general damages :: n. monetary recovery (money won) in a lawsuit for ... s exemplary damages special damages
damages :: n. the amount of money which a plaintiff (the pers ... liquidated damages special damages
special damages :: n. damages claimed and/or awarded in a lawsuit whi ... . See also: damages general damages
compensatory damages :: n. damages recovered in payment for actual injury ... es punitive damages special damages
consequential damages :: n. damages claimed and/or awarded in a lawsuit whi ... See also: damages foreseeable risk
treble damages :: n. tripling damages allowed by state statute in ce ... damage penalties. See also: damages
mitigation of damages :: n. the requirement that someone injured by another ... he lease) to mitigate his/her loss.
speculative damages :: n. possible financial loss or expenses claimed by ... future customers. See also: damages
nominal damages :: n. a small amount of money awarded to a plaintiff ... had been damaged. See also: damages
liquidated damages :: n. an amount of money agreed upon by both parties ... airness. See also: contract damages
punitive damages :: n. (synony- mous with exemplary damages), damages ... t acts. See also: exemplary damages
exemplary damages :: n. often called punitive damages, these are damage ... See also: damages punitive damages
Solicitor General :: n. the chief trial attorney in the federal Departm ... Attorney General in the Department.
intrinsic fraud :: n. an intentionally false representation (lie) whi ... ts. See also: extrinsic fraud fraud
just compensation :: n. 1) in general a fair and reasonable amount of m ... ation make one whole quantum meruit
landlord's lien :: n. the right of a landlord to sell abandoned perso ... to the ex-tenant and a public sale.
prayer :: n. the specific request for judgment, relief and/o ... ee also: complaint default judgment
gross negligence :: n. carelessness which is in reckless disregard for ... damages negligence punitive damages
judge advocate general :: (J.A.G.) n. a military officer who advises the gov ... also: court-martial judge advocate
general partner :: n. 1) usually one of the owners and operators of a ... ted partnership partner partnership
disfigure :: v. to cause permanent change in a person's body, p ... . See also: damages general damages
slander :: n. oral defamation, in which someone tells one or ... . See also: defamation fair comment
rescue doctrine :: n. the rule of law that if a rescuer of a person h ... to the car grill. See also: damages
libel :: 1) n. to publish in print (including pictures), wr ... libel per se public figure slander
libel per se :: n. broadcast or written publication of a false sta ... See also: defamation libel slander
mental anguish :: n. mental suffering which includes fright, feeling ... See also: damages mental suffering
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
pain and suffering :: n. the physical and mental distress suffered from ... l damages special damages suffering
nuisance :: n. the unreasonable, unwarranted and/or unlawful u ... evening). See also: public nuisance
malice :: n. a conscious, intentional wrongdoing either of a ... cution murder public figure slander
permanent disability :: n. an injury which impairs the physical and/or men ... t injury Workers' Compensation Acts
petition :: 1) n. a formal written request to a court for an o ... dent. See also: divorce motion writ
limited liability :: n. the maximum amount a person participating in a ... ted damages partnership shareholder
personal services :: n. in contract law, the talents of a person which ... his/her unique ability and product.
permanent injury :: n. physical or mental damage which will restrict t ... ges. See also: permanent disability
general appearance :: n. an attorney's representation of a client in cou ... case. See also: special appearance
fraud :: n. the intentional use of deceit, a trick or some ... audulent conveyance intrinsic fraud
Attorney General :: n. in each state and the federal government the hi ... izenry. See also: Solicitor General
corporation :: n. an organization formed with state governmental ... ation public corporation securities
Workers' Compensation Acts :: n. state statutes which establish liability of emp ... rs' compensation insurance company.
cost of completion :: n. the amount of money (damages) required to compl ... d on percentage of work to be done.
suffering :: n. the pain, hurt, inconvenience, embarrassment an ... njury negligence pain and suffering
wrongful termination :: n. a right of an employee to sue his/her employer ... ing an employee's grounds for suit.
physician-patient privilege :: n. the right and obligation of a physician to refu ... onfidential communication privilege
trade secret :: n. a process, method, plan, formula or other infor ... e invention. See also: patent trade
trademark :: n. a distinctive design, picture, emblem, logo or ... ing trademark. See also: trade name
pierce the corporate veil :: v. to prove that a corporation exists merely as a ... ling with it. See also: corporation
plaintiff's attorney :: n. the attorney who represents a plaintiff (the su ... ee also: defense attorney plaintiff
toll :: v. 1) to delay, suspend or hold off the effect of ... bridge or take passage on a ferry.
