Glossary extracted starting with automatic seeds, with PTM for the domain law and language EN

deficiency suit	An action to recover the difference between a mortgage debt and the amount realized on foreclosure.
juvenile	A person under 18 years of age.
fha mortgage	A mortgage loan insured by the Federal Housing Administration
commencement of action	n
probate	The act or process of proving a will.
commission	n
pernor of profits	He who receives the profits of lands, &c
escrow shortage	Amount by which current escrow account balance falls short of the projected target balance at the time of an escrow analysis.
ruling	n
concealed weapon	See "dangerous and concealed weapon."
novation	n
delivery	n
demand letter	A letter describing a legal claim sent to the person against whom the claim might be made, offering to settle the claim without the necessity of legal action
perpetuity	n
missouri plan	See "non-partisan court plan" in this glossary.
donee	A person who receives a gift or bequest.
drawee	A person to whom a bill of exchange is addressed, and who is requested to pay the amount of money therein mentioned.
prove	v
charta	An ancient word which signified not only a charter or deed in writing, but any signal or token by which an estate was held.
gratuitous	adj
dowry	In some cultures, the real property and personal property brought into the marriage by the wife; the property given to a wife by her husband in return for her marriage to him
pole	A measure of length, equal to five yards and a half
seller	n
protective order	A court order which is meant to protect a person from another person
affidavit	n
metes and bounds	A term used in describing the boundary lines of land, setting forth all of the boundary lines, together with their terminal points and angles. A metes (lengths or measurements) and bounds (boundaries) description is often used when a high degree of accuracy is required.
hometowned	adv
debtor	A person or company owing money to another person or company
domicile	Place where a person has his/her permanent, legal home
gender bias	n
warranty	A promise to perform, make good, repair or indemnify the promissee for a loss incurred in the event a represented fact proves to be untrue; a promise that a fact is true.
capital gain	Income that results from sale of a capital (tangible) asset
deserter	One who abandons his post; as, a soldier who abandons the public service without leave; or a sailor who abandons a ship when he has engaged to serve.
supplemental tax bill	A bill reflecting a tax increase as a result of upward changes in assessed value due to changes in ownership or completion of new construction.
advisory guidelines	Short for the Spousal Support Advisory Guidelines, an academic paper released by the Department of Justice that describes a variety of mathematical formulas that can be applied to determine how much spousal support should be paid and how long spousal support should be paid for, once a spouse is found to be entitled to receive support
beneficiary	Someone named to receive benefits from a legal device such as a will, trust or insurance policy.
testacy	n
book	A general name given to every literary composition which is printed; but appropriately to a printed composition bound in a volume.
dehors	Out of; without
quasi	Similar to but intrinsically different; analogous to.
incorporation	This term is frequently confounded, particularly in the old books, with corporation
et al	An abbreviation of et alii, meaning "and others."
last will and testament	A legal document in which a person sets out how he wishes his or her property to be disposed of after death; a will
general index	A title insurance company term for the books used to find liens against individuals that may affect real property but that are not recorded against the property being insured, such as liens against a buyer.
malice aforethought	Mental state required to prove murder.
vice versa	On the contrary; on opposite sides.
commorant	One residing or inhabiting a particular place
motion	an application to the court for an order of some kind
adversary proceeding	Proceeding having opposing parties; contested
attorney general	Chief legal officer for the state.
loan-to-value ratio	The ratio of a mortgage loan principal to the property’s appraised value or its sales price, whichever is lower
clear days	A method of calculating time under which the days for an action to occur are counted by excluding the first day and the last day in the period
foreclose	To terminate a mortgagor’s interest in property; to subject (property) to foreclosure proceedings.
proof of claim	A written statement and verifying document filed by a creditor that describes the reason the debtor owes the creditor money
liquidation	the dissolution of a company (or individual); usually operations cease and assets are sold by auction; Chapter 7 is usually employed for liquidations, business or personal.
personal property	Chattels, goods, money; property other than real property
unfair labor practice	Actions by the employer which interfere with, restrain, coerce, or threaten employees with respect to their rights.
chapter 7	chapter 7 of the U.S
ex parte proceeding	The legal procedure in which only one side is present or represented
system	The system of government which exists in the United Kingdom and which has been followed, to a greater or lesser extent, by many Commonwealth countries
ton	Twenty hundred weight, each hundred weight being one hundred and twelve pounds avoirdupois
pecuniary	That which relates to money.
execution	A judicial writ directing the enforcement of a decision of the court.
fee simple defeasible	An estate in fee subject to the occurrence of a condition subsequent whereby the estate may be terminated.
absolute	adj
statute	Law enacted by legislative branch of government
last will and testament	n
judgment affirmed	Approval by a superior court of the decision of a lower court.
revised statutes of missouri	Laws enacted by the Missouri's General Assembly and signed by the governor.
good faith	Acting in an honest, truthful, open and fair manner, without the intent to deceive or defraud
guest	n
complaint	n
default	1) n
bait and switch	n
land grant	A gift of public land by the federal government to a state or local government, a corporation, or an individual.
deposition	An oral statement made before an officer authorized by law to administer oaths
chapter 12	The chapter of the Bankruptcy Code providing for adjustment of debts of a “family farmer,” or a “family fisherman” as those terms are defined in the Bankruptcy Code.
air	That fluid transparent substance which surrounds our globe.
heat of passion	n
contract note	A simplified form of preliminary contract (q.v.) used in the sale of real estate.
public service commission	Also, Public Utilities Commission
power of attorney	An formal instrument authorizing another to act as one's agent or attorney.
nullity	n
heirs of the body	n
escheat	The reverting of property to the state in the absence of heirs.
door	The place of usual entrance in a house, or into a room in the house.
debt	Something that is owed to another, normally money or property.
partus	The child just before it is born, or immediately after its birth
legal separation	When married people decide to separate but remain legally married because they no longer get along, but want to protect significant religious, social, legal or financial interests
copyright notice	The words "Copyright ©2003 by Don R
declaration of trust	n
contra bonos mores	Against good morals.
