Legal Glossary

Ab Initio Latin Terms From the beginning; used to describe something void from its inception… Abatement Civil Law The reduction or elimination of a nuisance, debt, or legal proceeding. Abrogation Legal System The repeal or abolition of a law or treaty by formal act. Abscond Criminal Law To flee secretly to avoid legal process or arrest. Accessory Criminal Law A person who assists in committing a crime without being directly invo… Accommodation Contract Law A favor done without consideration; a loan guarantee from a third part… Accomplice Criminal Law A person who knowingly helps another commit a crime. Accord and Satisfaction Contract Law An agreement to discharge a debt by accepting different performance. Acquittal Criminal Law A formal finding of not guilty in a criminal case. Actus Reus Criminal Law The physical act constituting a criminal offense. Adhesion Contract Contract Law A standard form contract offered on a take-it-or-leave-it basis. Adjudication Procedure The legal process of resolving a dispute through court judgment. Administrative Law Administrative Law Law governing the activities of administrative agencies. Admissible Evidence Evidence that is allowed to be presented in court proceedings. Advance Directive Medical Law A legal document expressing healthcare wishes in advance of incapacity… Adverse Possession Property Law A doctrine allowing one to acquire title by long-term open use. Affiant Procedure A person who makes and signs an affidavit under oath. Affidavit Procedure A written statement confirmed by oath used as evidence in court. Affirmative Defense Civil Law A defense that admits the act but offers justification or excuse. Age of Majority Family Law The age at which a person attains full legal capacity. Agency Contract Law A relationship where one party acts on behalf of another. Aggravated Assault Criminal Law An assault involving serious bodily harm or a deadly weapon. Aiding and Abetting Criminal Law Assisting another person in the commission of a crime. Alienation Property Law The transfer of property from one person to another. Allegation Procedure A claim or assertion made in a pleading. Allocution Criminal Law A defendant\'s formal statement before sentencing. Ambiguity Contract Law Language that can be understood in more than one way. Amicus Curiae Procedure A friend of the court who submits a brief to assist decision-making. Annulment Family Law A legal declaration that a marriage was never valid. Anticipatory Breach Contract Law A party\'s announcement before performance is due that they will not p… Antitrust Business Law Laws designed to promote competition and prevent monopolies. Apparent Authority Contract Law Authority that a third party reasonably believes an agent possesses. Appellate Procedure Relating to a court that reviews decisions of lower courts. Arbitration Dispute Resolution A private dispute resolution process outside of courts. Arraignment Criminal Law A hearing at which a defendant is formally charged and enters a plea. Arraignment Criminal Law A court proceeding where the defendant is read charges and enters a pl… Assault Criminal Law An intentional act causing reasonable apprehension of harmful contact. Assignment Contract Law The transfer of rights or property from one party to another. Assumption of Risk Tort Law A defense that the plaintiff voluntarily accepted known dangers. At-Will Employment Employment Law Employment terminable by either party at any time without cause. Attachment Civil Law A court order seizing a defendant\'s property pending judgment. Attractive Nuisance Tort Law A dangerous condition likely to attract children who cannot appreciate…

Bad Faith Contract Law Dishonesty or intentional breach of known duty in a transaction. Bail Criminal Law Money deposited to secure a defendant\'s release pending trial. Bailment Property Law Temporary transfer of possession of property without transfer of title… Bankruptcy Business Law A legal proceeding for people or entities unable to repay their debts. Battery Criminal Law The intentional harmful or offensive touching of another person. Bench Trial Procedure A trial decided by a judge without a jury. Beneficial Owner Property Law The true owner of property held by another in name. Beneficiary Trusts & Estates A person who receives benefits from a will, trust, or insurance policy… Bequest Trusts & Estates A gift of personal property made through a will. Beyond a Reasonable Doubt Criminal Law The highest standard of proof required in criminal cases. Bilateral Contract Contract Law A contract where both parties exchange mutual promises. Bill of Rights Constitutional The first ten amendments to the U.S. Constitution. Bona Fide Latin Terms In good faith; genuine and sincere. Bona Fide Purchaser Property Law A buyer who pays fair value without notice of defects in title. Breach of Contract Contract Law Failure to perform any term of a contract without justification. Breach of Fiduciary Duty Business Law Failure to act in the best interests of a person to whom duties are ow… Brief Procedure A written legal argument submitted to a court. Burden of Proof Evidence The obligation to prove one\'s claims in a legal proceeding. Business Judgment Rule Business Law Protects corporate directors from liability for honest business decisi… But-For Causation Tort Law A test asking whether harm would have occurred but for the defendant\'…

