Legal Dictionary and Glossary: Key Terms Explained

Navigating the legal system can be a daunting task, especially for those unfamiliar with the specialized language used by attorneys and judges. To help you understand the legal jargon, we have compiled a comprehensive legal dictionary and glossary that provides definitions and explanations of key legal terms.

A

• Acquittal: A verdict of not guilty rendered by a court of law.
• Adjournment: A postponement of a legal proceeding to a later date or time.
• Affidavit: A written statement sworn under oath before a notary public or other authorized official.
• Appeal: A request to a higher court to review a decision made by a lower court.
• Attorney: A person licensed to practice law, also known as a lawyer.

B

• Bench: The judge or judges presiding over a court case.
• Brief: A written legal document that summarizes the arguments of a party in a case.
• Burden of proof: The responsibility of one party to prove the truth of an assertion.

C

• Civil case: A legal action brought by one private party against another to resolve a dispute.
• Class action lawsuit: A lawsuit brought by a group of people who share a common legal interest.
• Common law: A body of law that is based on judicial decisions rather than statutes.
• Complaint: The initial pleading that initiates a civil lawsuit.
• Contract: A legally enforceable agreement between two or more parties.

D

• Damages: A monetary award granted to a plaintiff in a civil lawsuit to compensate for losses suffered.
• Defendant: The party against whom a lawsuit is brought.
• Deposition: A question-and-answer session under oath where a witness gives evidence before a trial.

E

• Equity: A body of law that seeks to provide fair and just remedies when the common law cannot provide an adequate solution.
• Evidence: Information that is presented to a court to prove or disprove a fact.

F

• Felony: A serious crime punishable by imprisonment for more than one year.
• Habeas corpus: A writ that orders a person to be brought before a court to determine if their detention is lawful.
• Hearsay: An out-of-court statement that is offered in court as evidence of the truth of the matter asserted.

I

• Indictment: A formal accusation that charges a person with a crime.
• Injunction: A court order that prohibits or requires a specific action.
• Interrogatories: Written questions submitted to a party in a lawsuit that must be answered in writing.

J

• Joinder: The combination of two or more lawsuits or claims into a single action.
• Judgment: The final decision of a court in a legal proceeding.
• Jurisdiction: The authority of a court to hear and decide a case.

K

• Lawsuit: A civil action brought by one party against another to resolve a dispute.

L

• Legal counsel: An attorney who provides legal advice and representation to a client.
• Liable: Legally responsible for an injury or loss.
• Lien: A legal claim against property to secure the payment of a debt.

M

• Magistrate: A judicial officer who performs administrative or judicial duties, such as issuing warrants or conducting preliminary hearings.
• Malpractice: A breach of duty by a professional, such as a doctor or lawyer.
• Mandamus: A writ that orders a public official or government agency to perform a specific duty.

N

• Negligence: A breach of duty that causes harm to another person.

O

• Objection: A formal statement by an attorney objecting to the introduction of evidence or other action taken during a legal proceeding.
• Opening statement: A brief statement by an attorney at the beginning of a trial summarizing the evidence and arguments that will be presented.

P

• Parties: The individuals or entities involved in a legal proceeding.
• Per curiam: A Latin phrase indicating that an opinion was written by the entire court.
• Petition: A formal request made to a court.
• Plaintiff: The party who initiates a lawsuit.
• Pleading: A written document filed with the court that sets forth the basis for a claim or defense.

Q

• Quasi-contract: An implied contract that is created by law to prevent unjust enrichment.

R

• Remand: The return of a case from a higher court to a lower court for further proceedings.
• Remedy: A legal action taken to address a wrong or injury.

S

• Sanction: A penalty imposed by a court for misconduct or failure to comply with court rules.
• Settlement: An agreement between parties to a dispute that resolves the matter without trial.
• Statute: A law enacted by a legislative body.
• Statute of limitations: A law that limits the amount of time within which a lawsuit can be filed.
• Subpoena: A court order requiring a witness to appear in court or produce documents.

T

• Tort: A civil wrong that results in injury to another person.
• Trial: A formal hearing in which a judge or jury determines the facts of a case.

V

• Venue: The county or jurisdiction in which a legal proceeding is held.
• Verdict: The final decision of a jury in a trial.

W

• Waiver: A voluntary surrender of a legal right.
• Witness: A person who testifies in court.