civil aeronautics board	A commission which promotes and regulates the civil air transport industry in the U.S
domestic relations	See Family Law.
tax clearance certificate	A document issued by a tax collector certifying that taxes relative to a particular mobilehome are paid
lessee	A person to whom property or goods are leased.
conditional bequest	n
simultaneous death act	n
redeem	v
exempt property	In bankruptcy proceedings, this refers to certain property protection by law from the reach of creditors
careless	adj., adv
in nubibus	In the clouds
aggravating circumstances	Circumstances occurring in commission of an offense which occur above and beyond the offense itself and which serve to increase offense's guilt or enormity or add to its consequences
bar	1
property inspection fee	Fee charged to borrower for inspections (usually drive-by) to determine the physical condition or occupancy status of mortgage property, often imposed repeatedly once account is placed in default status.
memorialized	In writing.
perfected	adj
book value	n
devisee	A person to whom a devise has been made.
voidable	A transaction or document which can be denied by one or both of the parties but which is of legal force in the meantime.
fatwa	a ruling on a point of Islamic law that is given by a recognized authority
paravail	Tenant paravail is the lowest tenant of the fee, or he who is the immediate tenant to one who holds of another
section 304	the section of the present U.S
quasi judicial	Authority or discretion vested in an officer where that officer's acts partake of a judicial character.
interest	A right to, or share in, a property.
to quarter	A barbarous punishment formerly inflicted on criminals by tearing them to pieces by means of four horses, one attached to each limb.
arrearages	Unpaid support or maintenance that is therefore still owed.
capital expenditure	n
unsecured	In bankruptcy proceedings, for the purpose of filing a claim, a claim is unsecured if there is no collateral, or to the extent the value of collateral is less than the amount of the debt
branch	This is a metaphorical expression, which designates, in the genealogy of a numerous family, a portion of that family which has sprang from the same root or stock; these latter expressions, like the first, are also metaphorical.
defeasance	n
cv	A designation of a Civil court case.
suit	n
anti-trust laws	Federal and state laws protecting commerce from unlawful restraint.
trespass	Wrongful interference with the use of the property of another.
assumption of risk	In tort law, a defense to a personal injury suit
tenancy in common	Form of legal co-ownership of property in which survivors, when one of the owners dies, do not have rights to decedent's shares of the property
promissory estoppel	n
prime suspect	n
liquidation value	the aggregate value of a business if its assets are sold piecemeal.
community	This word has several meanings; when used in common parlance it signifies the body of the people.
encumbrance	A legal right, usually to payment of a debt, that is secured by registration of the right on the title of property
debtee	One to whom a debt is due a creditor, as, debtee executor
symbol	A sign; a token; a representation of one thing by another.
base	Something low; inferior
h.res.	House Resolution
request for production	Definition: A discovery technique that asks a party to produce, at a specified time and place, documents or other things in that party's possession or control.
inter vivos	Literally, "from one living person to another." When property passes by conveyance from one living person to another, the transaction is said to be inter vivos.
jurisdiction	Definition: A court's power to hear a case and decide the outcome.
charge	n
proof of claim	form filed by a creditor setting out its claims against a bankruptcy debtor.
cooling off period	The time during which a purchaser can withdraw from a contract after signing.
executory interest	n
carryback	n
felon	n
casus omissus	An omitted case.
ngi	Not Guilty by Reason of Insanity
principal place of business	n
officer	n
place	A location where people go to vote on an election day. Portfolio: The specific responsibilities of a Minister, the Department or Departments for which the Minister is responsible. Preferential Voting: A method of voting by which voters rank the candidates on a ballot paper in the order of their choice
limited jurisdiction	Refers to courts that are limited in the types of criminal and civil cases they may hear
hearings	Committee sessions for hearing witnesses who may testify voluntarily or be subpoenaed.
continuance	Deferring a trial or hearing to a later date
assess	To make a valuation and appraisal of property in connection with listing property liable to taxation
cohabitation	n
resisting arrest	n
inspectorial search	An entry into and examination of premises or vehicles by an inspector for the identification and correction of conditions dangerous to health or safety.
execute	To complete; to sign; to carry out according to its terms.
zoning commission	Local agencies with jurisdiction to regulate use of properties within their geographic area.
cotenancy	n
divided custody	One parent has primary physical custody of one or more children of the relationship and the other parent has primary custody of one or more other children of the relationship, and the parents do not have shared physical custody of any of their children
fatwah	(Islam) a legal opinion or ruling issued by an Islamic scholar
passive	adj
mortgagee	He that takes or receives a mortgage.
collective bargaining agreement	An employment agreement entered into by an employer with a group of employees.
forensic medicine	n
participant	The participant is the spouse who has the retirement plan
precedents	Previous decisions of Courts that subsequent decisions are based on
deceit	n
disbursement	Money paid out on behalf of another
domestic relations procedural order	In family law cases, there is usually a local court order that sets out the rules of the case
opposition	The name of the paper you file in response to the other party's motion
fannie mae – fnma	Nickname for the Federal National Mortgage Association
transcript	n
foreclosure	A procedure whereby property pledged as security for a debt is sold to satisfy the debt in the event of default. Foreclosure extinguishes all rights and interests in the title of the owner(s) of property.
brought to trial	v
detention	The act of retaining a person or property, and preventing the removal of such person or property.
restitution	Return of something to its rightful owner
effraction	A breach, made by the use of force.
expert witness	A person with special knowledge, training or experience who is allowed to testify at a trial not only about facts (like an ordinary witness) but also about professional conclusions drawn from those facts
first amendment	A guarantee of freedom of speech, assembly, press, petition, and free exercise of religion contained in the Bill of Rights.
contract	An oral or written agreement between two or more parties which is enforceable by law.
