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A

A Fortiori

A Fortiori is a Latin term that is commonly used in the legal world. It refers to an argument that concludes something that is actually true on the basis of stronger truth, on the basis of acceptance or proof of a related or lesser assertion. Essentially, if any weaker statement is valid, then the second string statement or fact derived from it must be valid/true.

A Priori

A Priori is also another Latin term, which refers to reasoning on the basis of logic or assumption without relying on experience or observation .

Ab Initio

Ab Initio is a Latin term commonly referred to as something that is considered from the outset or beginning. In a legal world, it is usually used for contracts, agreements that are void or unenforceable from the start due to certain flaws.

Abandon

Abandon is a term that refers to giving up entirely on a possession with no intention of reclaiming it. In legal terms, abandonment can have various implications in context to property, spouse, trademark or other possession.

Abandonment Of Trademark

Abandonment of Trademark refers to the voluntary termination or abandonment of the exclusive rights associated with Trademark. This happens when the trademark owner decides to intentionally stop using the trademark without any intention of resuming its use in the future.

Abandonment Value

Abandonment Value of an asset is the cash value of an asset if it is discontinued and liquidated. If the cash value is more than, then the value of the asset or project going forward the asset should be abandoned.

Abandonment Of Spouse

Abandonment by a spouse refers to the situation where one spouse deserts the other without legal justification. It is not just about the leaving spouse or his/her family, but also includes the refusal to provide necessary support to the other spouse or any children. It is a common ground for divorce.

Admission on Motion

Admission of motion refers to the process by which lawyers who are licensed to practice law in one jurisdiction are granted the right to practice law in another jurisdiction that too without giving any bar association for the same. Process usually does this and meets certain criteria set by the jurisdiction in which admission is sought.

Alternative Legal Service Providers (ALSPs)

Alternative Legal Service Providers are businesses, or individuals who provide legal services outside the traditional legal firm. These providers offer legal services, such as contract management, document preparation & review, legal research, litigation support and additional client assistance services.

Appellate Rules of Procedure

Appellate rules of procedure are a set of rules and regulations that govern the process and procedures for appealing a court decision in a higher court. These set rules define the steps, timeline and requirements that individuals must follow to appeal in the high court.

Admiralty law

Admiralty law is a law of body that is governing maritime commerce related to ships, shipping, marine commerce, sea transportation, etc.

Antifragile Law Firm

An antifragile law firm is referred to as the legal practice that withstand disruptions and uncertainties. But at the same time it also thrives and benefits from them. It is a concept derived from the term "antifragility," coined by Nassim Nicholas Taleb.

Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Artificial intelligence (AI) in law refers to the development of computer systems or legal software that perform a task that would typically require human intelligence, such as drafting documents, problem-solving, speech recognition and legal research through use algorithms and machine learning.

AI and Privacy Laws

AI and privacy law refers to the legal regulation and guidelines that govern the use of AI technology in the legal system. These laws are regarding the protection of individual privacy rights.

AI-assisted Legal Research

AI-assisted legal research refers to the use of AI to automate, streamline, and enhance the process of research for lawyers and legal professionals. These tools use advanced algorithm and machine learning techniques for finding relevant legal information.

AI-driven Legal Case Management

AI-driven legal case management refers to the use of artificial intelligence techniques or technology to automate and streamline various aspects of legal case management. This can include creating case summary, document drafting, task management, deadline tracking, client communication and more.

B

Ballot Rigging

Ballot rigging or vote rigging refers to the method of electoral fraud that is conducted to influence the result of an election. In practice, ballot rigging simply means not counting votes correctly. This can be done by switching them to different candidates or throwing them without counting.

Bankruptcy

Bankruptcy is a legal procedure that allows individuals and businesses to seek relief from their creditors when they are not able to repay their debts. The process of bankruptcy is governed by federal law and offers a structured framework to repay the debt or eliminate the debt completely.

Bar

Bar in the legal world is referred to as lawyers or law firm associations.

Bond Forfeiture

Bond Forfeiture refers to the legal process by which the bail bond of the defendant is revoked due to any violation of the condition set forth by the court. This happens in conditions when the defendant fails to appear in front of the court or violates any other terms set by the court.

Breach of Fiduciary Duty

Breach of Fiduciary Duty refers to the violation or failure of an individual, typically a fiduciary, to fulfill their legal obligations and responsibilities towards another party. And often resulting in harm or loss to the other party to whom the duty is owed.

Burden of proof

Burden of proof refers to the responsibility of proving a point in a court case.