private nuisance :: n. the interference with an individual's peaceful ... See also: nuisance public nuisance
tort :: n. from French for "wrong," a civil wrong or wrong ... nce slander trespass wrongful death
trade fixture :: n. a piece of equipment on or attached to the real ... uch damage. See also: fixture trade
transferred intent :: n. in both criminal and tort (civil wrong) law, wh ... hit upon Truehart. See also: intent
pray :: v. to formally request judicial judgment, relief a ... laint or petition. See also: prayer
plaintiff :: n. the party who initiates a lawsuit by filing a c ... lso: complaint defendant petitioner
wrongful death :: n. the death of a human being as the result of a w ... ual beneficiaries (family members).
unlawful detainer :: n. 1) keeping possession of real property without ... Thirty-day notice three-day notice
general denial :: n. a statement in an answer to a lawsuit or claim ... anguage. See also: answer complaint
uninsured motorist clause :: n. the clause in a policy of insurance on an autom ... l pay its insured's actual damages.
vicarious liability :: n. sometimes called "imputed liability," attachmen ... r or policeman. See also: liability
out-of-pocket expenses :: n. moneys paid directly for necessary items by a c ... amages beyond normal wear and tear.
waste :: n. 1) any damage to real property by a tenant whic ... ch may include poisonous effluents.
general plan :: n. a plan of a city, county or area which establis ... uture development. See also: zoning
passenger :: n. a rider who has paid a fare on a train, bus, ai ... also: common carrier guest statute
unfair competition :: n. wrongful and/or fraudulent business methods to ... ctices tend to harm one's business.
person :: n. 1) a human being. 2) a corporation treated as h ... amages. See also: corporation party
product liability :: n. the responsibility of manufacturers, distributo ... e known. See also: warrant warranty
trespass :: n. entering another person's property without perm ... for an illegal purpose is a crime.
peer review :: n. an examination and evaluation of the performanc ... claiming damages due to negligence.
ad litem :: adj. legal Latin meaning "for the purposes of the ... of age. See also: guardian ad litem
patent :: 1) adj. obvious. Used in such expressions as a "pa ... patent infringement patent pending
general counsel :: n. the chief attorney for a corporation, who is pa ... e counsel." See also: house counsel
proximate cause :: n. a happening which results in an event, particul ... also: intervening cause negligence
security deposit :: n. a payment required by a landlord from a tenant ... lso: landlord and tenant lease rent
setoff :: (offset) n. a claim by a defendant in a lawsuit th ... ee also: affirmative defense offset
scope of employment :: n. actions of an employee which further the busine ... ter and servant respondeat superior
ostensible agent :: n. a person who has been given the appearance of b ... rent authority ostensible authority
right to privacy :: n. the possible right to be let alone, in absence ... e also: invasion of privacy privacy
rule :: 1) v. to decide a legal question, by a court, as i ... ee also: regulations rules of court
severance :: n. 1) a separating by court order, such as separat ... le a potential claim for discharge.
subrogor :: n. a person or entity that transfers his/her/its l ... ges. See also: subrogation subrogee
standard of care :: n. the watchfulness, attention, caution and pruden ... of care foreseeable risk negligence
state action :: n. in federal Civil Rights Acts, dating back to 18 ... for damages. See also: civil rights
subrogation :: n. assuming the legal rights of a person for whom ... also: negligence subrogee subrogor
specific finding :: n. a decision on a fact made by a jury in its verd ... so forth. See also: special verdict
speaking demurrer :: n. an attempt to introduce evidence during a heari ... the operation." See also: demurrer
subrogee :: n. the person or entity that assumes the legal rig ... aid. See also: subrogation subrogor
reversal :: n. the decision of a court of appeal ruling that t ... e of damages is ordered to dismiss.
