Adoption
The permanent creation of a parent-child relationship through the proper legal channels, usually without familial relation.
“Madonna's attempt to obtain a third world child was not as successful as Brangelina’s legal adoption, which allowed them to take the child home.”
Adverse Possession
A way of gaining legal possession over property through its use despite another party’s legal claim to it.
“Because John Smith’s cattle had been grazing on Joe Schmoe’s land for over 18 years, Smith became entitled to the grazed property through adverse possession.”
Alternative Dispute Resolution
A way to resolve a dispute without going to court e.g. mediation or arbitration.
“Because the two did not want to complicate things by getting involved with a court, the two agreed to try to resolve their dispute through alternative dispute resolution.”
Appeal
An attempt to have a higher court review the decision of a lower court.
“Yolanda did not agree with the judge’s decision, so she decided to appeal the judgment to the State Supreme Court.”
Arbitration
A method of resolving a dispute by granting one or multiple third parties the authority to make a binding decision. The third parties are usually agreed on by both sides.
“Although the resolution was unsatisfactory, Elaine had to give the bicycle to Kramer because she had agreed to enter into the arbitration with Newman and to be bound by his decision.”
Articles of Incorporation
A document created by a corporation that sets the terms for basic things such as its purpose, the number and classes of shares, and its duration. It is often the means by which a corporation is legitimized by the state, or it is a necessary step in the corporation receiving official recognition by the state.
“Then Dad said to Linda, ‘Your two-bit lemonade stand isn’t getting business from me until I see your Articles of Incorporation!’”
Assault
The threat or use of force to cause another person to have a reasonable fear of unwanted contact.
“Because Tim punched Sam, he was charged with assault.”
Bad Faith
The willful though not necessarily fraudulent act of dishonesty of belief or purpose.
“The insurance company did not have a legitimate reason to turn down our claim, therefore their rejection was in bad faith.”
Bankruptcy
A judicial process where a person or company who cannot meet prior financial obligations receives financial relief by reorganizing or liquidating assets for the benefit of the creditors.
“Kenneth filed for bankruptcy because he could not pay off his loans.”
Beneficiary
A person who stands to gain ownership and control over something being held in trust.
“Stuart is the beneficiary of a large college fund, which he will gain control over when he is older.”
Bylaws
The rules of internal governance and external dealings for an organization. These rules are subordinate to a constitution or Articles of Incorporation.
“You cannot deduct this lunch as a business expense because that is prohibited in the company bylaws.”
Child Custody
The care and control of a child awarded by a court to an adult.
“Madonna’s request for child custody was rejected.”
Child Support
A parent’s legal obligation to contribute to the economic maintenance and education of a child until he/she reaches age of majority, is emancipated, or completes secondary education.
“Pending a blood test, Alex Rodriguez will have to pay child support.”
Citation
An order from a court or a police officer to be at a certain place at a designated time or pay a fine (it may also be a reference to a previous court case, statute, or treatise to establish a legal precedent).
“I am giving you a citation because I saw you littering.”
Complaint
The basis of a civil case that outlines the court’s jurisdiction, the plaintiff’s claims, and the demand for relief.
“Sue took Debra to court on the complaint that Deb’s greenhouse was on her property.”
Condemnation
The judicial proceeding for government to acquire a piece of property to be assigned to public use (a.k.a. eminent domain).
“When Vance refused to sell, the District started a condemnation proceeding to obtain Vance’s property for a sewer plant.”
Contract
A written agreement between two or more parties creating obligations that are either enforceable or recognizable by law.
“I will give you my Garbage Pail Kids collectibles not because I want to, but because it was agreed upon in our contract.”
Copyright
A property right for a specific original work of authorship that is fixed in any tangible medium of expression, giving the holder the exclusive right to reproduce, adapt, distribute, perform, and display the work.
“Queen and David Bowie sued Vanilla Ice because they believed his song ‘Ice Ice Baby’ was a rip off of their song ‘Under Pressure’ which was protected by copyright.”
Criminal Procedure
The rules governing the process where by crimes are investigated, prosecuted, adjudicated, and punished. These also include the accused person’s constitutional rights.
“Before the judge could sentence him, criminal procedure dictated that Fred must be tried before a jury and then be found guilty.”
Deed
A written instrument by which land is conveyed (also, any written instrument that is signed, sealed, and delivered and that conveys some interest in property).
“After I borrowed money from the bank and paid it to the sellers, they gave me the deed to the ranch.”
Defendant
A person who is prosecuted in a criminal proceeding or is sued in a civil proceeding.
“Because I am being charged with criminal negligence, I am the defendant.”
Dissolution of Marriage
A (divorce-like) termination of marriage available when both parties sign a separation agreement outlining terms such as parenting time, spousal maintenance, and child support that cannot be changed by the courts.
“Howard and Sue were in mutual agreement of what they wanted from each other and entered into a dissolution of marriage.”
Docket
A formal record written by a judge or court clerk that briefly notes all the proceedings and filings in a court case.
“I cannot remember which order the motions were filed in, let us consult the docket.”
Easement
A right involving land where a person who does not own the land can use it for a specific and limited purpose (e.g. water rights) but cannot posses or sell it.
“Mary had an easement on the well that was on Joe’s land.”
Estate
The interest of a deceased person in land or other property (also the amount and quality of a person’s interest in land or property).
Estate Planning
The preparation for the distribution and management of a persons estate in the event of death through wills, trusts, insurance policies, and other arrangements.
“I would like to consult a lawyer for estate planning and designate my choice of beneficiaries, because you never know what might happen.”
Expert Witness
A witness that is an expert in a particular field.
“If you wish to use the ‘Twinkie Defense’, you will want to have a psychologist or a nutritionist as an expert witness.”