Brief

A brief is a legal written document by the counsel arguing a case. This document contains the summary of facts related to cases, pertinent law and other arguments and how certain laws apply to the fact situation.

Breaking and Entering

Breaking and entering refers to entering any location by force. This can include breaking the door, window. This situation can be applied to home, workplace, warehouse, store, etc.

C

Capacity to Contract

Capacity to contract refers to the legal ability of an individual to enter into a contract. This is a fundamental principle in contract law that parties must have the mental capacity and authority to understand and be bound by the terms of agreement.

Cause of Action

A cause of action refers to the legal grounds on which a party can bring a lawsuit against another party in a court of law. In simple words it is a fact or facts that provides a person a right to relief in court.

Case law

Case law or common law is a law established by the previous decision of appellate courts.

Chapter 7

Chapter 7 refers to a specific section of United States Bankruptcy law that governs the liquidation process of bankruptcy. Under Chapter 7 business and individuals who are not able to repay their credit can seek relief by having their nonexempt assets sold to repay their creditors.

Chapter 9

Chapter 9 refers to the specific section of United States Bankruptcy law that governs the reorganization of areas, cities and states that are facing financial difficulties. It provides a legal framework for these entities to develop and implement a plan to repay their debts and regain financial stability.

Chapter 11

In the US bankruptcy is filed under a variety of chapters. In Chapter 11 bankruptcy, the debtor files a plan for reorganization to pay off to all the creditors instead of liquidating all assets. Chapter 11 is available both for individuals and businesses, but not most of the businesses like to use it.

Chapter 12

Chapter 12 bankruptcy is also filed under federal law. Chapter 12 bankruptcy is specifically designed for reorganization of debts of family farmers or family fishermen. It is almost similar to Chapter 12, but provides additional protections for family farmers and fishermen.

Chapter 13

Chapter 13 is bankruptcy that is filed under federal law. Chapter 13 allows a debtor with continued income to keep his/her assets and pay debts through reorganization of finances over the period of three to five years.

Concealed Weapons

A concealed weapon is a weapon that an individual keeps hidden usually in their car. Typically, this is referred to as a handgun, but it can be any other weapon too that is kept hidden or secret.

d

Debtor

Debtor is a common term used to describe a person or entity who owes a debt to another.

Deed

Deed is a legally written document that describes a piece of property and outlines the boundaries of the deed.

Default

Default is another common term that describes failure of the defendant to appear and answer the summons and complaint issued for him/her.

Defendant

Defendant is a person that is defending or denying a lawsuit.

Deposition

Deposition refers to the testimony of a witness or any party taken under the oath outside the courtroom and later its transcript becomes a of the court's file.

Death Penalty Law

Death penalty, also referred to as capital punishment, is a punishment that is reserved for some extreme criminal offenses, typically murder.

Data Privacy Laws

Data privacy laws refer to a set of regulations and guidelines that govern the use, storage, collection and sharing of personal information in legal terms. These laws protect the privacy and rights of individuals and ensure that organizations handle personal data securely.

Digital Copyright Laws

Digital copyright laws refers to the set of laws that governs the rights of owners and creators of the digital content that includes music, videos, images and software. These laws safeguard the intellectual property of individuals and entities by granting them exclusive rights to reproduce, distribute, display, and perform their works in digital formats.

Dischargeable Debt

Dischargeable debt refers to the type of debt that can be eliminated with legal process, typically through bankruptcy proceedings. In a legal context, dischargeable debt refers to the debts that a debtor is no longer obligated to repay.

E

Equity

Equity refers to the branch of law that focuses on fairness, justice, and equity. This is in particular to the distribution of property and resources. This concept comes in to provide remedy when the application of strict legal rules would result in an unjust outcome.

Eyewitness

Eyewitness is a very common term that refers to an individual who has personally witnessed an event, incident, or crime. Additionally is also able to provide firsthand information or testimony in a legal context.

Equal Protection Clause

Equal protection clause grants equal protection rights for everyone. This means that the state must apply the law equally to all. It cannot give preference to one person, class or community of persons over another.

Extrinsic Fraud

Extrinsic fraud is a fraudulent conduct that occurs outside of a legal proceeding and prevents a fair trial. This can include acts like bribery, document tampering, or perjury.

Exuere Patriam

Exuere Patriam is a popular Latin term which means to "renounce one's country." It is basically the act of giving up citizenship voluntarily or allegiance to a particular nation.