retraction :: n. 1) to withdraw any legal document in a lawsuit ... igation. See also: defamation libel
quotient verdict :: n. an award of money damages set by a jury in a la ... rial motion for a new trial verdict
rape :: 1) n. the crime of sexual intercourse (with actual ... See also: date rape statutory rape
quiet enjoyment :: n. the right to enjoy and use premises (particular ... damages for it. See also: nuisance
title report :: n. the written analysis of the status of title to ... lso: abstract title title insurance
property damage :: n. injury to real or personal property through ano ... l value. See also: damages property
strict liability :: n. automatic responsibility (without having to pro ... bility negligence res ipsa loquitur
reasonable reliance :: n. particularly in contracts, what a prudent perso ... the following:." See also: contract
reasonable wear and tear :: n. commonly used in leases to limit the tenant's r ... ble wear and tear." See also: lease
whiplash :: n. a common neck and/or back injury suffered in au ... r damages due to negligent driving.
respondent :: n. 1) the party who is required to answer a petiti ... "appellant") in the appeals court.
title insurance :: n. a policy issued by an insurance company guarant ... : chain of title title title search
rental value :: n. the amount which would be paid for rental of si ... alimony to be paid. See also: rent
recoverable :: adj. referring to the amount of money to which a p ... ehicle." See also: damages judgment
promise :: 1) n. a firm agreement to perform an act, refrain ... so: consideration contract covenant
unconscionable :: adj. referring to a contract or bargain which is s ... ee also: adhesion contract contract
contributory negligence :: n. a doctrine of common law that if a person was i ... : comparative negligence negligence
corporate opportunity :: n. a business opportunity which becomes known to a ... ative action fiduciary relationship
counterclaim :: n. a retaliatory claim by a defendant against a pl ... d. See also: answer cross-complaint
conspiracy :: n. when people work together by agreement to commi ... d conspiracy. See also: conspirator
consortium :: n. 1) a group of separate businesses or business p ... oney terms is a difficult question.
compromise verdict :: n. a decision made by a jury in which the jurors s ... ning the verdict. See also: verdict
conclusion of law :: n. a judge's final decision on a question of law w ... aw if requested. See also: judgment
no fault insurance :: n: a type of automobile insurance required of car ... ling lawsuits. See also: negligence
court of equity :: n. originally in English common law and in several ... also: chancery court of law equity
court of law :: n. any tribunal within a judicial system. Under En ... aw. See also: chancery court equity
demonstrative evidence :: n. actual objects, pictures, models and other devi ... the trial judge. See also: evidence
direct and proximate cause :: n. the immediate reason damage was caused by an ac ... so: cause complaint proximate cause
discrimination :: n. unequal treatment of persons, for a reason whic ... qual rights. See also: civil rights
defense attorney :: n. 1) the attorney representing the defendant in a ... lso: defendant plaintiff's attorney
default judgment :: n. if a defendant in a lawsuit fails to respond to ... See also: complaint default summons
cross-complaint :: n. after a complaint has been filed against a defe ... g prayer service of process summons
declaratory judgment :: n. a judgment of a court which determines the righ ... ys it. See also: declaratory relief
defamation :: n. the act of making untrue statements about anoth ... comment libel public figure slander
complaint :: n. the first document filed with the court (actual ... g prayer service of process summons
comparative negligence :: n. a rule of law applied in accident cases to dete ... utory negligence damages negligence
assault :: 1) v. the threat or attempt to strike another, whe ... ult, including for mental distress.
arguendo :: prep. Latin meaning "for the sake of argument," us ... rs most commonly in appeals briefs.
adjuster :: n. an employee (usually a non-lawyer) of an insura ... e company in approving settlements.
attachment :: n. the seizing of money or property prior to getti ... bond. See also: writ of attachment
bifurcate :: v. the order or ruling of a judge that one issue i ... is necessary. See also: bifurcation
assault and battery :: n. the combination of the two crimes of threat (as ... damages. See also: assault battery
basis :: n. the original cost of an asset to be used to det ... ssistance. See also: adjusted basis
bait and switch :: n. a dishonest sales practice in which a business ... rants the costs of a separate suit.
breach of contract :: n. failing to perform any term of a contract, writ ... breach breach specific performance
breach of promise :: n. historically, the dumping of a female fiancee b ... d no longer exist. See also: breach
claim :: 1) v. to make a demand for money, for property, or ... the government, it is lawsuit time.
claim against a governmental agency :: n. any time one believes he/she has a right to pay ... orter than other types of lawsuits.
class action :: n. a lawsuit filed by one or more people on behalf ... ees usually require court approval.
civil liability :: n. potential responsibility for payment of damages ... ans open to punishment for a crime.