no probable cause	Insufficient grounds to hold the person who was arrested
de una parte	A deed de una parte, is one where only one party grants, gives, or binds himself to do.a thing to another
in rebus	In things, cases or matters.
cross-appellee	The party whom the cross-appeal is filed against
executory contract	a contract in which some or all of the obligations of each party have not yet been completed
tort	A civil, not criminal, wrong
capricious	adv., adj
cover note	a document provided by an insurer as evidence of temporary insurance cover before a formal policy is issued.
caning	n
credibility	n
depreciation reserve	n
pleadings	in a civil case, the written statements of the parties stating their positions about the case.
real property	Land, anything growing on the land and anything erected on or attached to the land
hypothecate	v
first impression	adj
embezzler	n
vexatious litigation	n
trademark	n
jury box	n
down payment	The down payment is the percentage of the purchase price that the buyer must pay in cash and may not borrow form the lender. The down payment amount in addition to the mortgage equals the purchase price of a property
national bankruptcy review commission	an independent commission established pursuant to the Bankruptcy Reform Act of 1994 to investigate and study issues relating to the Bankruptcy Code
but for rule	n
regulations	A kind of legislation that provides supplemental rules for a particular act
lease	A contract between the owner of real property, called the leaser and another person referred to as the lessee, covering all conditions by which the lessee may occupy and use the property
employment	n
fiduciary	A person having a legal relationship of trust and confidence to another and having a duty to act primarily for the other's benefit: i.e., a guardian, trustee or executor.
juvenile	A child under 18 years of age.
inure	v
monument	n
libel	Published words or pictures that falsely and maliciously defame a person
bequests	Gifts made in a will
engrossed bill	The final copy of a bill as passed by one chamber, after the text has been amended or approved by floor action.
perturbation	This is a technical word which signifies disturbance, or infringement of a right
cause	A lawsuit, litigation, or action
undertake	To promise, in the course of legal proceedings, to do or refrain from doing an act
condone	v
bankruptcy code	The informal name for title 11 of the United States Code (11 U.S.C
secured creditor	A creditor (q.v.) who holds a mortgage, charge (q.v.) or lien (q.v.) on the property of the debtor.
california plan	See Missouri Plan.
severable contract	n
satisfaction	The fulfillment of an obligation.
de jure	Latin, meaning "in law." Something that exists by operation of law.
quasi contract	n
recovery	n
reason	By reason is usually understood that power by which we distinguish truth from falsehood, and right from wrong; and by which we are enabled to combine means for the attainment of particular ends
tort-feasor	One who commits a tort.
pharos	A light-house or beacon
validation request	Letter to collector asking them to provide the documentation validating they have the right to collect the debt.
representative	One who represents or is in the place of another.
intent	Definition: Probably the most important word in law
xylon	- A punishment among the Greeks answering to stocks.
executrix	(pl
bilateral contract	n
render	To yield; to return; to give again; it is the reverse of prender.
possessory interest	The right to exert control over specific land, to the exclusion of others; the right to possess property by virtue of an interest created in the property, though it need not be accompanied by title; e.g., right of a tenant for years. A possessory interest in land exists in a person who has a physical relation to the land of a kind that gives a certain degree of physical control over the land and an intent to exercise such control to exclude other members of society in general from any present occupation of the land.
processioning	A term used in Tennessee to signify the manner of ascertaining the boundaries of land, as provided for by the laws of that state
larceny	Obtaining property by fraud or deceit
mpd	Madison Police Department
improved value	An appraisal term encompassing the total value of land and improvements (man-made enhancements) rather than the separate values of each.
nations	com Home ...
controversy	n
justiciable	n
permanency plan	Plan which talks about where a child is placed, what services the child and his/her family needs, and what needs to happen for a child to come back home or to make a safe, permanent home for the child somewhere else.
collateral	The property which is subject to a lien
united states	It is a prerequisite to most bar admission exams.
section 77b	followed Section 77 and provided for reorganization of companies other than railroads.
prosecuting authority	An organisation authorised by legislation to issue infringement notices.
capital crime	A crime punishable by death.
margin	The amount a lender adds to the index on an adjustable rate mortgage to establish the adjusted interest rate.
officer	He who is lawfully invested with an office.
service of process	Written notification by an officer, handed to a person or published in accordance with legal requirements, that he or she has been named as a party to a lawsuit or has been accused of some offense
arb	Administrative Review Board
jd	To practise law in British Columbia one requires a law degree in the form of either a Bachelor of Laws degree (LL.B.) or a Juris Doctor degree (J.D.)
constitutional	That which is consonant to, and agrees with the constitu- tion.
supra	Above.
judicial proceedings	n
fungible things	n
secured transaction	n
equity	The value of the property less the amount of unpaid mortgages and any outstanding liens
proprietary rights	n
on all fours	adj
reditus albi	A rent payable in money; sometimes called white rent or, blanche farm
j	n
parody	n
property preservation disbursement	Disbursement by servicer for securing, winterizing, and repairing property that has been foreclosed (real estate owned)
release	The relinquishment, concession, or giving up of a right, claim or privilege, by the person in whom it exists or to whom it accrues, to the person in whom it might have been demanded or enforced.
testator/testatrix	One who has made a legally valid will before death.
patent	A government grant giving an inventor the exclusive right to make or sell his/her invention for a term of years.
assignment	The transfer to another person of any property, real or personal.
inchoate	That which is not yet completed or finished
bench mark	Location indicated on a durable marker by a land surveyor.
commitment	n
point	An amount equal to one percent of the loan amount paid to a lender for making the loan. A lender may charge the borrower several points in order to provide the loan
clerk	An administrative officer of the court
secured transaction	Any transaction which is intended to create a security interest or lien in personal property or fixtures.
stockholders' derivative action	n
rights	n
continuing objection	n
verification	n
eye	good discernment (either visually or as if visually)
statutory research	Research of legislation enacted by a state or the United States.
foreclosure sale	n
separaliter	Separately.