Capacity Contract Law Legal ability to enter into binding agreements. Capital Offense Criminal Law A crime punishable by death or life imprisonment. Capital Punishment Criminal Law The legally authorized killing of someone as punishment for a crime. Case Law Legal System Law derived from judicial decisions rather than statutes. Causation Tort Law The link between defendant\'s conduct and plaintiff\'s harm. Cause of Action Procedure A set of facts giving rise to a legal right to sue. Caveat Contract Law A warning or qualification inserted into a legal document. Caveat Emptor Contract Law Buyer beware; the buyer assumes risk in a transaction. Cease and Desist Administrative Law A court or agency order to stop a specified activity immediately. Certiorari Procedure A writ by which a higher court reviews a lower court decision. Chain of Custody Evidence Documentation tracking evidence from collection to courtroom. Civil Liability Civil Law Legal responsibility to compensate another party for harm caused. Class Action Civil Law A lawsuit filed by a representative on behalf of a large group. Clemency Criminal Law Mercy shown to a convicted person by a government authority. Codicil Trusts & Estates A supplement or amendment to an existing will. Collateral Contract Law Property pledged as security for a loan. Collateral Estoppel Procedure Once an issue is decided, it cannot be relitigated between the same pa… Common Law Legal System Law derived from custom and judicial precedent rather than statutes. Community Property Family Law Property acquired during marriage owned equally by both spouses. Compelling Interest Constitutional A sufficiently strong government interest to justify restricting right… Compensatory Damages Tort Law Money awarded to make the plaintiff whole for actual losses. Complaint Procedure The initial pleading in a civil lawsuit stating the plaintiff\'s claim… Concurrent Jurisdiction Legal System Authority of multiple courts to hear the same type of case. Condemnation Property Law Government taking of private property for public use. Confession Criminal Law A voluntary statement admitting guilt in a criminal matter. Confession of Judgment Contract Law A provision allowing judgment to be entered without notice to the debt… Conflict of Interest Ethics A situation where personal interests could compromise professional dut… Confrontation Clause Constitutional The Sixth Amendment right to face accusers in criminal trials. Consent Contract Law Voluntary agreement to the terms of a transaction or action. Conspiracy Criminal Law An agreement between two or more persons to commit an unlawful act. Constitutional Amendment Constitutional A formal change to the constitution through established procedures. Constructive Trust Equity A trust imposed by courts to prevent unjust enrichment. Contempt of Court Procedure Willful disobedience of a court order or disrespect of a court. Contingency Fee Procedure An attorney fee paid only if the case is successfully resolved. Contract Contract Law A legally binding agreement between two or more parties. Contributory Negligence Tort Law The plaintiff\'s own negligence that contributes to their injury. Conversion Tort Law The unlawful taking or use of another\'s personal property. Conviction Criminal Law A formal declaration of guilt by a court. Corporate Veil Business Law The legal separation between a corporation and its owners. Corporation Business Law A legal entity separate from its owners with its own rights. Counterclaim Procedure A claim made by a defendant against the plaintiff. Covenant Contract Law A formal agreement or promise in a deed or contract. Covenant Running with the Land Property Law A promise that binds successors in interest to the property. Crime of Moral Turpitude Criminal Law An offense involving dishonesty or morally reprehensible conduct. Criminal Negligence Criminal Law Gross negligence rising to the level of criminal culpability. Cross-Claim Procedure A claim by one co-party against another in the same action. Cross-Examination Evidence Questioning of a witness by the opposing party\'s attorney. Cruel and Unusual Punishment Constitutional Punishment prohibited by the Eighth Amendment. Cybercrime Criminal Law Criminal activity carried out via computers or the internet.

