Legal Glossary

An unqualified agreement to the terms of an offer, creating a binding contract. Acceptance must mirror the offer exactly (mirror image rule).

A judgment that a criminal defendant is not guilty of the charges brought against them.

A legal doctrine allowing a person to claim ownership of land they have occupied openly and continuously for a statutory period.

A written statement of facts voluntarily made under oath or affirmation, used as evidence in court proceedings.

Financial support paid by one spouse to the other after separation or divorce, also called spousal support or maintenance.

A request to a higher court to review and change the decision of a lower court based on legal errors.

A form of alternative dispute resolution where a neutral third party makes a binding decision to resolve a dispute outside of court.

A method of resolving cross-border disputes outside national courts, often governed by international conventions.

A court proceeding where a defendant is formally charged and enters a plea of guilty or not guilty.

A legal document filed with the state to create a corporation, containing basic information about the company.

An employment relationship where either party can terminate the employment at any time, for any legal reason, without notice.

Money or property deposited with the court to secure a defendant's release pending trial.

The highest standard of proof required in criminal cases, meaning no other logical explanation exists from the evidence.

A group of individuals elected by shareholders to oversee the management and make major decisions for a corporation.

The failure to perform any term of a contract without a legitimate legal excuse. Can be material (substantial) or minor.

Internal rules governing the management and operation of a corporation, including meeting procedures and officer duties.

The legal right to make decisions about and care for a child, which can be joint or sole.

Financial payments made by a non-custodial parent to help cover the costs of raising their child.

A lawsuit filed by one or more plaintiffs on behalf of a larger group of people who have suffered similar harm.

Something of value exchanged between parties to a contract. It can be money, services, goods, or a promise to do or refrain from doing something.

When an employer makes working conditions so intolerable that an employee is forced to resign.

Legal protection for original works of authorship, including literature, music, and software, giving creators exclusive rights.

Monetary compensation awarded by a court to a person who has suffered loss or injury due to another's wrongful act.

A legal document that transfers ownership of real property from one party to another.

The party against whom a lawsuit is filed or who is accused of a crime in criminal proceedings.

Sworn, out-of-court testimony given by a witness, recorded for later use in court or during trial preparation.

The pre-trial phase where parties exchange relevant information and evidence related to the case.

A portion of a company's profits distributed to shareholders, typically paid in cash or additional stock.

The legal dissolution of a marriage by a court, ending the marital relationship and dividing assets.

A comprehensive investigation or audit of a business or person prior to signing a contract or making an investment.

A legal right to use another person's land for a specific purpose without possessing it.

The government's power to take private property for public use with fair compensation to the owner.

A legal agreement between an employer and employee outlining the terms and conditions of employment.

Any claim, lien, or liability attached to real property that may affect its transferability or value.

The legal process of surrendering an individual from one jurisdiction to another to face criminal charges or punishment.

A serious crime typically punishable by imprisonment for more than one year or death.

A legal obligation to act in the best interest of another party, requiring loyalty, care, and good faith.

A contract clause that frees parties from liability when extraordinary events beyond their control prevent fulfillment of obligations.

The legal process by which a lender takes possession of property when the borrower fails to make mortgage payments.

A contract provision specifying which court or jurisdiction will resolve disputes arising from the agreement.

The General Data Protection Regulation - EU law governing data privacy and protection for individuals within the European Union.

A legal action requiring a person's detention to be reviewed by a court to determine if it is lawful.

A contractual obligation where one party agrees to compensate another for certain damages or losses.

Unauthorized use of intellectual property rights, such as copying protected work or using a trademark without permission.

A court order requiring a party to do or refrain from doing a specific action.

The final decision of a court resolving the dispute and determining the rights and obligations of the parties.

The authority of a court to hear and decide a case, based on geographic area or subject matter.

The authority of courts in different countries to hear cases with cross-border elements.

The owner of a property who rents or leases it to a tenant in exchange for payment.

A contract granting the right to use property for a specified period in exchange for rent.

A legal claim against property as security for a debt that must be satisfied before the property can be sold.

A business structure combining the liability protection of a corporation with the tax benefits of a partnership.

A predetermined amount of compensation agreed upon in a contract to be paid if a party breaches the agreement.

The process of taking legal action through the court system to resolve a dispute.

A voluntary dispute resolution process where a neutral third party helps parties reach a mutually acceptable agreement.

The combination of two or more companies into a single entity, with one company absorbing the others.

Constitutional rights that must be read to suspects upon arrest, including the right to remain silent and have an attorney.

A lesser criminal offense typically punishable by fines or imprisonment for less than one year.

A formal request asking a court to make a specific ruling or order during legal proceedings.

A contract restricting an employee from working for competitors or starting a competing business for a specified period after leaving.

A legally binding contract establishing a confidential relationship between parties to protect sensitive information from being shared.

The time between announcing termination of employment and the actual end date, as required by law or contract.

Conditional early release from prison, allowing a prisoner to serve the remainder of their sentence in the community under supervision.

A government grant giving an inventor exclusive rights to make, use, and sell an invention for a limited period.

A legal concept where courts hold shareholders personally liable for corporate debts when corporate formalities are disregarded.

The party who initiates a lawsuit by filing a complaint against another party (the defendant).

An agreement between prosecutor and defendant where the defendant pleads guilty to lesser charges in exchange for a lighter sentence.

A court decision that serves as an authoritative rule for future similar cases (stare decisis).

A contract signed before marriage determining how assets will be divided in case of divorce or death.

The cancellation of a contract, returning parties to their pre-contractual positions as if the contract never existed.

An agreement between parties to resolve a dispute without completing a trial, often involving payment.

Compensation provided to an employee upon termination, often based on length of service and company policy.

An individual or entity that owns shares of stock in a corporation, entitling them to certain rights.

A court-ordered remedy requiring a party to fulfill their contractual obligations, typically when monetary damages are inadequate.

The maximum time period within which legal proceedings must be initiated after an alleged offense.

A legal document ordering a person to appear in court or produce documents for a legal proceeding.

A court ruling made without a full trial when there is no genuine dispute of material facts.

Legal ownership of property, including the right to possess, use, and transfer it.

Confidential business information that provides a competitive advantage, protected as long as it remains secret.

A recognizable sign, design, or expression identifying products or services of a particular source.

Termination of employment that violates statutory rights or is done without fair procedure.

A promise or guarantee in a contract that certain facts or conditions are true or will happen.

A person who reports illegal, unethical, or harmful activities within an organization to authorities or the public.

Insurance providing wage replacement and medical benefits to employees injured during employment.

Firing an employee for illegal reasons, such as discrimination, retaliation, or breach of contract.