possessed	This word is applied to the right and enjoyment of a termor or a person having a term, who is said to be possessed, and not seized
encroachment	An obstruction, building or part of a building that intrudes beyond a legal boundary onto neighboring private or public land or a building extending beyond the building line
assume	an agreement to continue performing duties under a contract or lease.
failure	A total defect; an omission; a non-performance
de son tort	Of his own wrong
aggravating factors	Circumstances that make an offence much more serious.
timber	Trees of any species maintained for eventual harvest for forest product purposes, whether planted or of natural growth, standing or down, on privately or publicly owned lands. Timber includes Christmas trees but not nursery stock.
make one whole	v
remise	v
notice	Formal notification to the party that has been sued that a civil lawsuit has been filed
adversary system	The trial method used in the U.S
renewal	A change of something old for for something new; as, the renewal of a note; the renewal of a lease
resolution	n
extreme cruelty	n
petit jury	n
constitutional law	Law set forth in the Constitution of the United States and the state constitutions.
perfect	(with stress on the second syllable) v
land	Real property; a parcel of real property and the buildings upon it
creditor's claim	n
periodic	Occurring at regular intervals, usually semi-annually or annually.
revocable trust	A trust that the grantor may change or revoke
substituted service	n
bachelor of laws	n
peace officer	A person having a duty to enforce the law as a result of his or her position or employment, including police officers as well as RCMP officers, sheriffs, customs officers and mayors, among others.
certificate of deposit	n
consumer protection laws	is a phrase that generally refers to government regulation passed to protect individual’s interests from abusive practices and to encourage consumers to make better, more informed decisions in the marketplace.
misjoinder	n
pro re nata	For the occasion as it may arise.
amici curiae	Laws adopted by the Federalist Congress aimed at stopping criticism of the national government by Republican or Jeffersonian editors and politicians.
no probable cause	Insufficient grounds to hold the person who was arrested.
secured debt	debt backed by a mortgage, pledge of collateral or other lien
propria persona	adj
full age	A
duress	Forcing someone to do something though psychological or emotional pressure; a defence to the enforcement of a contract
nominal damages	n
jurist	One who is skilled or versed in the law.
minority party	The political party second in number of elected members to the majority party in a two-party system, or a member of any other party which is not in the majority.
support trust	A trust that instructs the trustee to spend only as much income and principal (the assets held in the trust) as needed for the beneficiary's support.
salvage	1) v
scrivener	n
misdemeanor	Offense less serious than a felon, punishable by a sentence other than being sent to prison. (A.R.S
sealed verdict	n
consecutive sentence	A separate sentence which a defendant is required to serve after completing some other sentence which already has been imposed.
tutorship	The power which an individual, sui juris, has to take care of the person of one who is unable to take care of himself
mortgage insurance	A policy that provides protection for the lender in case of default and or which guarantees repayment of the loan if the borrower becomes disabled or dies.
waiver	Intentionally giving up a right.
suicide	n
survey	A map or plat made by a licensed surveyor showing the results of measuring the land with its elevations, improvements, boundaries and its relationship to surrounding tracts of land.
truth in lending	Statutes which provide that precise and meaningful cost of credit information be provided to the credit customer.
complaint	Legal document that usually begins a civil lawsuit
half blood	1) adj
pro per	A slang expression sometimes used to refer to a pro se litigant
chamber	A room in a house.
barratry	n
due date	Date on which borrower's monthly installment of principal, interest, and escrow (if applicable) is due as stated in note.
to execute	To make, to perform, to do, to follow out
representation	n
arguendo	In the course of argument.
undue hardship	The most widely used test for evaluating undue hardship in the dischargeability of a student loan includes three conditions: (1) the debtor cannot maintain—based on current income and expenses—a minimal standard of living if forced to repay the loans; (2) there are indications that the state of affairs is likely to persist for a significant portion of the repayment period; and (3) the debtor made good faith efforts to repay the loans.
allotment	A share or portion; a division of property previously held in common among those legally entitled; specific property set apart to a distinct party.
premises	In real property law, a piece of property and a building situated on it, usually including the area of the property surrounding a building on that property
alien	1) n
ownership	n
debt collector	A debt collector is anyone who regularly collects debts owed to other creditors.
quarter	A measure of length, equal to four inches
due process	Government procedures that follow principles of essential fairness.
accusation	n
posse	This word is used substantively to signify a possibility
lineal	That which comes in a line
inclusive	Comprehended in computation
prayer	n
hedge-bote	Wood used for repairing hedges or fences
penal	Of, relating to or involving punishment or penalties.
witness	1
affirm	Definition: To uphold or establish.
administrative agencies	Agencies created by the legislative branch of government to administer laws pertaining to specific areas such as taxes, transportation, and labor.
material representation	n
internal revenue service	The federal agency responsible for administering and enforcing the internal revenue laws, except those relating to alcohol, tobacco, firearms, explosives and wagering.
excusable neglect	n
separation of witnesses	An order of the court requiring all witnesses (except parties) to remain outside the courtroom until each is called to testify
preemption	A doctrine under which an area of authority previously left to the states is, by act of Congress, brought into the exclusive jurisdiction of the federal government.
indemnity	Liability or loss shifted from one person held legally responsible to another.
typing service	A business not authorized to practice law that prepares bankruptcy petitions.
district	A certain portion of the country, separated from the rest for some special purposes
prejudicial error	See reversible error.
new matter	n
complainant	One who makes a complaint
precept	Writ issued by person of authority commanding a subordinate official to perform an act.
feasibility	Likelihood of being successfully completed.
parent	In family law, the natural or adoptive father or mother of a child; may also include stepparents, depending on the circumstances and the applicable legislation; may include the donors of eggs or sperm and surrogate mothers, depending on the circumstances and the terms of any assisted reproduction agreement
bankruptcy law	The area of federal law dealing with the handling of bankrupt persons or businesses.