Damages Civil Law Monetary compensation awarded for loss or injury. Damages Cap Civil Law A statutory limit on the amount of damages a party can recover. De Facto Latin Terms In practice or reality, even if not officially recognized. De Jure Latin Terms By right; according to law or officially established. De Minimis Latin Terms Too trivial or minor to warrant legal attention. Dead Man\'s Statute Evidence A rule prohibiting testimony about communications with a deceased pers… Declaratory Judgment Procedure A court determination of rights without ordering specific action. Deed of Trust Property Law A security instrument conveying property to a trustee as collateral. Defamation Tort Law False statements of fact that harm another\'s reputation. Defamation Per Se Tort Law Statements presumed to cause harm without requiring proof of damage. Default Judgment Procedure A judgment entered when a party fails to respond or appear. Defendant Procedure The party against whom a civil or criminal action is brought. Defense of Others Criminal Law Justification for using force to protect a third party from imminent h… Delegation Contract Law Transfer of contractual duties to a third party. Deliberation Criminal Law The process by which a jury discusses and decides a case. Demand Letter Procedure A formal written request requiring action or payment within a deadline… Deposition Procedure Sworn out-of-court testimony used in discovery. Derivative Work IP Law A creation based on or derived from a prior copyrighted work. Devise Trusts & Estates A gift of real property made through a will. Dicta Legal System Remarks in a court opinion not essential to the decision. Diminished Capacity Criminal Law A mental condition reducing criminal responsibility. Directed Verdict Procedure A judge\'s instruction to the jury to return a specific verdict. Discharge Contract Law The termination of a contractual obligation by performance or agreemen… Discovery Procedure The pre-trial process of obtaining evidence from other parties. Discrimination Employment Law Treating persons differently based on protected characteristics. Dismissal Procedure The termination of a case without a full trial. Dissent Legal System A judge\'s written disagreement with the majority opinion. Dissolution Business Law The legal termination of a corporation or partnership. Domicile Procedure A person\'s permanent home to which they intend to return. Double Jeopardy Constitutional The prohibition against being tried twice for the same offense. Double Jeopardy Clause Constitutional The Fifth Amendment prohibition against being tried twice for the same… Dower Rights Property Law A surviving spouse\'s interest in the deceased spouse\'s real property… Due Care Tort Law The degree of care that a reasonably prudent person would exercise. Due Diligence Business Law Reasonable investigation before entering a transaction. Due Process Constitutional The guarantee of fair treatment and legal rights through the judicial … Duress Contract Law Unlawful pressure that forces someone to act against their will. Dying Declaration Evidence A statement made under belief of impending death admissible as evidenc…

Easement Property Law A right to use another\'s land for a specific purpose. Easement Appurtenant Property Law An easement that benefits an adjacent parcel of land. Emancipation Family Law Legal release of a minor from parental control before majority. Embezzlement Criminal Law Fraudulent appropriation of property by someone entrusted with it. Eminent Domain Constitutional Government power to take private property for public use. Encumbrance Property Law A claim or lien on property that affects its title or value. Entrapment Criminal Law Government inducement of a person to commit a crime they would not oth… Environmental Law Environmental Law Law protecting the natural environment from harmful human practices. Equal Protection Constitutional Constitutional guarantee that laws apply equally to all persons. Equitable Estoppel Equity Preventing a party from contradicting a prior representation others re… Equitable Remedy Equity Relief granted by a court based on fairness rather than strict legal r… Equity Legal System A system of law based on fairness rather than strict legal rules. Estoppel Contract Law Preventing someone from contradicting a prior assertion. Eviction Property Law Legal removal of a tenant from rental property. Evidence Evidence Any information presented to prove or disprove facts in a case. Ex Parte Procedure A proceeding involving only one party without notice to the other. Exclusionary Rule Constitutional Evidence obtained illegally cannot be used in court. Exclusionary Rule Constitutional A rule prohibiting use of illegally obtained evidence in criminal tria… Exclusive Jurisdiction Procedure Sole authority of one court to hear a specific type of case. Exculpatory Clause Contract Law A contractual provision limiting or eliminating one party\'s liability… Executory Contract Contract Law A contract in which some performance remains to be completed by both p… Exoneration Criminal Law Official clearance from blame or criminal charges. Expectation Damages Contract Law Damages putting the non-breaching party in the position the contract p… Expert Witness Evidence A witness with specialized knowledge who provides opinion testimony. Express Warranty Contract Law An explicit guarantee about the quality or condition of goods or servi… Extortion Criminal Law Obtaining money or property through threats or coercion. Extradition Criminal Law Handing over a fugitive to another jurisdiction for trial.

