Legal Abbreviations

A voluntary national organization of lawyers and law students that promotes professional ethics and legal reform.

Federal civil rights law prohibiting discrimination against individuals with disabilities in all areas of public life.

Methods of resolving disputes outside of court, including mediation, arbitration, and negotiation.

Federal law that restricts the power of federal courts to grant relief to state prisoners who file habeas corpus petitions.

National association of attorneys and law professors who practice and teach immigration law.

A judge who presides over administrative hearings for government agencies.

Federal law governing the procedures of administrative agencies and providing for judicial review.

A federal prosecutor who represents the United States in criminal and civil cases.

A measurement of the amount of alcohol in a person's bloodstream, used in DUI/DWI cases.

Federal agency responsible for the administration of the federal prison system.

An exception to employment discrimination laws when a certain characteristic is essential to job performance.

Federal law governing class action lawsuits and giving federal courts jurisdiction over certain large class actions.

The codification of general and permanent rules published by federal executive departments and agencies.

The presiding judge of a court, particularly the Supreme Court or a state supreme court.

Federal law providing for the representation of defendants who cannot afford counsel in federal criminal cases.

Federal law allowing workers to continue health insurance coverage after leaving employment.

Federal law protecting the online privacy of children under 13 years old.

Laws designed to protect consumers from unfair or deceptive business practices.

In legal context, refers to rules governing civil court proceedings and practice.

A public official who represents the government in criminal prosecutions in a specific district or county.

Federal law enforcement agency focused on combating drug trafficking and distribution.

The federal executive department responsible for enforcement of law and administration of justice.

Federal agency responsible for occupational safety, wage and hour standards, and employment statistics.

Criminal offenses involving operating a vehicle while impaired by alcohol or drugs.

Federal agency that enforces laws against workplace discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetic information.

Federal agency responsible for protecting human health and the environment by enforcing environmental regulations.

Federal law setting minimum standards for pension plans and health insurance plans in private industry.

A title used by attorneys, typically appearing after their name (e.g., John Smith, Esq.).

The domestic intelligence and security service of the United States, and its principal federal law enforcement agency.

Independent federal agency regulating interstate and international communications by radio, television, wire, satellite, and cable.

Federal agency responsible for protecting public health by regulating food, drugs, medical devices, and cosmetics.

Federal law establishing procedures for surveillance and collection of foreign intelligence.

Federal law establishing minimum wage, overtime pay, recordkeeping, and child labor standards.

Federal law entitling eligible employees to take unpaid, job-protected leave for specified family and medical reasons.

Federal law allowing public access to government records and information.

Rules governing the introduction of evidence in federal court proceedings.

Rules governing civil procedure in federal district courts.

Independent federal agency that protects consumers and promotes competition through enforcement of antitrust and consumer protection laws.

A person appointed by the court to represent the interests of a minor or incapacitated person in legal proceedings.

Independent agency that provides auditing, evaluation, and investigative services for Congress.

European Union regulation on data protection and privacy affecting how organizations handle personal data.

Federal law protecting the privacy and security of individuals' medical information and health insurance coverage.

Organization in a residential community that enforces rules and maintains common areas.

The lower chamber of the United States Congress, responsible for passing federal legislation.

Federal law enforcement agency responsible for border security and immigration enforcement.

An attorney appointed by the Attorney General to act as an administrative judge in immigration proceedings.

Former federal agency responsible for immigration enforcement, now replaced by DHS components including ICE and USCIS.

Legal rights protecting creations of the mind, including patents, trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets.

Federal agency responsible for tax collection and enforcement of the Internal Revenue Code.

Professional doctorate degree in law, the standard degree for practicing attorneys in the United States.

A judgment entered by the court in favor of one party despite the jury's verdict for the other party.

A business structure that combines the liability protection of a corporation with the tax benefits and flexibility of a partnership.

A partnership where partners have limited liability for the actions of other partners.

Standardized test required for admission to most law schools in the United States.

A standardized portion of the bar examination testing knowledge of fundamental legal principles.

A written agreement between parties outlining terms and details of mutual understanding or cooperation.

Civil rights organization focused on eliminating race-based discrimination and ensuring equality of rights.

Independent federal agency protecting employees' rights to organize and engage in collective bargaining.

Office within the Department of Health and Human Services that enforces federal civil rights laws.

Independent office within federal agencies responsible for auditing and investigating fraud, waste, and abuse.

Executive office assisting the President in preparing the federal budget and evaluating agency programs.

Federal agency ensuring safe and healthful working conditions by setting and enforcing workplace standards.

A lawyer employed by the government to represent defendants who cannot afford private counsel.

Legal action initiated for the protection of public interest or for the benefit of disadvantaged groups.

A legal document authorizing someone to act on another person's behalf in legal or financial matters.

Federal law targeting organized crime and allowing prosecution of individuals involved in ongoing criminal enterprises.

Historic Supreme Court case (1973) that recognized a constitutional right to abortion, overturned in 2022.

Federal agency providing support to entrepreneurs and small businesses through loans, counseling, and contracts.

The highest federal court in the United States, with ultimate appellate jurisdiction.

Federal agency regulating securities markets and protecting investors from fraud and manipulation.

The highest court in some states, equivalent to a state supreme court.

Established procedures or protocols for routine operations and processes.

Federal agency administering Social Security programs including retirement, disability, and survivor benefits.

Federal program providing monthly payments to people with limited income who are disabled, blind, or age 65 or older.

A short-term court order prohibiting certain actions until a full hearing can be held.

A comprehensive set of laws governing commercial transactions adopted by most states.

The official compilation of federal statutes organized by subject matter into titles.

Federal office representing the United States in criminal and civil cases within a district.

Federal agency that oversees lawful immigration to the United States.

Insurance providing wage replacement and medical benefits to employees injured during employment.