chancellor :: n. from the old English legal system, a chancellor ... n the same courts. See also: equity
care :: n. in law, to be attentive, prudent and vigilant. ... she is involved. See also: careless
careless :: adj., adv. 1) negligent. 2) the opposite of carefu ... See also: care negligence negligent
cause of action :: n. the basis of a lawsuit founded on legal grounds ... property. See also: element lawsuit
duty of care :: n. a requirement that a person act toward others a ... e also: negligence standard of care
confession of judgment :: n. a written agreement in which the defendant in a ... rms are fulfilled by the defendant.
legal duty :: n. the responsibility to others to act according t ... al injuries. See also: duty of care
liability :: n. one of the most significant words in the field ... bility joint tortfeasors negligence
liable :: adj. responsible or obligated. Thus, a person or e ... al prosecution. See also: liability
legal age :: n. the age at which a person is responsible for hi ... so: infancy juvenile court minority
last clear chance :: n. a rule of law in determining responsibility for ... contributory negligence negligence
joint liability :: n. when two or more persons are both responsible f ... See also: joinder joint and several
joint tortfeasors :: n. two or more persons whose negligence in a singl ... : comparative negligence negligence
Jones Act :: n., adj. a federal law which covers injuries to cr ... ." See also: admiralty maritime law
lien :: n. any official claim or charge against property o ... ord's lien mechanic's lien mortgage
long-arm statute :: n. law which gives a local state court jurisdictio ... rt jurisdiction over the defendant.
make one whole :: v. to pay or award damages sufficient to put the p ... fault of another. See also: damages
malpractice :: n. An act or continuing conduct of a professional ... eed. See also: errors and omissions
no contest :: n. in criminal law, a defendant's plea in court th ... : nolo contendere plea plea bargain
loss of use :: n. the inability to use an automobile, premises or ... ding or premises. See also: damages
loss of consortium :: n. the inability of one's spouse to have normal ma ... ation. See also: consortium damages
loss :: n. 1) the value placed on injury or damages due to ... t and the income. See also: damages
loss of bargain :: n. the inability to complete a sale or other busin ... ned in a lawsuit. See also: damages
earnest payment :: n. a deposit paid to demonstrate commitment and to ... (liquidated) or committed damages.
joint enterprise :: n. a generic term for an activity of two or more p ... liability joint venture partnership
lemon law :: n. statutes adopted in some states to make it easi ... still trying" to make it run right.
joint and several :: adj. referring to a debt or a judgment for neglige ... ution contributory negligence joint
false imprisonment :: n. depriving someone of freedom of movement by hol ... for damages. See also: false arrest
Federal Tort Claims Act :: n. a statute (1948) which removed the power of the ... diction to federal district courts.
foreseeability :: n. reasonable anticipation of the possible results ... e also: foreseeable risk negligence
false arrest :: n. physically detaining someone without the legal ... sment. See also: false imprisonment
equitable :: adj. 1) just, based on fairness and not legal tech ... es or give relief. See also: equity
election of remedies :: n. an outmoded requirement that if a plaintiff (pa ... dence has not been fully presented.
emotional distress :: n. an increasingly popular basis for a claim of da ... ar value upon it. See also: damages
employee :: n. a person who is hired for a wage, salary, fee o ... ondeat superior scope of employment
frustration of purpose :: n. sometimes called commercial frustration, when u ... n. See also: commercial frustration
family purpose doctrine :: n. a rule of law that the registered owner of an a ... riving his/her car with permission.
injunctive relief :: n. a court-ordered act or prohibition against an a ... t injunction restraining order writ
in pari delicto :: adv. (in pah-ree dee-lick-toe) Latin for "in equal ... e proof is that both were involved.
injury :: n. any harm done to a person by the acts or omissi ... nction injunctive relief negligence
installment contract :: n. an agreement in which payments of money, delive ... n contract failure of consideration
intervening cause :: n. an event which occurs between the original impr ... cause negligence superseding cause
invasion of privacy :: n. the intrusion into the personal life of another ... randeis. See also: right to privacy
infringement :: n. 1) a trespassing or illegal entering. 2) in the ... patent plagiarism royalty trademark
inverse condemnation :: n. the taking of property by a government agency w ... e also: condemnation eminent domain
non-profit corporation :: n. an organization incorporated under state laws a ... harity corporation cy pres doctrine
notice :: n. 1) information, usually in writing in all legal ... Thirty-day notice three-day notice
moiety :: : (moy-et-tee) n. half. Generally a reference to i ... perty, moiety is seldom used today.