Face Value Contract Law The stated value on a financial instrument without discount or premium… Fair Market Value Property Law The price a willing buyer and seller would agree upon in an open marke… Fair Use IP Law A limited exception to copyright allowing use without permission for c… False Arrest Tort Law Unlawful restraint of a person without legal authority. False Imprisonment Tort Law Unlawful restraint of a person\'s freedom of movement. Family Law Family Law The body of law dealing with domestic relationships and family matters… Fee Simple Property Law The most complete and absolute form of ownership of real property. Felony Criminal Law A serious crime typically punishable by imprisonment over one year. Felony Murder Rule Criminal Law Holding all participants in a felony responsible for resulting deaths. Fiduciary Business Law A person with a legal duty to act in another\'s best interests. Fiduciary Duty Business Law The obligation to act in the best interest of another party. Force Majeure Contract Law A clause excusing performance due to extraordinary unforeseeable event… Foreclosure Property Law The legal process by which a lender seizes mortgaged property. Foreseeability Tort Law Whether a reasonable person could have anticipated the risk of harm. Forfeiture Criminal Law Loss of money or property as a penalty for illegal conduct. Forum Non Conveniens Procedure Dismissal when another forum is substantially more convenient for the … Franchise Business Law A license to operate a business using another entity\'s brand and syst… Fraud Criminal Law Intentional deception to cause financial or personal harm. Fraudulent Conveyance Business Law A transfer of property made to hinder, delay, or defraud creditors. Freedom of Assembly Constitutional The First Amendment right to gather peacefully for common purposes. Freedom of Religion Constitutional Constitutional protection for religious belief and practice. Freedom of Speech Constitutional First Amendment right to express opinions without censorship. Frustration of Purpose Contract Law Doctrine excusing performance when the contract\'s principal purpose i…

Garnishment Civil Law A court order requiring a third party to withhold funds owed to a debt… Good Faith Contract Law Honesty and fairness in dealings; absence of fraud or deceit. Good Samaritan Law Tort Law Statutes protecting those who render emergency aid in good faith. Grand Jury Criminal Law A group of citizens who determine whether charges should be filed. Gross Negligence Tort Law Reckless disregard for the safety of others; more than ordinary neglig… Guardian ad Litem Family Law A person appointed to represent another\'s interests in litigation. Guardian of the Estate Family Law A person managing financial affairs and property for an incapacitated …

Habeas Corpus Constitutional A legal action requiring a person under arrest to be brought before a … Habitual Offender Criminal Law A repeat criminal subject to enhanced sentencing under recidivist stat… Hearsay Evidence An out-of-court statement offered to prove the truth of the matter. Hearsay Exception Evidence A category of hearsay that is admissible despite the general hearsay r… Holder in Due Course Contract Law A purchaser of a negotiable instrument for value without notice of def… Holding Legal System The court\'s official decision on the legal issues in a case. Homestead Exemption Property Law Protection of a primary residence from forced sale to satisfy creditor… Homicide Criminal Law The killing of one person by another. Hung Jury Criminal Law A jury unable to reach a unanimous verdict.

Identity Theft Criminal Law Fraudulently using another person\'s personal information for gain. Immunity Constitutional Protection from legal liability or prosecution. Impeachment Constitutional The process of charging a public official with misconduct. Implied Contract Contract Law A contract formed by conduct rather than explicit words. Implied Warranty Contract Law A warranty imposed by law rather than express agreement. Impossibility Contract Law A doctrine excusing performance when it becomes objectively impossible… In Camera Procedure A proceeding conducted privately in a judge\'s chambers. In Loco Parentis Family Law Acting in the place of a parent toward a child. Inchoate Crime Criminal Law An incomplete or attempted crime that has not yet been fully carried o… Indemnity Contract Law Compensation for loss or damage; protection against liability. Indictment Criminal Law A formal charge issued by a grand jury. Informed Consent Medical Law Agreement based on full knowledge of risks, benefits, and alternatives… Injunction Civil Law A court order requiring a party to act or refrain from acting. Insanity Defense Criminal Law A defense asserting the defendant lacked mental capacity for criminal … Intellectual Property IP Law Creative works and inventions protected by law. Interlocutory Procedure A temporary court order made during litigation pending final resolutio… Interrogatory Procedure Written questions submitted to a party during discovery. Intervention Procedure Joining an existing lawsuit as a party with a direct interest at stake… Intestate Trusts & Estates Dying without a valid will. Intestate Succession Trusts & Estates The legal order of inheritance for persons who die without a valid wil… Irrevocable Trust Trusts & Estates A trust that cannot be modified or revoked after its creation.

