Legal Term Glossary
Understanding legal terminology made simple. Browse our AI-generated definitions of common legal terms in plain English.
Affidavit
A written statement sworn under oath for use as evidence in court.
Plaintiff
The person who brings a lawsuit against another party.
Defendant
The person being sued or accused in a court of law.
Subpoena
A legal order requiring someone to appear in court or produce documents.
Jurisdiction
The authority of a court to hear and decide a case.
Motion
A formal request asking a judge to make a decision on a specific issue.
Default Judgment
A court ruling in favor of one party when the other fails to respond.
Due Process
The constitutional right to fair legal proceedings.
Discovery
The pre-trial process of gathering evidence from the opposing party.
Deposition
Sworn testimony taken outside of court as part of discovery.
Settlement
An agreement to resolve a dispute without going to trial.
Injunction
A court order requiring someone to do or stop doing something.
Eviction Notice
A written notice requiring a tenant to leave the property.
Lease Agreement
A contract between landlord and tenant for renting property.
Security Deposit
Money held by landlord to cover potential damages or unpaid rent.
Subletting
Renting all or part of a rental property to another person.
Habitability
The legal requirement that rental property be fit for human occupation.
Month-to-Month Tenancy
A rental arrangement that automatically renews each month.
Quiet Enjoyment
A tenant's right to use their rental property without unreasonable interference.
Notice to Quit
A formal demand that a tenant leave the property.
Rent Control
Laws that limit how much landlords can charge for rent.
Foreclosure
The legal process of taking back property when mortgage payments aren't made.
Contract
A legally binding agreement between two or more parties.
Breach of Contract
Failure to fulfill the terms of a legally binding agreement.
Consideration
Something of value exchanged in a contract (money, services, goods).
Void Contract
An agreement that has no legal force from the beginning.
Voidable Contract
A contract that can be legally cancelled by one of the parties.
Non-Disclosure Agreement
A contract requiring parties to keep certain information confidential.
Liquidated Damages
Pre-agreed compensation amount if a contract is broken.
Force Majeure
Unforeseeable circumstances that prevent fulfilling a contract.
Assignment
Transferring contractual rights or obligations to another party.
Custody
Legal responsibility for caring for a minor child.
Child Support
Regular payments made by a non-custodial parent for child expenses.
Alimony
Financial support paid by one spouse to another after separation or divorce.
Divorce Decree
The final court order that legally ends a marriage.
Legal Separation
A court-approved arrangement for spouses to live apart while remaining married.
Prenuptial Agreement
A contract signed before marriage outlining property and financial arrangements.
Visitation Rights
Court-ordered time a non-custodial parent can spend with their child.
At-Will Employment
Employment that can be terminated by either party at any time without cause.
Wrongful Termination
Firing an employee for illegal reasons (discrimination, retaliation, etc.).
Sexual Harassment
Unwelcome sexual conduct that affects working conditions or employment.
Workers' Compensation
Insurance providing medical benefits for work-related injuries.
Non-Compete Agreement
A contract preventing employees from working for competitors after leaving.
Overtime Pay
Extra compensation for working more than standard hours (usually over 40/week).
Whistleblower Protection
Legal safeguards for employees who report illegal workplace activities.
Miranda Rights
Warnings police must give suspects before questioning (right to remain silent, etc.).
Probable Cause
Reasonable belief that a crime has been committed.
Bail
Money paid to secure release from jail while awaiting trial.
Plea Bargain
An agreement where defendant pleads guilty to lesser charges.
Misdemeanor
A minor criminal offense, usually punishable by less than one year in jail.
Felony
A serious criminal offense, usually punishable by more than one year in prison.
Restraining Order
A court order prohibiting someone from contacting or approaching another person.
Green Card
Document showing permanent resident status in the United States.
Visa
Permission to enter and stay in a country for a specific purpose and time.
Deportation
The formal removal of a non-citizen from a country.
Asylum
Protection granted to people fleeing persecution in their home country.
Naturalization
The process by which a non-citizen becomes a citizen.
DACA
Program protecting certain immigrants brought to US as children from deportation.
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