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Comprehensive alphabetical listing of essential legal terms with clear, plain-English definitions. Navigate by letter or search to find what you need.
A written statement of facts confirmed by oath or affirmation, typically used as evidence in court.
A claim or assertion that someone has done something illegal or wrong, typically made without proof.
A legal process in which a higher court reviews a decision made by a lower court to determine if it was correct.
A method of dispute resolution where an impartial third party makes a binding decision outside of court.
A court hearing where a defendant is formally charged with a crime and enters a plea.
Any property or item of value owned by a person or entity that can be converted to cash.
A person who is licensed to practice law and represent clients in legal matters.
Money or property given to the court as a guarantee that an accused person will appear at trial.
A court officer who maintains order in the courtroom and assists the judge.
A legal process where individuals or businesses unable to repay debts seek relief from some or all obligations.
A trial conducted before a judge without a jury, where the judge decides both facts and law.
A person designated to receive benefits or assets from a will, trust, insurance policy, or retirement account.
A written legal document presenting arguments and legal authorities supporting a party's position in court.
The obligation to present evidence to prove one's case or assertion in court.
Law established by previous court decisions rather than by legislative statutes.
The legal grounds on which a lawsuit is based, showing the right to sue.
The body of law dealing with disputes between individuals or organizations, not criminal matters.
A demand for something due or believed to be due, often in legal proceedings.
A lawsuit filed by one or more people on behalf of a larger group with similar claims.
The initial legal document filed to start a lawsuit, outlining the plaintiff's claims and requested relief.
Behavior that opposes or defies the authority, justice, and dignity of the court.
A legally binding agreement between two or more parties that creates mutual obligations enforceable by law.
A formal declaration that someone is guilty of a criminal offense, made after a trial or guilty plea.
The questioning of a witness by the opposing party to challenge their testimony.
Money awarded to a party in a civil case to compensate for injury or loss caused by another party.
The person or entity accused or sued in a court of law.
Out-of-court testimony given under oath and recorded for use in court proceedings.
The pre-trial process where parties exchange information and evidence relevant to the case.
To terminate a legal action or case without further consideration or trial.
A court's calendar of scheduled cases and hearings, or a log of all filings in a case.
The legal requirement that the government must respect all legal rights owed to a person under the law.
The legal process by which a minor becomes self-supporting and independent from parental control.
The theft or misappropriation of funds placed in one's trust or belonging to one's employer.
Information presented in court to prove or disprove alleged facts in a case.
A person named in a will to manage and distribute the deceased person's estate according to the will's terms.
A document, object, or other item presented as evidence in court.
A witness with specialized knowledge, skill, experience, or education who provides opinion testimony in court.
A serious crime typically punishable by imprisonment for more than one year or by death.
A person who holds a legal or ethical relationship of trust with another party.
The act of submitting legal documents to the court clerk for inclusion in the official case record.
The legal process by which a lender takes possession of property when the borrower fails to make mortgage payments.
Intentional deception made for personal gain or to damage another individual.
A legal process where a creditor obtains a court order to withhold money from wages or bank accounts to satisfy a debt.
A group of citizens convened to determine whether there is sufficient evidence to charge someone with a crime.
A person legally responsible for the care of another person, typically a minor or incapacitated adult.
A verdict or plea indicating that a defendant committed the crime charged.
An out-of-court statement offered as evidence to prove the truth of the matter asserted, generally inadmissible.
A proceeding before a court or judicial officer where evidence and arguments are presented.
A jury that cannot reach a unanimous or required majority verdict, resulting in a mistrial.
Protection from legal action or prosecution, granted under specific circumstances.
In law, challenging the credibility of a witness; in politics, charging a public official with misconduct.
A formal written accusation charging a person with a crime, typically issued by a grand jury.
A court order requiring a person to do or cease doing a specific action.
Written questions sent by one party to another as part of the discovery process in litigation.
The official decision of a court resolving the dispute and determining the rights of the parties.
The authority of a court to hear and decide a case, or the geographic area over which authority extends.
A group of citizens sworn to give a verdict in a legal case based on evidence presented.
A judge, especially of a supreme court or appellate court.
A legal action brought before a court seeking a remedy for an alleged wrong.
Legal responsibility for one's acts or omissions, or a financial obligation.
A legal claim against property as security for a debt or obligation.
The process of taking legal action or resolving disputes through the court system.
A form of alternative dispute resolution where a neutral third party helps parties reach a mutually acceptable agreement.
A criminal offense less serious than a felony, typically punishable by fine or imprisonment for less than one year.
A formal request made to a court for a specific ruling or order.
Failure to exercise the care that a reasonably prudent person would exercise in similar circumstances.
A person authorized to witness signatures, administer oaths, and certify documents.
Formal notification of legal proceedings or legal requirement to inform parties of an action or hearing.
A solemn promise to tell the truth or fulfill an obligation, often invoking a divine witness.
A formal protest raised during trial concerning a question, testimony, or evidence.
A law or regulation enacted by a municipal or local government.
The supervised early release of a prisoner before the completion of their sentence.
The criminal offense of lying under oath or making false statements in legal proceedings.
The person or party who brings a lawsuit or legal action against another in court.
A defendant's formal response to criminal charges, typically guilty, not guilty, or no contest.
An agreement between a defendant and prosecutor where the defendant pleads guilty in exchange for concessions.
A legal document authorizing someone to act on another person's behalf in legal or financial matters.
A court decision that serves as an authoritative example or rule for deciding similar future cases.
The legal process of administering a deceased person's estate and validating their will.
A court-ordered period of supervision over an offender instead of serving time in prison.
A lawyer who represents the government in criminal proceedings and brings charges against defendants.
Compensation required by a court to be paid by an offender to a victim for losses caused by the crime.
An advance payment to a lawyer for legal services to be performed.
A penalty or coercive measure imposed by a court for violating rules or orders.
An agreement resolving a dispute between parties without going to trial.
A written law passed by a legislative body at the federal, state, or local level.
A law setting the maximum time after an event within which legal proceedings may be initiated.
An agreement between parties or their attorneys regarding a matter in legal proceedings.
A court order requiring a person to appear in court or produce documents as evidence.
An official notification that a lawsuit has been filed and requires a response from the defendant.
Evidence given by a witness under oath, typically in court or during a deposition.
Legal ownership of property or the document that proves such ownership.
A wrongful act or infringement of a right leading to civil legal liability.
A written, word-for-word record of what was said in court proceedings.
A formal examination of evidence by a judge and/or jury to decide guilt or liability.
A legal arrangement where property is held by one party for the benefit of another.
The geographic location where a case is tried or where jurisdiction exists.
The formal decision or finding made by a jury or judge on matters submitted during trial.
The voluntary relinquishment or abandonment of a known right, claim, or privilege.
A court order authorizing law enforcement to make an arrest, search premises, or carry out another action.
A legal document declaring a person's wishes regarding the distribution of their property after death.
A person who testifies under oath about facts they have observed or has expert knowledge of a matter.
This dictionary provides general definitions for educational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. Legal terms may have different meanings depending on jurisdiction and context. For specific legal guidance, please consult with a qualified attorney in your area.