Equitable Tolling

Equitable tolling is a legal doctrine that allows for extension and suspension of statute of limitation in certain situations. This extension and suspension can be based on principles of fairness and justice. This circumstance usually takes place when the plaintiff is unable to bring a claim within the prescribed time limit due to circumstances beyond their control.

Exulare

This legal term refers to the act of banishing someone from a particular place or territory. It is an old term and not used much in the modern legal system.

F

Felony

Felony is referred to as a serious criminal offense. Usually a crime that is punishable by death or imprisonment for a time period exceeding one year.

Fiduciary

In the legal world, fiduciary is referred to a person or individual who manages money or property for another person or institution.

Federal Rules of Civil Procedure

The Federal rules of civil procedure refer to the set of rules and regulations set by the United States Supreme Court. These rules govern the procedure of a civil lawsuit in federal court. These rules state the process for initiating a lawsuit, conducting discovery, presenting evidence, and resolving disputes in a fair and efficient manner.

Facio Ut Des

Facio Ut Des simply means “I do that you may give.” This term is in reference to civil contract in which one party agrees to perform any act for another party in exchange for money or other valuable consideration.

Face Value

Deposition refers to the testimony of a witness or any party taken under the oath outside the courtroom and later its transcript becomes a of the court's file.

Filing Fee

Filing fee in simple terms means the fee that is required for filing various court documents.

Fraudulent Inducement

Fraudulent inducement is when any individual or organization tricks someone else for their own gain.

G

Gain Contingency

A gain contingency is a possible future gain which depends on the future events that may be uncertain. Financial standards do not allow the recognition of gain contingencies as assets until they have been realized.

Garnishment

Garnishment is a legal process that allows the creditor to obtain a court order to collect debt owed by a debtor by seizing a portion of the debtor's wages, bank accounts, or other assets.

Gap Period

The gap period in the legal world refers to a specific time period during which a particular legal requirement or provision is not in effect or is temporarily suspended.

Gartner Hype Cycle

Gartner Hype Cycle is a graphical representation that illustrates the maturity, adoption and business impact of any specific technology and trend in the industry. It is used in the legal industry to assess the potential impact and risk associated with the emerging technology and trend.

Good Samaritans

Good Samaritans in the legal world refer to those individuals who provide assistance and aid to others in need of emergency without any legal obligations to do so.

GDPR Compliance

GDPR Compliance refers to adherence to the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), a legal framework that sets rules and guidelines for collecting, processing and storing of personal data of individuals within the European Union (EU) and the European Economic Area (EEA). GDPR aims at protecting the privacy and rights of individuals by implementing obligations that protect their personal data.

Guardian

Guardian is referred to an individual who is responsible for a minor or incompetent adult by will or by law. If a parent dies, then the other parent is usually guardian/parent, but if both die, it will probably be the close relative.

H

Hearing

Hearing is a formal court proceeding with definite issues of law or facts that need to be heard. Hearings are used by courts and also by legislatures and administrative agencies.

Hearsay Exceptions

Garnishment is a legal process that allows the creditor to obtain a court order to collect debt owed by a debtor by seizing a portion of the debtor's wages, bank accounts, or other assets.

I

Indigent

Indigent can be referred to as impoverished or needy. For example, a defendant in a criminal case who can demonstrate his/her indigence to the court may get a court-appointed attorney at a public expense.

Indemnity Bond

Indemnity bond is a bond that is issued as a repayment to a holder who claims loss because of the actions of the issuer.

Interrogatories

Interrogatories are a set of questions that one party sends to other parties during a legal case. This is usually during the discovery process of litigation. This set of written questions helps in gathering information and evidence from the opposite party for assistance in preparation of case for court trial.

Invasion of Privacy

Invasion of privacy is a term that is used when someone gets involved in the personal life of an individual who doesn't want any such intrusion. Invasion of privacy is a legal offense for which the victim can sue to another individual for damages.

Insider of Corporate Debtor

This term is used regarding bankruptcy or debtor/creditor law. An insider is a director, officer, or a person who is in control of the debtor, a partnership in which the debtor is a general partner, the partner of the debtor or relative of any person who is in control of the debtor.

J

Judgment

A judgment is a decision of the court.

Jurisdiction

Jurisdiction is the power or authority of the court to hear or have a trial of a case. It can also be referred to as a geographic area in which a court has power or the types of cases it has power to hear.

Jury

Jury refers to men and women who are selected by the law and sworn to determine the facts in a case after hearing the evidence.