Joint Venture Business Law A business arrangement where two or more parties share profits and los… Joint and Several Liability Civil Law Each party can be held individually responsible for the full amount. Judgment Procedure A court\'s final decision resolving the rights of the parties. Judgment Creditor Civil Law A party who has won a judgment and seeks to collect on it. Judgment Debtor Civil Law A party against whom a final monetary judgment has been entered. Judicial Estoppel Procedure Preventing a party from taking a position inconsistent with a prior su… Judicial Review Constitutional Power of courts to invalidate laws conflicting with the constitution. Jurisdiction Procedure The authority of a court to hear and decide a case. Jurisprudence Legal System The theory and philosophy of law. Just Compensation Constitutional Fair payment required when the government takes private property.

Knowingly Criminal Law Acting with awareness that conduct is of a certain nature or circumsta…

Labor Law Employment Law The body of law governing employment relationships and workplace right… Laches Equity Unreasonable delay in asserting a right that prejudices the other part… Larceny Criminal Law The unlawful taking of another\'s property with intent to steal. Law Merchant Contract Law Customary commercial law developed historically among merchants and tr… Lease Property Law A contract conveying use of property for a period in exchange for rent… Legal Aid Legal System Free or low-cost legal services for those who cannot afford an attorne… Legal Capacity Contract Law The ability of a person to enter into and be bound by a legal agreemen… Legal Entity Business Law An organization recognized by law as having rights and obligations. Legal Fiction Legal System An assumption courts accept as true for legal reasoning purposes. Legal Malpractice Tort Law Negligence by an attorney that causes measurable harm to a client. Legislation Legal System Laws enacted by a legislative body. Letter of Credit Contract Law A bank\'s promise to pay upon satisfaction of specified conditions. Levy Civil Law Seizure of property by legal process to satisfy a judgment. Liability Civil Law Legal responsibility for one\'s actions or omissions. Libel Tort Law Written or published defamation harming another\'s reputation. License Property Law Permission to use another\'s property or intellectual property rights. Lien Property Law A legal claim against property as security for a debt. Life Estate Property Law Ownership of property only for the duration of one\'s life. Limited Liability Company Business Law A business structure combining corporate and partnership features. Liquidated Damages Contract Law A predetermined sum to be paid in case of breach. Lis Pendens Property Law A notice that litigation is pending that may affect title to property. Litigation Procedure The process of taking legal action through the courts. Long-Arm Statute Procedure A law allowing courts to exercise jurisdiction over out-of-state perso… Loss of Consortium Tort Law Damages for loss of a spouse\'s companionship and services.

Mailbox Rule Contract Law An acceptance of an offer is effective when properly dispatched by mai… Malice Criminal Law The intention to do evil or harm another person. Malpractice Tort Law Professional negligence by a licensed professional. Mandamus Procedure A court order compelling an official to perform a mandatory duty. Mandatory Minimum Criminal Law The shortest sentence a judge must impose for a particular offense. Manslaughter Criminal Law The unlawful killing of another without premeditation. Maritime Law Maritime Law Laws governing navigation, shipping, and activities on navigable water… Material Breach Contract Law A breach so significant it allows the other party to cancel the contra… Material Fact Procedure A fact that could influence the outcome of a legal proceeding. Mechanic\'s Lien Property Law A lien filed by contractors or suppliers for unpaid work on real prope… Mediation Dispute Resolution A voluntary process using a neutral third party to facilitate settleme… Mens Rea Criminal Law The mental element of a crime; the intention to commit a wrongful act. Merger Business Law The combination of two or more corporations into a single legal entity… Minimum Contacts Procedure The minimum connection required to exercise personal jurisdiction. Miranda Rights Criminal Law Rights read to suspects upon arrest regarding silence and counsel. Misappropriation Criminal Law Improper use of funds or property entrusted to one\'s care. Misdemeanor Criminal Law A less serious criminal offense than a felony. Misrepresentation Contract Law A false statement of material fact inducing another to enter a contrac… Mistrial Procedure A trial that has been invalidated due to error or deadlock. Mitigating Circumstances Criminal Law Factors that reduce the severity of punishment but do not excuse the c… Mitigation Civil Law Efforts to reduce the extent of damage or injury suffered. Moot Procedure A case where the controversy has ended and no relief is possible. Mortgage Property Law A security interest in real property given to secure a loan. Motion Procedure A formal request asking a court to take a specific action. Motion for New Trial Procedure A request to a court to set aside the verdict and hold a new trial. Motion in Limine Evidence A pre-trial motion to exclude certain evidence from trial. Motion to Dismiss Procedure A request to terminate a case for legal insufficiency or lack of juris… Murder Criminal Law The unlawful killing of a person with malice aforethought. Mutual Assent Contract Law Agreement of both parties evidenced by a valid offer and acceptance. Mutual Mistake Contract Law An error shared by both parties regarding a material fact in a contrac…