notice to quit :: n. the notice given by a landlord (owner) to a ten ... h-to-month notice unlawful detainer
mechanic's lien :: n. the right of a craftsman, laborer, supplier, ar ... ll sue for the debt. See also: lien
minor :: n. someone under legal age, which is generally 18, ... rages. See also: legal age maturity
maxims :: n. a collection of legal truisms which are used as ... e and the ordinary habits of life."
non-conforming use :: n. the existing use (residential, commercial, agri ... eneral plan grandfathered in zoning
possession of stolen goods :: n. the crime of possession of goods which one know ... e legal owner. See also: possession
post mortem :: n. Latin for "after death," an examination of a de ... alled an autopsy. See also: coroner
power of attorney :: n. a written document signed by a person giving an ... y, as in a real estate transaction.
malice aforethought :: n. 1) the conscious intent to cause death or great ... : first degree murder malice murder
partnership :: n. a business enterprise entered into for profit w ... partnership partner silent partner
partner :: n. 1) one of the co-owners and investors in a "par ... ner limited partnership partnership
officious intermeddler :: n. a volunteer who assists and/or benefits another ... efit. See also: Good Samaritan rule
parole :: n. 1) the release of a convicted criminal defendan ... sed he will not take up arms again.
obiter dicta :: : (oh-bitter dick-tah) n. remarks of a judge which ... imply dicta. See also: dicta dictum
jobber :: n. a merchant who buys products (usually in bulk o ... buys and acts for specific clients.
judgment creditor :: n. the winning plaintiff in a lawsuit to whom the ... 's rights judgment prevailing party
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
judge advocate :: n. a military officer with legal training who has ... ourt-martial judge advocate general
judge :: 1) n. an official with the authority and responsib ... ice justice of the peace magistrate
integration :: n. 1) adopting a writing as part of an agreement, ... , as well as racial mix in schools.
irreparable damage or injury :: n. the type of harm which no monetary compensation ... also: equity injunction remedy writ
jurisdictional amount :: n. the range between the minimum and maximum amoun ... equirements. See also: jurisdiction
jury :: n. one of the remarkable innovations of the Englis ... hallenge sequester venire voir dire
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.
liberty :: n. freedom from restraint and the power to follow ... the benefit of the general public.
legal advertising :: n. 1) notices of probate sales and other documents ... quality of the lawyers advertising.
latent defect :: n. a hidden flaw, weakness or imperfection in an a ... warranty product liability warranty
leasehold :: n. the real estate which is the subject of a lease ... sehold. See also: condominium lease
Magna Carta :: n. Latin for "Great Charter," it was a document de ... s. It is also spelled Magna Charta.
usury :: n. a rate of interest on a debt which is exorbitan ... al Reserve Bank. See also: usurious
service by publication :: n. serving a summons or other legal document in a ... perty. See also: service of process
silent partner :: n. a non-legal term for an investor who puts money ... partner limited partnership partner
sound mind and memory :: n. having an understanding of one's actions and re ... ee also: competent incompetent will
sequester :: v. to keep separate or apart. In so-called "high-p ... of others. See also: sequestration
separation agreement :: n. an agreement between two married people who hav ... divorce legal separation separation
restraint on alienation :: n. an attempt in a deed or will to prevent the sal ... enant rule against perpetuities use
revenue ruling :: n. a published opinion of the Internal Revenue Ser ... evenue ruling. See also: income tax
self-dealing :: n. in the stock market, using secret "inside" info ... ederal Securities and Exchange Act.
special appearance :: n. the representation by an attorney of a person i ... anged. See also: general appearance
special prosecutor :: n. an attorney from outside of the government sele ... Robert Bork finally discharged Cox.
tools of trade :: n. in bankruptcy law, the equipment a person requi ... pay creditors. See also: bankruptcy
incompetent :: adj. 1) referring to a person who is not able to m ... n incompetency incompetent evidence
warranty deed :: n. a deed to real property which guarantees that t ... : grant deed quitclaim deed warrant
title :: n. 1) ownership of real property or personal prope ... ink slip real property title search
testamentary capacity :: n. having the mental competency to execute a will ... lso: competent undue influence will
spot zoning :: n. a provision in a general plan which benefits a ... . See also: grandfathered in zoning
statute of limitations :: n. a law which sets the maximum period which one c ... ies. See also: demurrer laches toll
Restatement of the Law :: n. a series of detailed statements of the basic la ... tracts, property, torts and trusts.