Joint Administration

Joint administration is when the court approves a petition or appeal that allows two or more cases to be administered together. This petition is only approved when there is no conflict of interest between the cases.

Joint Petition

A joint petition refers to a legal document filed by two or more parties together who are seeking a common objective or outcome in a legal matter. This is usually used in family law cases such as divorce or adoption where both parties agree on the terms and conditions of the petition.

K

Knowledge Management

Knowledge management in legal terms refers to the process of collecting, organizing and utilizing the collected information/knowledge within a legal organization to enhance efficiency and productivity.

L

Legal aid

Legal aid is a service that may be available for a person or organization who is not able to afford legal services in civil matters. But in most of the civil cases, there is no right to legal aid.

Living will

Living will is a written document that states an individual wish regarding medical treatment or life-support in circumstances where death is imminent.

Liquidated Claim

A liquidated claim is a claim for a specific amount of money that the debtor and creditor claim has agreed upon by the law. The liquidated claim is usually lesser than the actual debt.

Liquidation

Liquidation is the process of selling assets, often in the context of bankruptcy. This is done by the debtor to settle down all or the majority of the debt. Liquidation may or may not settle the complete amount.

Locus Standi

Locus Standi, in simple terms, refers to standing. This means the legal right of an individual or organization to participate in a lawsuit or legal proceedings. It is the requirement by the law that the party must have a sufficient interest in the matter at hand and must have a valid reason to get involved in the case.

M

Magistrate

Magistrate is referred to a judicial officer exercising some functions that are similar to a judge. In a general way, it is referred to as a judge.

Maintenance

Maintenance is also known as alimony. In divorce or separation, it is the money that is paid by one partner to another in order to support their living and fulfill financial obligations that come with marriage.

Means Test

The means test is a test that is conducted for legal evaluation of assets that is used in bankruptcy cases to determine an individual's eligibility for Chapter 7 bankruptcy relief. The test assesses the debtor's ability to repay the debt.

Motion For Default

A motion for default is a legal document that is filed by the party in a lawsuit. This is typically when the plaintiff requests the court to pass the default judgment in their favor because of failure of the opposing party to take action or respond within the specified time frame.

Motion for Final Judgment

Motion for Final Judgment Motion of final judgment is a formal request that is made by a party in a legal case. This is done when all the evidence is presented in front of the court, the trial is concluded, this is to ask the court to issue the final judgment or decision. This motion seeks for final resolution by the court either in favor of the moving part or against them. It is to bring the case to closure.

N

No-fault divorce

A divorce in which it doesn't matter who is responsible and how something wrong caused the marriage to break down. It all boils down to the fact that there is no reasonable prospect of reconciliation.

Notary Public

Notary Public is referred to a person who has been authorized by the state or local administration to take oaths or certify documents.

No-Asset Case

It is a case under Chapter 7 of bankruptcy where the debtor has no assets that can fulfill credit requirements or any unsecured claims.

O

Objection to Dischargeability

In a bankruptcy procedure, if the judge determines that a debt can be discharged, a trustee or creditor may object to the debtor's release from that liability. Examples include debts that were allegedly incurred under false pretenses or that originated as a result of the debtor's deception while acting as a trustee.

Objection to Exemptions

Optical Character Recognition (OCR) is a technology that converts scanned or printed text into editable, searchable digital text. It makes use of specialized software to analyze the forms and patterns of characters in an image and convert them into machine-readable text.

Optical Character Recognition

A liquidated claim is a claim for a specific amount of money that the debtor and creditor claim has agreed upon by the law. The liquidated claim is usually lesser than the actual debt.

P

Plaintiff

A plaintiff is referred to as an individual who brings the lawsuit, or it can also be referred to the party who complains or sues in a civil action.

Plea

Plea is a statement that is given by the defendant that he or she is guilty or not guilty. A plea can be guilty, not guilty, or where permitted nolo contendere.

Process Prototype

A process prototype is a preliminary version or model of a law firm process that is developed to assess its feasibility, usefulness, and effectiveness before being fully implemented in a legal setting. It functions as a blueprint or proof-of-concept for the creation and refinement of a law firm's procedure.

Proof

In the legal context, proof refers to any evidence that is presented in the court to support and establish the truth of a claim. It is essential for the party making the claim in the court to provide sufficient proof to convince the court or jury of the claim's veracity.

Pleadings

The written statements of fact and law filed by the parties to a lawsuit.