Natural Law Legal System A philosophical theory that law is based on universal moral principles… Negligence Tort Law Failure to exercise reasonable care causing harm to another. Negligence Per Se Tort Law Negligence established by violation of a statute designed to protect p… Negligent Infliction of Emotional Distress Tort Law Causing emotional harm through careless conduct. Negotiable Instrument Contract Law A document guaranteeing payment of a specific amount to a named party. Nolo Contendere Criminal Law A plea of no contest; neither admitting nor denying guilt. Nominal Damages Civil Law A trivial sum awarded when legal rights are violated without substanti… Non Compos Mentis Criminal Law Not of sound mind; legally mentally incapable of managing one\'s affai… Notary Public Procedure An official authorized to witness signatures and administer oaths. Notice Procedure Information or warning of an action or proceeding. Notice of Appeal Procedure The document filed to initiate appellate review of a lower court order… Novation Contract Law Substitution of a new contract or party for an old one. Nudum Pactum Contract Law A bare promise without consideration; generally unenforceable at law. Nuisance Tort Law An activity or condition that interferes with the use of property.

Oath Evidence A formal promise to tell the truth. Objection Procedure A formal protest to a question or evidence in court. Objective Standard Tort Law A test based on what a reasonable person would do in the circumstances… Obstruction of Justice Criminal Law Interfering with the administration of law or court proceedings. Offer Contract Law A proposal to enter into an agreement on specific terms. Opinion Legal System A court\'s written explanation of its decision. Option Contract Contract Law A contract giving one party the right to accept an offer within a set … Oral Argument Procedure Verbal presentation of legal arguments before an appellate court panel… Ordinance Legal System A local law enacted by a city or county government. Original Jurisdiction Procedure Authority of a court to hear a case in the first instance.

Pardon Criminal Law Official forgiveness of a crime by an executive authority. Parens Patriae Constitutional The government\'s role as sovereign guardian of those unable to care f… Parole Criminal Law Conditional early release from prison under supervision. Partition Property Law A court action dividing jointly owned property among its co-owners. Patent IP Law An exclusive right granted for an invention. Patent Infringement IP Law Using a patented invention without the patent holder\'s authorization. Per Curiam Legal System A court opinion issued by the court as a whole rather than a named aut… Per Se Rule Antitrust A category of conduct treated as automatically illegal under antitrust… Peremptory Challenge Procedure Removal of a potential juror without stating any reason. Perjury Criminal Law The crime of lying under oath in judicial proceedings. Piercing the Corporate Veil Business Law Holding shareholders personally liable for the corporation\'s actions. Plaintiff Civil Law The party who brings a case against another in a court of law. Plea Bargain Criminal Law An agreement where a defendant pleads guilty for a reduced charge. Police Power Constitutional Government\'s inherent authority to regulate to protect public health … Power of Attorney Contract Law Authorization for one person to act legally on another\'s behalf. Precedent Legal System A prior case that guides future decisions on similar issues. Preemption Constitutional Federal law superseding conflicting state law under the Supremacy Clau… Preponderance Evidence The greater weight of evidence; proof that something is more likely tr… Preponderance of Evidence Evidence The standard of proof in civil cases; more likely than not. Prescriptive Easement Property Law An easement acquired by long-term, open, hostile, and continuous use. Presumption of Innocence Criminal Law The principle that defendants are innocent until proven guilty. Prima Facie Procedure Evidence sufficient to establish a fact unless disproved. Prior Restraint Constitutional Government censorship of material before it is published or distribute… Privilege Evidence A legal right to refuse to disclose confidential communications. Privity of Contract Contract Law A direct contractual relationship between parties to a contract. Probable Cause Constitutional Reasonable grounds for arrest, search, or prosecution. Probate Trusts & Estates The legal process for administering a deceased person\'s estate. Probation Criminal Law Supervised release allowing offenders to remain in the community. Procedural Due Process Constitutional Fair procedures before the government deprives a person of rights. Promissory Estoppel Contract Law Enforcement of a promise when someone detrimentally relied upon it. Proportionality Criminal Law The requirement that punishment be proportionate to the severity of th… Proximate Cause Tort Law The legal cause of an injury close in time and nature to the harm. Public Defender Criminal Law A government-appointed attorney for defendants who cannot afford couns… Public Policy Legal System Legal principles based on society\'s broader interests and welfare. Punitive Damages Tort Law Damages awarded to punish egregious conduct.