age	The time when the law allows persons to do acts which, for want of years, they were prohibited from doing before
foreclosure	A legal proceeding taken to enforce payment of a debt through the sale of property on which the creditor holds a lien.
escrow payment	Portion of borrower's monthly mortgage payment held by the servicer in escrow account to pay for taxes, insurance premiums, or other escrow items as they become due.
civil penalties	n
contest	Definition: To challenge.
open-records laws	State and federal statutes that require that certain records of public agencies--normally in the executive branch of government--be open for inspection and copying by the public and the press.
exigent	The "exigent circumstances" doctrine permits an officer to make a warrantless entry or search because of special emergency circumstances.
guarantor	A person or entity who agrees in writing to pay the indebtedness of another.
fugitive	One who flees; used in criminal law the implication of a flight, evasion, or escape from arrest, prosecution, or imprisonment..
alias	A name by which people know you other than your legal name
to stultify	To make or declare insane
grantor	n
old age	This needs no definition
statutes	Laws adopted by legislative bodies.
uxor	n
reasonable wear and tear	n
conscious parallelism	n
worker's compensation	Mandatory insurance under state law that pays medical and lost wage benefits to workers injured in the course and scope of their employment.
defect	n
dominant tenement	n
trust agreement or declaration	Legal document that sets up a trust.
collateral	Property pledged to secure the payment of a debt.
trier of fact	n
bishop	An ecclesiastical officer, who is the chief of the clergy of his diocese, and is the archbishop's assistant
breach of contract	Acting or not acting in a manner that is contrary to the terms of a contract
third party	A person, business or government agency not actively involved in a legal proceeding, agreement, or transaction.
false light	That portion of privacy law that prohibits all publications or broadcasts that falsely portray an individual in an offensive manner.
corporation	A company; a business with Limited (Ltd) or Proprietary Limited (Pty Ltd) after its name.
surrenderee	One to whom a surrender has been made.
diminished capacity	n
general appearance	n
reading	The act of making known the contents of a writing or of a printed document.
adoption	The act of accepting a child (or adult) born to another person as one's own with all the rights and responsibilities of parenthood.
forthwith	adv
meet and confer	n
intangible property	n
conference report	The final version of a bill proposed by House and Senate conferees.
point of beginning	A term used in metes and bounds descriptions
legal age	n
contract	An agreement between two or more people that creates an obligation to do or not to do a particular thing.
motion to suppress	n
balance due	n
venire	(ven-eer-ay) n
copyright	The rights belonging to the owner or licensee of literary, artistic and dramatic works, films and sound recordings, to reproduce, perform or otherwise deal with these works.
concubine	A woman who cohabits with a man as his wife, without being married.
infringement	A breach or violation of a right, law or obligation.
alternative dispute resolution	A procedure for settling a dispute outside the courtroom
common property	n
ewage	A toll paid for water passage
exigible	That which may be exacted demandable; requirable.
liable	Legally responsible for.
abandonment	A process by which the court releases property from its control
malpractice	Any professional misconduct.
motion practice	The process you must use to make written requests to the Supreme Court
personal property	n
brief	In law, a written argument; a memorandum of law
quo warranto	A writ issuable by the state, through which it demands an individual to show by what right he or she exercises an authority which can only be exercised through grant or franchise from the state, or to show why he or she should not be removed from office.
paternity test	A scientific test performed to determine the parentage of a child, usually performed by the genetic testing of the blood or saliva of the alleged parents and the child.
government in sunshine act	See federal open-meetings law.
distinguish	v
letters	n
separation agreement	A contract intended to resolve all or some of the issues outstanding following the breakdown of a relationship and intended to guide the parties in their dealings with one another thereafter
tenancy at sufferance	n
habeas corpus	Latin, meaning "you have the body." A writ of habeas corpus generally is a judicial order forcing law enforcement authorities to produce a prisoner they are holding, and to justify the prisoner's continued confinement.
bearer paper	n
competency	1
bankruptcy judge	The judge who determines whether a debtor is entitled to a discharge in bankruptcy.
et al.	And others.
endorse	v
alter ego	n
prostitute	n
specific bequest	n
agreement	Chapter 8 procedure for selling tax-defaulted property to taxing agencies, revenue districts, redevelopment agencies, and non-profit organizations. See also Chapter 8.
interpleader	Suit filed by a party holding property who does not know to whom the property should go, to determine who should receive the property.
homicide	Killing of one human being by another.
chattel	Personal property; an item of property other than real estate
queen's bench	n
gift	A voluntary transfer of property from one person to another, without expectation of payment or reward
donor	n
apportion	In family law, to divide equally, usually referring to the division of family property between spouses
codify	v
own	v
secured signature bond	A signature bond secured by mortgage or real property
infant	A person not yet of the age of majority, a minor, a child
aggravated battery	The unlawful use of force against another with unusual or serious consequences such as the use of a dangerous weapon
distribution	n
deliberation	n
bar	In law, the physical railing separating the public gallery in a courtroom from the portion where the judge and lawyers sit; lawyers as a group; where lawyers go after work.
running with the land	adj
swindle	v
pro rata	proportionately.
arraign	v
child	n
awol	Absent Without Leave
pain and suffering	Physical and/or emotional distress compensable as an element of damage in torts.
occupational disease	n
presumption of abuse	See Means Test
investment	n
lien	Any of a variety of charges or encumbrances on property, imposed to secure the payment of a debt or the performance or non-performance of some act or to secure the payment of a tax
casualty	n
alternate payee	A retirement plan participant's spouse, former spouse, child or other dependent who has a right to receive all, or a portion of the participant's retirement benefits under a Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO).
broker	n
argument	In law, an attempt to persuade by logical reasoning
incorporate by reference	v
dissolution of marriage	divorce
habitually	Customarily, by habit
post date	To date an instrument a time after that on which it is made
family home	In family law, the dwelling occupied by a family as their primary residence
outlaw	n
white "backlash"	A term describing the reaction of white voters who had earlier expressed neutrality toward or support for civil rights legislation but who changed their position and opposed the legislation.