Proof

In the legal context, proof refers to any evidence that is presented in the court to support and establish the truth of a claim. It is essential for the party making the claim in the court to provide sufficient proof to convince the court or jury of the claim's veracity.

Pro Bono

Pro Bono refers to the work that is done by an attorney without any compensation. This is to support justice and for public good only.

Q

Question of Fact

Question of fact refers to a legal issue that involves determining the truth or falsity of any particular claim or statement that is given in the court. It is a simple matter that can be resolved by presenting evidence and evaluating the credibility of witnesses in a legal context.

Question of Law

In any legal proceeding, issues to be determined may be of fact or of law. A judge, not a jury, always resolves an issue that is a question of law. This can include both the interpretation of what a given law means and how it applies to the case at hand and the question of which law applies in situations where more than one law may appear to be applicable.

Qui Tam

Qui Tam is a Latin expression that refers to a legal action brought by an individual, known as a whistleblower, on behalf of the government against a person or institution that has committed fraud or wrongdoing against it. In a Qui Tam case, the whistleblower, sometimes known as the realtor, files the claim under the False Claims Act or a similar statute, and if successful, they may be entitled to a share of the recovered damages.

R

Reasonable Doubt

Reasonable doubt is a term used in a criminal case when an accused person is entitled to acquittal if he/she in the minds of the jury has not been proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

Request for Production

It is a request for documents or any other necessary information that pertains to the lawsuit. This is usually done during the discovery phase of a civil suit. It is done to gather as much information as possible in regards to the case.

Retainer

Retainer is a term that is used regarding lawyers' remuneration when a client retains the attorney to act for them.

Request For Admissions

A request for admission is a formal written document that opposing parties use for admissions or denials of certain facts or allegations in a lawsuit. It acts as a discovery tool in litigation proceedings.

s

Summons

Summon is a legal document that is used to either begin the civil case or tell an individual/party to appear in front of the court for responding to a lawsuit.

Self Help

Self help is a term that is used to describe a person who is handling his/her own legal matter in court without any help from other lawyers for representation.

Subpoena

Subpoena is an order that compels an individual to appear in court to testify or produce documents.

Stipulation

Stipulation is an agreement between two, or more parties involved in a lawsuit agreeing that a certain fact/law will be assumed to be true or relevant.

Suspended Imposition Sentence (SIS)

This is used regarding a defendant's sentence in a trial court. It allows trial courts to place probation on defendant sentences. In case of a violation of probation, they may be sentenced to any punishment for the crime committed.

T

Temporary restraining order

A court-issued emergency but temporary order used when immediate or irreparable damage or loss may result.

Testimony

Testimony is a statement or evidence that is given by the witness under the oath. It does not include evidence from documents and other physical evidence.

Tort

Tort is used if any person or entity causes a civil wrong or injury.

Territorial Jurisdiction

Territorial jurisdiction is the authority of a court to hear cases within a specific area and jurisdiction. It specifies the boundaries within which a court can exercise its power and enforce its judgments.

U

Unjust Enrichment

Unjust enrichment is when a person by mistake or luck is unfairly benefitted and has not worked or paid anything for the benefit that they got. They must return the money, property or benefit that they have been unjustly enriched.

Ubi Jus Ibi Remedium

Ubi jus ibi remedium is a Latin legal maxim that translates to "where there is a right, there is a remedy." This means when any legal right is violated, the law must provide a corresponding remedy of reliance to the aggrieved party.

V

Verdict

Verdict refers to the conclusion, as to fact or law, that forms the basis for the court's judgment.

Voir dire

Voir dire is a legal term derived from French, meaning "to speak the truth." It refers to the process of asking questions to potential jurors in a court of law. This is done to determine their ability to be a part of the case. It is essential because it allows attorneys to assess the biases, prejudices, and qualifications of potential jurors.

W

Writ

Writ is a judicial order that is directed to an individual to do something.

Wrongful discharge

Wrongful discharge is a term used to describe a situation when an employee is fired for a reason that is not legitimate. Typically, either because they violate the terms of an employment contract or they are unlawful.

Will

A legal document that directs the disposition of a person's property after their death.

Witness

A person who testifies in court and swears to provide true evidence concerning what he has seen, heard, or observed.

Y

Yankee CD

A certificate of deposit (CD) issued in the United States and denominated in United States dollars but sold in a foreign market.

Yellow dog contract

A contract between an employer and a prospective employee stating that if hired, the employee will not join a labor union. The agreement could be part of a contractor sworn under oath. Yellow-Dog Contracts have been illegal in the United States since 1932.