Qualified Immunity Constitutional Protection of government officials from suit for reasonable actions. Quantum Meruit Contract Law Payment for services based on the reasonable value of work done. Quasi-Contract Contract Law A legal obligation imposed by courts to prevent unjust enrichment. Quid Pro Quo Contract Law Something given in exchange for something else; consideration.

Ratification Contract Law Approval and acceptance of a previously unauthorized act. Real Property Property Law Land and anything permanently attached to or affixed upon it. Reasonable Accommodation Employment Law Adjustments enabling disabled employees to perform the essential job f… Reasonable Person Tort Law A hypothetical standard of ordinary care used in negligence cases. Recklessness Criminal Law Conscious disregard of a substantial and unjustifiable risk of harm. Recording Act Property Law A statute determining priority among competing property interests. Recusal Procedure A judge\'s disqualification from a case due to conflict of interest. Reformation Contract Law A court\'s rewriting of a contract to reflect the parties\' true inten… Release Contract Law A legal document surrendering a legal claim or right against another. Reliance Interest Contract Law The interest in recovering losses from acting in reliance on a promise… Remand Procedure Sending a case back to a lower court for further proceedings. Remedy Civil Law The relief or compensation granted by a court to a successful party. Remittitur Procedure A court order reducing an excessive jury verdict. Repudiation Contract Law A party\'s clear refusal to perform contractual obligations. Res Gestae Evidence Statements made as part of a transaction or event; verbal acts. Res Ipsa Loquitur Tort Law The thing speaks for itself; negligence inferred from circumstances. Res Judicata Procedure A matter already judged; bars relitigation of decided issues. Rescission Contract Law The cancellation of a contract and restoration to pre-contract status. Residuary Estate Trusts & Estates What remains of an estate after debts, taxes, and specific bequests. Restitution Criminal Law Repayment to victims for losses caused by criminal conduct. Restitutionary Damages Contract Law Damages intended to prevent unjust enrichment of the breaching party. Resulting Trust Equity A trust arising by operation of law when no other trust adequately app… Retainer Legal System An upfront fee paid to secure an attorney\'s representation. Revocation Contract Law Withdrawal of an offer by the offeror before acceptance is communicate… Right to Counsel Criminal Law The Sixth Amendment right to an attorney in criminal proceedings. Robbery Criminal Law Taking property from another by force or threat of force. Rule Against Perpetuities Property Law A rule limiting how far into the future property interests can be cont… Rule of Law Legal System The principle that law applies equally to everyone.

Scienter Criminal Law Knowledge of wrongdoing; awareness of the illegal nature of one\'s con… Scope of Employment Tort Law The range of activities an employee is authorized to perform by the em… Search and Seizure Constitutional Government action to find evidence and take control of it. Securities Law Business Law Law governing the issuance and trading of stocks and bonds. Self-Defense Criminal Law The right to use reasonable force to protect oneself from harm. Separation of Powers Constitutional Division of government into legislative, executive, and judicial branc… Service of Process Procedure Formal delivery of legal documents to a party to a lawsuit. Settlement Dispute Resolution A voluntary resolution of a dispute without a court judgment. Sixth Amendment Constitutional Constitutional protections including the right to a speedy trial and c… Slander Tort Law Spoken defamation harming another\'s reputation. Social Contract Legal System A philosophical theory of government\'s basis in consent of the govern… Solicitation Criminal Law Asking or encouraging another to commit a crime. Sovereign Immunity Constitutional The doctrine that the government cannot be sued without its consent. Specific Intent Criminal Law The intent to accomplish a specific result of a criminal act. Specific Performance Contract Law A court order requiring exact performance of what was promised. Spoliation Evidence Destruction or intentional alteration of evidence in litigation. Standard of Care Tort Law The degree of care a reasonable person in similar circumstances would … Standing Procedure The legal right to bring a lawsuit based on sufficient stake in the ou… Stare Decisis Legal System The doctrine of following precedent set by prior court decisions. Statute Legal System A written law passed by a legislative body. Statute of Frauds Contract Law A law requiring certain contracts to be in writing to be enforceable. Statute of Limitations Procedure The deadline by which a lawsuit must be filed. Strict Liability Tort Law Liability without need to prove negligence or fault. Sua Sponte Procedure A court\'s action taken on its own initiative without a party\'s reque… Subpoena Procedure A legal document ordering a person to attend court or produce document… Subrogation Contract Law Substitution of one party for another with respect to a legal claim or… Substantial Performance Contract Law Completion of most contract obligations entitling the party to payment… Substantive Due Process Constitutional Protection against arbitrary government interference with fundamental … Summary Judgment Procedure A judgment without trial when no material facts are in dispute. Supersedeas Procedure A bond delaying execution of a judgment pending resolution of an appea… Supremacy Clause Constitutional Constitutional provision making federal law supreme over state law. Surety Contract Law A party who promises to be responsible for another party\'s debt or ob…