constructive eviction	n
economic obsolescence	Loss of useful life and desirability of a property through economic forces, such as change in zoning, changes in traffic flow, etc.; rather than deterioration.
pet scan	Positron Emission Tomography is a new test that studies brain function - not brain structure
execution	Carrying out some act or course of conduct to it's completion
parenting coordinator	A lawyer or mental health professional with special training in the mediation and arbitration of family law disputes, family dynamics and child developmental psychology who meets the training and experience requirements set out in the provincial Family Law Act Regulation.
appurtenance	Something annexed to another thing that may be transferred incidental to it
trust	A transaction in which the owner of property gives ownership to a trustee, to hold and to manage it for the benefit of a third party, called the "beneficiary." Also, the document setting up a trust.
depreciation	Decline in value of a house due to wear and tear, adverse changes in the neighborhood, or any other reason.
personal service	In law, the delivery of a legal document to a party in a court proceeding in a manner which complies with the rules of court, usually by physically handing the document to the party and verifying his or her identity
spontaneous exclamation	n
relator	A party seeking relief through the prosecuting attorney or circuit attorney or Attorney General.
current taxes	Special Assessments levied and becoming due within one year.
buying of titles	The purchase of the rights of a person to a piece of land when the seller is disseised.
effective date	the date on which a plan of reorganization is implemented
admission	n
intent	n
risk	n
oath	A written or oral pledge by a person to keep a promise to speak the truth.
disposable income	Income not reasonably necessary for the maintenance or support of the debtor or dependents
ex contractu	This term is applied to such things as arise from a contract; as an action which arises ex contractu
expectancy	n
assault	Threat to inflict injury with an apparent ability to do so
capital crime	A crime punishable by death.
sui generis	(sooh-ee jen-ur-iss) n
preamble	An introductory statement in legislation, an order or an agreement usually describing the purpose of the legislation or the parties to the order or agreement
small business	A person engaged in commercial activities, with the exception of a business involving real estate, with debts not in excess of $2,000,000.
guild	A fraternity or company
tax rate	A factor derived by combining revenue requirements of various taxing agencies and districts within specific areas and expressing the combined figure in relation to the total assessed valuation of each area. Traditionally, it is the ratio of dollars of tax per one hundred dollars of valuation.
polls	The place where electors cast in their votes.
breach of the peace	A disturbance of the public peace; a violation of either an ordinance or a statute formed for the keeping of the public peace.
trade secret	Any formula, process, plan or mechanism developed and utilized in conjunction with one's business which is kept private or secret in order to obtain an advantage over competitors.
your honor	n
quasi partners	Partners of lands, goods, or chattels, who are not actual partners, are sometimes so called
holding	1) n
building and loan	n
judicial foreclosure	n
instrument	n
gerrymander	To construct political boundaries for the purpose of giving advantage to a particular political party or interest.
misfeasance	Improper performance of an act which a person might lawfully do.
extenuating circumstances	Circumstances that render a crime less aggravated, heinous, or reprehensible than it would otherwise be.
gerrymandering	Drawing of a strangely-shaped congressional district to give an advantage to a particular party, faction, or race.
definition	An enumerition of the principal ideas of which a compound idea is formed, to ascertain and explain its nature and character; or it is that which denotes and points out the substance of a thing, to us
principal	This word has several meanings
uniform commercial code	n
crime	n
areopagus	A tribunal established in ancient Athens, bore this name
public corporation	n
post notes	A species of bank notes payable at a distant period, and not on demand
legislative branch	Congress, which is the division of government that makes laws.
affirmative action	n
mortgagee	He that takes or receives a mortgage
review	In law, the re-examination of a term of an order or agreement, usually to determine whether the term remains fair and appropriate in light of the circumstances prevailing at the time of the review
conspiracy	The agreement of two or more people to perform an unlawful act or to do a lawful act by unlawful means
incident	A thing depending upon, appertaining to, or following another, called the princinal.
order	a decision or direction made by a judicial authority
consideration	The price bargained for and paid for a promise, goods, or real estate.
administrative orders	n
authorities	n
insufficiency	What is not competent; not enough.
emotional distress	n
apprehend	In law, to take or to seize
mortgage insurance premium	Payment of private mortgage insurance (PMI) premium (see definition below).
law blank	A printed legal form available for preparing documents.
affirmation	A solemn and formal declaration that an affidavit is true
townhouse	One of a row of houses, usually of the same or similar design, with common side walls or with a very narrow space between adjacent side walls.
benefit	1) n
to hold	These words are now used in a deed to express by what tenure the grantee is to have the land
ex officio	a (ex oh-fish-ee-oh)dj
appeal	A formal request to a supervisory court, usually composed of a panel of judges, to change the legal ruling of a lower court
prima facie	Literally, "at first sight." A case that is sufficient and has the minimum amount of evidence necessary to allow it to continue in the judicial process.
undivided interest	An interest by two or more persons in the same property, whether the interest of each is equal or not.
contingent	adj
pari materia	Of the same matter; on the same subject; as, laws pari materia must be construed with reference to each other
ergo	(air-go)conj
certificate of fees	A document endorsed by a master or registrar stating the amount a client owes to his or her lawyer, issued following a hearing to "assess" or "tax" a lawyer's bill and determine what portion of the lawyer's bill was reasonable and is properly owed to or refundable by that lawyer
cumis counsel	n
relevancy	The test applied to the quality of evidence to determine whether it is competent to prove a fact in issue.
enormia	Wrongful acts
implied warranty	n
examiner	a professional appointed by the bankruptcy court to investigate and oversee certain aspects of the debtor or the proceedings
agreement	1) n
domicile	The place where a person has his or her permanent legal home
boiler room	n
decriminalization	n
disbarment	Form of discipline of a lawyer resulting in the loss (often permanently) of that lawyer's right to practice law
warrant	Most commonly, a court order authorizing law enforcement officers to make an arrest or conduct a search
amortization	The liquidation of a financial obligation on an installment basis; also, recovery of cost or value over a period of time.