resale :: n. selling again, particularly at retail. 2) adj. ... ction of sales tax on retail sales.
prostitute :: n. a person who receives payment for sexual interc ... also: pander panderer prostitution
public charge :: n. a general term for an indigent, sick or severel ... be taken care of at public expense.
public easement :: n. the right of the general public to use certain ... lso: easement prescriptive easement
prospectus :: n. a detailed statement by a corporation required ... rporation limited partnership stock
prosecutor :: n. generic term for the government's attorney in a ... ee also: Attorney General prosecute
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
prosecute :: v. 1) in criminal law, to charge a person with a c ... rney General prosecution prosecutor
public property :: n. property owned by the government or one of its ... l public. See also: common property
public utility :: n. any organization which provides services to the ... nder state laws. See also: monopoly
regulations :: n. rules and administrative codes issued by govern ... es usually have similar procedures.
representative :: 1) n. an agent. 2) n. in probate law, a generic te ... of the conditions at the job site."
reputed :: adj. referring to what is accepted by general publ ... lic belief, whether or not correct.
registration statement :: n. a detailed report to be filed with the Securiti ... See also: blue sky laws prospectus
reformation :: n. the correction or change of an existing documen ... neral partner sues for reformation.
publication :: n. 1) anything made public by print (as in a news- ... so: defamation libel notice slander
qui tam action :: : (kwee tam) n. from Latin for "who as well," a la ... technical violations and/or errors.
preference :: n. in bankruptcy, the payment of a debt to one cre ... nds or assets. See also: bankruptcy
confidence game :: n. the obtaining of money from others through tric ... t and confidence. See also: swindle
bylaws :: n. the written rules for conduct of a corporation, ... d/or amended. See also: corporation
calumny :: n. the intentional and generally vicious false acc ... 's reputation. See also: defamation
canon law :: n. laws and regulations over ecclesiastical (churc ... nduct with no religious connection.
business :: n. any activity or enterprise entered into for pro ... pleasure or no particular purpose.
bulk sales acts :: n. state laws (spelled out in the Uniform Commerci ... g without paying current creditors.
bottomry :: n. a mortgage contract in which a ship and/or its ... n sell the ship and/or its freight.
broker :: n. in general, a person who arranges contracts bet ... security ("hocked") at high rates.
bulk sale :: n. the sale of all or a large part of a merchant's ... entories. See also: bulk sales acts
capital gains :: n. the difference between the sales price and the ... so: basis delayed exchange exchange
carrier :: n. in general, any person or business which transp ... lso: common carrier private carrier
civil :: adj. 1) that part of the law that encompasses busi ... also: civil liberties civil rights
cohabitation :: n. living together in the same residence, generall ... xual relationships as cohabitation.
commingling :: n. the act of mixing the funds belonging to one pa ... rust accounts for funds of another.
child support :: n. court-ordered funds to be paid by one parent to ... ild custody divorce spousal support
charity :: n. 1) in general the sentiment of benevolence, doi ... . See also: charitable contribution
case law :: n. reported decisions of appeals courts and other ... es. See also: case system precedent
case system :: n. the method of studying law generally used in Am ... Langdell and soon became standard.
certificate of title :: n. generally, the title document for a motor vehic ... a "pink slip." See also: pink slip
bill of particulars :: n. a written itemization of claims which a defenda ... the factual bases for the charges.
bench :: n. 1) general term for all judges, as in "the benc ... h court judge sidebar witness stand
administrative law judge :: n. a professional hearing officer who works for th ... higher pay in being called "judge."
advisory opinion :: n. an opinion stated by a judge or a court upon th ... o: actual controversy friendly suit
amnesty :: n. a blanket abolition of an offense by the govern ... rget the offenses. See also: pardon
adjusted basis :: n. in accounting, the original cost of an asset ad ... s taxes. See also: basis income tax
act :: 1) n. in general, any action by a person. 2) n. a ... ct on your motion for a new trial."
abstract :: n. in general, a summary of a record or document, ... tract of judgment abstract of title
accounts receivable :: n. the amounts of money due or owed to a business ... sidering the chances of collection.
acknowledge :: v. 1) generally to admit something, whether bad, g ... recording. See also: acknowledgment
answer :: n. in law, a written pleading filed by a defendant ... emurrer general denial verification
appearance :: n. the act of a party or an attorney showing up in ... neral appearance special appearance
bar :: 1) n. collectively all attorneys, as "the bar," wh ... a room, building, or real property.
