Glossary

of Legal Terms

A court verdict where a jury finds the defendant not guilty, or a judge rules there isn’t enough evidence for a conviction.

A judge who is currently serving in a full-time capacity on the bench and actively presides over cases.

A legal process where a judge, arbitrator, or decision-maker evaluates evidence and arguments to determine parties’ rights and obligations.

A statement made by a party, either intentionally or unintentionally, that acknowledges a fact asserted against them

An individual’s sworn written statement, usually made in the presence of a court officer or notary officer. It is a legal document that verifies the truth of the information contained within the statement.

A request made after a trial by the losing party, asking a higher court to review the decision to see if it was correct. The person who appeals is called the “appellant,” while the other party is the “appellee.”

An appellant is a person or party who files an appeal in a higher court, seeking to overturn or modify a lower court’s decision.

An arraignment is a legal proceeding in which a criminal defendant is brought into court, told of the charges against them, and asked to plead guilty or not guilty.

Assets are resources with economic value that are owned by an individual, company, or organization. They can be real or personal, tangible or intangible, and are used or exchanged to generate benefits or financial gain.

Bail is a pretrial release of a person accused of a crime from custody, under specified conditions designed to assure that person’s appearance in court when required. Can also refer to the amount of money posted as a financial condition release before trial.

Bankruptcy is a legal process where individuals or businesses declare they cannot repay debts, seeking relief through asset liquidation or a repayment plan.

A bench trial is a legal proceeding conducted without a jury, where the judge serves as the sole fact-finder, evaluates the evidence, and renders a verdict based on the law.

A body of law established through previous court decisions and serves as a legal precedent for future cases.

In legal terms, a set of facts that establish a legal right for someone to sue another party, essentially the legal basis for a lawsuit.

A legal dispute between two or more parties that typically involves private rights and remedies rather than criminal charges.

A creditor’s assertion of a right to payment from a debtor or the debtor’s property

A lawsuit in which one or more members of a large group, or class, of individuals or other entities sue on behalf of the entire class

Property that is promised as security for the satisfaction of a debt, such as a home mortgage.

A written statement that begins a civil lawsuit, in which the plaintiff details the claims against the defendant

Contempt of court is the act of intentionally disobeying or disrespecting a court’s authority, orders, or proceedings, which can result in legal penalties such as fines or jail time.

A claim that may be owed by the debtor under certain circumstances, e.g., where the debtor is a cosigner on another person’s loan and that person fails to pay.

A legally enforceable agreement between two or more parties that establishes rights and obligations, often involving the exchange of goods, services, money, or promises.

A judgment of guilt against a criminal defendant at trial.

A court is a governmental institution with the authority to adjudicate legal disputes and administer justice. Judges sometimes use “court” to refer to themselves in the third person, as in “the court has read the briefs.”

Money that a defendant is ordered to pay to a plaintiff in a civil case if the plaintiff has won.

A a person or entity that owes money or is in debt to another party.

An individual (or commercial entity) that a lawsuit is filed against.

A sworn oral testimony made by a witness outside of court to later be used for discovery or at trial.

Also known as personal disposable income (DPI), refers to the money left for an individual or family to spend after taxes.

Double indemnity is a clause in some life insurance policies that provides a payout of twice the policy’s value if the insured person dies from a qualifying accidental cause.

Due process is the legal principle that ensures fair treatment through the judicial system, protecting individuals from arbitrary denial of life, liberty, or property. It guarantees legal rights and fair procedures.

Any information, material, or objects presented in a court of law to support or prove a fact in dispute.

A criminal offense, more serious than a misdemeanor, that can be punishable by imprisonment for more than one year or death.

The process of submission of documents, online (electronically) or offline (physical form), to initiate legal action or supplement an existing one

A legal body composed of citizens that is convened by a court to determine whether there is enough evidence to bring criminal charges against and indict an individual.

A severe lack of care or disregard for the safety, rights, or well-being of others, demonstrating a reckless or willful indifference to potential harm.

Also known as house arrest, is a legal arrangement in which a person is required to remain at home as part of their punishment or as a condition of their release from incarceration.

A formal accusation or charging document issued by a grand jury after determining there is enough evidence to charge someone with a crime.

An interest rate is the cost of borrowing money, expressed as a percentage of the principal amount over a specified period.

An official who presides over legal proceedings, analyzes evidence, testimonies, and legal arguments, and passes verdicts.

A court’s final decision or ruling in a legal dispute or case and is made after considering all the evidence, arguments, and applicable laws.

A court’s authority to hear cases and make rulings within a particular geographical area or legal matter type.

A group of people chosen to attend a trial, hear arguments, consider evidence presented, and are responsible for deliberating on a case’s facts before voting on a verdict.

A legal proceeding filed by one party against another party in a court of law includes civil and criminal disputes.

A written document presented to a court, summarizing legal arguments, relevant laws, and case facts to support one party’s position in a lawsuit.

A claim or legal right a person, organization, or entity has on someone else’s property.

The process of converting assets, both tangible and intangible, into cash (or cash equivalent) through sale.

The legal process by which disputes between parties are resolved involves filing and responding to complaints using public courts and proceedings.

A legal concept in which a healthcare provider’s negligence or failure to meet the standard of care causes harm to a patient.

A criminal offense that is considered less serious than a felony and carries less severe punishments.

A formal written request made to a court by one party in a lawsuit, asking the court to take a specific action or make a ruling on a particular issue typically before trial begins.

A spoken presentation made by attorneys to a judge or appellate court to clarify legal points and answer questions.

 A type of non-economic damage in tort and personal injury law encompasses physical and mental injuries that a victim may suffer.

The damage caused to an individual by another person, entity, or organization, most often physical or emotional harm.

Often referred to by consumers as lawsuit loans, is a non-recourse financing option provided to plaintiffs involved in a legal case.

An annulment of a judgment, sentence, or decree made by a lower court or authority.

A financial arrangement that requires collateral to reduce the likelihood of loan defaults. It gives lenders an asset to seize in case of a loan default by the borrower.

The punishment of imprisonment or probation of a defendant convicted of a crime.

An an out-of-court agreement reached between two or more parties to resolve a dispute or legal conflict.

A written law enacted by a legislative body.

The deadline by which a lawsuit must be filed or a criminal prosecution begun. The amount of time can vary, depending on the jurisdiction and the type of civil case or the crime charge.

A legal order issued by a court or government agency commanding an individual, group, or entity to perform a specific action, such as appearing to provide testimony or procuring documents.

Evidence in the form of a sworn statement made by a witness in a court of law about what they know to be the truth during a trial or before grand jury.

A civil wrong that causes someone else to suffer loss or harm, resulting in legal liability for the person who commits the tortious act.

A lawyer appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate responsible for prosecuting cases for and defending claims brought against the federal government.

A process used by lenders and insurance companies to evaluate and assess the risks associated with a particular loan or insurance application.

A formal decision or judgment made by a court at the end of a trial or legal proceeding.

The legal process by which a court can direct an employer to deduct a portion of a debtor’s future income to pay a creditor.