letter of credit	n
exclusive agency listing	A written agreement giving the broker the right to market an owner’s property for a certain period of time but also allowing the owner to sell the property during that period without paying a commission
minutes of settlement	A document setting out the essential terms of an agreement reached between two or more parties to a court proceeding, produced after negotiations and signed by the parties and their lawyers
lien	A legal claim against another person's property as security for a debt
annulment	In some states, courts will grant an annulment of a marriage which declares that a marriage was never valid
insolvency	The condition of a person who is insolvent; inability to pay one's debts; lack of means to pay one's debts
church	In a moral or spiritual sense this word signifies a society of persons who profess the Christian religion; and in a physical or material sense, the place where such
negative amortization	Occurs when your monthly payments are not large enough to pay all the interest due on the loan. This unpaid interest is added to the unpaid balance of the loan
incompetent	Person lacking the capacity, legal qualification or fitness to manage personal affairs or to discharge required duty.
partial disability	n
arbitrary	Unreasonable; capricious; not done in accordance with established principles.
due-bill	An acknowledgment of a debt, in writing, is so called
third party	n
parentage	Kindred
habere	To have
interrogatory	Written question one party asks another party that has to be answered by affidavit.
class of creditors	A group of creditors entitled to similar treatment.
bribery	n
defense attorney	n
advancement	n
quit	v
marital deduction	n
adverse possession	n
moot court	n
prior restraint	n
springing interest	n
delinquent list	A list published annually, on or before September 8, of all real property declared to be in default by the tax collector in a particular year, except those properties that have been redeemed or canceled subsequent to the declaration of default; also referred to as the "Published Delinquent List."
fair use	A provision of the copyright law that permits a limited amount of copying of material that has been properly copyrighted.
companion cases or codefendants	More than one person arrested on the same criminal incident
primary physical custody	The technical term for when the child(ren) live with one parent more than 30% of the year, which comes out to 110 or more overnights and the other parent less than 30% of the year, or 110 or fewer overnights
dr 219	Property Transfer Form used to notify Florida State Department of Revenue of property transactions resulting in tax liabilities being incurred.
legislative branch	Definition: The branch of government that creates law
interest	A charge paid for borrowing money.
due and owing	adj
offer	In contact law, the expression, either orally or in writing, of a willingness to be bound by a proposed agreement, contract or settlement proposal
resulting trust	In family law, the finding by a court that a party holds all or a part of his her property in trust for someone else as a result of the parties' intention to make a trust; a trust relationship inferred by operation of law
spousal support	Money paid by one spouse to another spouse either as a contribution toward the spouse's living expenses or to compensate the spouse for the economic consequences of decisions made by the spouses during their relationship.
headnote	n
non-contiguous	adj
good faith	Is a term that refers to the filing of a Bankruptcy petition for proper purposes.
state's evidence	Testimony given by accomplice or participant in a crime, given under promise of immunity or reduced sentence, to convict others.
law	Rules established by governing authorities to maintain order in a society.
power to sell	The tax collector's legal obligation and ability to sell all or any portion of tax-defaulted property that has been tax-defaulted for five or more years and not redeemed
tax penalty	Interest, late charge, or other penalty imposed by taxing authority for late payment of taxes.
fee simple	n
bond	A written pledge issued for a fee by a bonding company to the appellant that guarantees payment if a future event happens
short cause	n
grantor-grantee index	n
to overrule	To annul, to make void
sodomy	n
shield laws	n
law of admiralty	n
share and share alike	adj
inter vivos	(in-tur veye-vohs) adj
battered woman syndrome	Medical and psychological condition of a woman who has been physically, sexually and/or emotionally abused by a spouse or lover
ademption	n
privity	n
non pros	Abbreviation of non prosequitur.
right of way	A right of crossing or passage over the land of another; the strip of land on which the right of way is located.
docket	A log containing the complete history of each case in the form of brief chronological entries summarizing the court proceedings.
savings and loan	n
jury list	A list containing the names of jurors empanelled to try a cause or containing the names of all the jurors summoned to attend court.
state board	Refers to the State Board of Equalization.
mutual wills	n
ordeal	An ancient superstitious mode of tribal
culpable	adj
instant	An indivisible space of time.
trespass	An unlawful entry onto another's real property.
slander	A defamation that is in a non-permanent form - usually spoken.
register	n
liable	Legally responsible
compensation	n
christian democratic party	A political party represented in the Legislative Council, formerly 'Call to Australia'. Clerk of the Legislative Assembly: The senior permanent officer in the Legislative Assembly responsible for ensuring that correct procedure is followed and administration and records are properly maintained. Clerk of the Parliaments: The senior permanent officer in the Legislative Council, responsible for ensuring that correct procedure is followed and administration and records are properly maintained. Coalition: A combination of two or more political parties in Parliament. Committee: A group of Members of Parliament appointed by one or both Houses to consider matters referred to it
suffering	n
offence act	Provincial legislation that sets out the consequences for committing an offence under provincial laws, and the process by which a complaint is made and heard.
matter of record	n
drawing	A representation on paper, card, or other substance.
unimproved land	Most commonly, land without buildings; it can also mean land in its natural state.
defect	The want of something required by law.
maritime law	n
minor	n
asylum state	The state holding the fugitive
pretrial discovery	n
requirements contract	n
gap period	the period between the filing of an involuntary petition and the dismissal of the petition, the entry of an order for relief or the filing of a voluntary petition (whichever is the outcome).
ejectment	n
putative	adj
chapter 13	A repayment plan for individuals with debts falling below statutory levels which provides for repayment of some or all of the debts out of future income over 3 to 5 years
antitrust acts	Federal and state statutes to protect trade and commerce from unlawful restraints, price discriminations, price fixing, and monopolies.
