Glossary

of Legal Terms

A court verdict in which a jury finds the defendant not guilty, or the finding of a judge that the evidence is insufficient to support a conviction.

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

The process of settling a dispute or deciding a case through legal means.

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.”

The party who appeals a district court’s decision, seeking reversal of the decision.

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

Property of all kinds, including real and personal, tangible and intangible

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.

A legal process that helps individuals and businesses resolve overwhelming debt.

A trial without a jury, in which the judge serves as the sole fact-finder.

A written statement submitted in a trial or appellate proceeding explaining one side of the case’s legal and factual arguments.

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

A legal claim allowing a plaintiff to seek remedies in 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

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 binding agreement between two or more parties, typically involving exchanging goods, services, 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

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.

The legal requirement that the government must respect all of a person’s legal rights before taking away their life, liberty, or property.

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.

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.

Represents the cost of borrowing money and is charged by the lender, acting as a primary consideration for the borrower.

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 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 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 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.

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.