Takings Clause Constitutional The Fifth Amendment requirement of just compensation for property take… Tenancy by the Entirety Property Law Joint ownership by spouses with right of survivorship in the property. Tenancy in Common Property Law Ownership of property by two or more persons with separable interests. Testamentary Capacity Trusts & Estates Legal and mental ability to make a valid will. Testimony Evidence Oral evidence given by a witness under oath in court. Title Property Law The legal right to ownership of property. Tort Civil Law A civil wrong that causes harm or loss, resulting in legal liability. Tortious Interference Tort Law Intentional disruption of another\'s contractual or business relations… Trade Secret IP Law Confidential business information giving a competitive advantage. Trademark IP Law A distinctive mark identifying goods or services of a business. Trespass Tort Law Unauthorized entry onto another\'s land or interference with property. Trespass to Chattel Tort Law Intentional interference with another\'s personal property without jus… Trust Trusts & Estates A legal arrangement where one party manages property for another\'s be…

Ultra Vires Business Law An act beyond the legal authority of a corporation or official. Unanimous Verdict Criminal Law A verdict agreed to by all members of the jury. Unclean Hands Equity Equitable defense barring relief to a party who has acted wrongfully. Unconscionability Contract Law Contract terms so unfair as to be unenforceable. Undue Influence Contract Law Pressure that overcomes a party\'s free will to enter a contract. Unilateral Contract Contract Law A contract formed by performance rather than an exchange of promises. Unjust Enrichment Contract Law A principle preventing one party from unfairly profiting at another\'s… Usury Contract Law Charging an illegally high rate of interest on a loan.

Venue Procedure The geographic location where a case is heard. Venue Selection Clause Contract Law A provision specifying the location where disputes must be litigated. Verdict Procedure The decision reached by a jury or judge in a case. Vesting Property Law The process by which a right or interest becomes fixed and non-forfeit… Vicarious Liability Tort Law Liability of one party for the acts of another, such as an employer. Void Contract Law Having no legal force or effect from the beginning. Void Ab Initio Contract Law A transaction having no legal effect from the very beginning. Voidable Contract Law A contract that may be affirmed or rejected at one party\'s option. Voir Dire Procedure A preliminary examination of jurors or witnesses to test competency. Voluntariness Criminal Law The quality of acting of one\'s own free will without coercion. Voluntary Manslaughter Criminal Law Killing in the heat of passion without prior premeditation or malice.

Waiver Contract Law The voluntary relinquishment of a known right. Wanton Conduct Tort Law Conduct showing reckless disregard for the rights and safety of others… Warrant Criminal Law A court order authorizing a specific legal action. Warranty Deed Property Law A deed guaranteeing clear title against all claims and encumbrances. Whistleblower Protection Employment Law Laws protecting employees who report illegal employer conduct from ret… Will Trusts & Estates A legal document expressing a person\'s wishes regarding their estate. Willful Misconduct Tort Law Intentional wrongdoing with knowledge of its improper and harmful natu… Witness Evidence A person who gives testimony under oath in court. Workers\' Compensation Employment Law A system providing benefits to employees injured during employment. Writ Procedure A formal written court order requiring action by the recipient. Wrongful Termination Employment Law Dismissal of an employee in violation of law or contract.

Zone of Danger Tort Law The area within which a person is at risk from a defendant\'s negligen… Zoning Property Law Government regulation of land use within specified areas.