barratry :: n. creating legal business by stirring up disputes ... ent he/she has no legitimate claim.
bearer :: n. anyone holding something, such as a check, prom ... bearer paper negotiable instrument
bail :: 1) n. the money or bond put up to secure the relea ... bond bail bondsman own recognizance
authority :: n. permission, a right coupled with the power to d ... rize ostensible authority principal
asset :: n. generally any item of property that has monetar ... ill and rights to market a product.
attorney-in-fact :: n. someone specifically named by another through a ... cument. See also: power of attorney
common counts :: n. claims for debt alleged in a lawsuit (included ... so: cause of action complaint count
competent :: adj. 1) in general, able to act in the circumstanc ... all bases. See also: evidence will
estate tax :: n. generally a federal tax on the transfer of a de ... commonly called an inheritance tax.
ex rel. :: conj. abbreviation for Latin ex relatione, meaning ... . Archie Johnson v. Hardy Products.
fiduciary relationship :: n. where one person places complete confidence in ... handling. See also: fiduciary trust
escrow instructions :: n. the written instructions by buyer and seller of ... ir agents. See also: closing escrow
environmental law :: n. a body of state and federal statutes intended t ... imental effects on the environment.
element :: n. 1) an essential requirement to a cause of actio ... of action crime general plan zoning
encumbrance :: (incumbrance)n. a general term for any claim or li ... and must be paid for at some point.
entity :: n. a general term for any institution, company, co ... is distinguished from individuals.
first degree murder :: n. although it varies from state to state, it is g ... aughter murder second degree murder
frisk :: v. quickly patting down the clothes of a possible ... k women and men officers frisk men.
immunity :: n. exemption from penalties, payments or legal req ... ws. See also: governmental immunity
implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing :: n. a general assumption of the law of contracts, t ... -long employment. See also: implied
in propria persona :: adj. from Latin "for one's self," acting on one's ... client and an ass for an attorney."
i.e. :: prep. abbreviation for id est, which is Latin for ... "e.g.," which means "for example."
house counsel :: n. any attorney who works only for a particular bu ... business. See also: general counsel
guest :: n. 1) in general, a person paying to stay in a hot ... ce. See also: guest statute invitee
holder :: n. a general term for anyone in possession of prop ... older in due course promissory note
ejusdem generis :: (eh-youse-dem generous) v adj. Latin for "of the s ... t was of land-based transportation.
double taxation :: n. taxation of the same property for the same purp ... it is not discriminatory or unfair.
continuance :: n. a postponement of a date of a trial, hearing or ... continuances to discourage delays.
contractor :: n. 1) a person or entity that enters into a contra ... actor mechanic's lien subcontractor
court-martial :: 1) n. a military court for trying offenses in viol ... the U.S. Court of Military Appeals.
contingent fee :: n. a fee to a lawyer which will be due and payable ... epend on the outcome are unethical.
contempt of court :: n. there are essentially two types of contempt: a) ... roduce evidence. See also: sanction
conclusion :: n. 1) in general, the end. 2) in a trial, when all ... onclusion of fact conclusion of law
confession :: n. the statement of one charged with a crime that ... Miranda warning self-incrimination
consent decree :: n. an order of a judge based upon an agreement, al ... he same. See also: consent judgment
cruel and unusual punishment :: n. governmental penalties against convicted crimin ... opted. See also: capital punishment
debenture :: n. a form of bond certificate issued by a corporat ... n shares of stock or general bonds.
discretion :: n. the power of a judge, public official or a priv ... t a variance to a zoning ordinance.
disposing mind and memory :: n. the mental ability to understand in general wha ... ng a will. See also: competent will
distress :: 1) n. the self-help taking of another's possession ... rice due to negative circumstances.
disbar :: v. to remove an attorney from the list of practici ... legal ethics. (See moral turpitude
denial :: n. a statement in the defendant's answer to a comp ... ative defense answer general denial
decree :: n. in general, synonymous with judgment. However, ... n's estate, etc. See also: judgment
defense :: n. 1) a general term for the effort of an attorney ... tiff. See also: affirmative defense
incompatible :: adj. 1) inconsistent. 2) unmatching. 3) unable to ... ch other. See also: incompatibility