property.
environmental law :: n. a body of state and federal statutes intended t ... imental effects on the environment.
equity :: n. 1) a venerable group of rights and procedures t ... ry enjoin equitable injunction writ
escrow instructions :: n. the written instructions by buyer and seller of ... ir agents. See also: closing escrow
escrow :: 1) n. a form of account held by an "escrow agent" ... w the deal." See also: escrow agent
joint :: adj., adv. referring to property, rights or obliga ... ncy joint venture tenancy in common