desegregation	The process of ending segregation (separation) of the races, especially in public places
factor	n
adoptive parent	A person who has formally assumed the status of parent to a child who is not his or her biological offspring
beneficiary	n
assault and battery	n
modification	Refers to a change in the terms of a filed plan
dismissal without prejudice	Case dismissed with no rights or privileges to be considered as waived or lost, such as the ability to file again.
swear	v
real property	Land or other real estate.
probative facts	n
autopsy	Medical examination of a deceased person to determine cause of death.
et al.	A Latin phrase meaning "and others," short for et alia ― because "alia" is just such a pain to write out
levy	1) v
drop dead date	n
encroach	v
prosecuting attorney	The attorney for the state who prosecutes another for a crime; in Missouri, there is a prosecuting attorney in every county (called the circuit attorney in the City of St
constitution	A written outline of the organization of a government that provides for both the rights and responsibilities of various branches of the government and the limits of the power of the government.
periods of physical placement	See "Physical Placement"
precedent	A rule of law established in earlier court decisions, that will generally be followed by other courts.
naturalization	Process by which a person acquires nationality after birth and becomes entitled to privileges of citizenship.
township lines	Survey lines that divide townships at their northern and southern boundaries
option	Choice; Election; (q
sale to the state	Formerly, a number assigned to a parcel having delinquent taxes at the time of sale to the State
senior senator/junior senator	The seniority relationship between two senators from the same state
move	v
cushion	An additional sum of money required by lender to be paid into escrow account as part of monthly escrow payment to protect lender against increases in escrow expenses.
promise	1) n
attorney's work product	n
interpleader	n
bill of costs	In British Columbia, an account prepared by the party who is awarded their costs of an action or application and is presented to the other party for payment
postmaster general	The chief officer of the post office department of the United States
court of common pleas	Intermediate original court in some states, including Pennsylvania, that usually has civil and criminal jurisdiction
mechanic's lien	A lien created by statute that exists against real property in favor of persons who have performed work or furnished materials for the improvement of the real property.
enabling clause	n
bridge	A building constructed over a river, creek, or other stream, or ditch or other place, in order to facilitate the passage over the same
real property	Land, buildings, and other improvements affixed to the land
survivor benefit	The payment made to a beneficiary (usually the ex-spouse or alternate payee) from a retirement plan after the plan participant dies.
tortious	adj
natural fool	An idiot; one born without the reasoning powers, or a capacity to acquire them.
trust fund	n
parties of interest	Any persons who, at the time of a tax sale or assignees after a sale, have a legal right (by title, contract, or lien) to claim excess proceeds from the sale.
misadventure	n
bifurcate	v
ducat	The name of a foreign coin
movant	n
partial verdict	n
breach of the peace	n
feal	Faithful
fraudulent conveyance	A conveyance of property without any consideration of value, for the purpose of delaying or bindering creditors
escrow advance	Disbursement for escrow expense paid with servicer funds at time when insufficient funds in borrower's escrow account, to be recovered from borrower as escrow shortage or deficiency.
sovereign immunity	The doctrine that the government, state or federal, is immune to lawsuit unless it gives its consent
inheritance	n
chancery	n
quantum meruit	A Latin phrase meaning "the amount deserved." Refers to payment for a service according to the amount deserved for the performance of the service, often calculated by an hourly wage.
stepparent	The spouse of a person who has children from a previous relationship
tax loss carry-forward	losses, for tax purposes, that can be carried forward and applied to reduce taxable income in future years
lessor	An owner who enters into a lease agreement with a tenant; a landlord.
ex post facto	Literally, "after the fact." An act or fact occurring after some previous act or fact, and relating thereto.
firebote	Fuel for necessary use; a privilege allowed to tenants to take necessary wood for fuel.
slip opinions	The opinions issued by an appellate court on the day opinions are made public
emancipation	An act by which a person, who was once in the power of another, is rendered free
pond	A body of stagnant water; a pool.
declaratory relief	n
nisi	Literally, "unless"
deed in lieu	A deed by which a borrower conveys fee-simple title to a lender in satisfaction of a mortgage debt and as a substitute for foreclosure.
vacate	In law, the decision of a court to set aside or quash an earlier decision or order, sometimes as if the original order had never been made and other times effective only as of the date the order is vacated
cost bill	n
initiate	A right which is incomplete
assignment	A transfer or making over to another the whole of any property, real or personal, or of any estate or right therein
confession and avoidance	n
agister	One who takes horses or other animals to agist.
right of publicity	An offshoot of privacy law that protects the right of persons to capitalize on their fame or notoriety for commercial or advertising purposes.
unlawful detainer action	A lawsuit brought by a landlord against a tenant to evict the tenant from rental property – usually for nonpayment of rent.
pretermitted child	A child born after a will is executed, who is not provided for by the will
chattel	An item of tangible personal property, such as a car, television set or coat.
reassurance	When an insurer is desirous of lessening his liability, he may procure some other insurer to insure him from loss, for the insurance he has made this is called reassurance.
escrow deficiency	Amount of a negative balance in an escrow account at the time of an escrow analysis, resulting from escrow advances.
dependency	A relationship in which one depends on another for support in whole or in part.
delinquent	1) adj
variable obscenity statutes	A Supreme Court doctrine that permits states to prohibit the sale, distribution or exhibition of certain kinds of nonobscene matter to children, so long as these laws do not interfere with the accessibility of this material to adults.
bucket shop	n
fraud	Intentional deception to deprive another person of property or to injure that person in some way.
driftway	A road or way over which cattle are driven
court-martial	1) n
legal advisor	The county officer who provides legal assistance to county officials
license	1) n
secured debt	In bankruptcy proceedings, a debt is secured if the debtor gave the creditor a right to repossess the property or goods used as collateral.
pretrial services	A function of the federal courts that takes place at the very start of the criminal justice process—after a person has been arrested and charged with a federal crime and before he or she goes to trial
estate	The personal property and real property that a person owns or in which he or she has an interest, usually in connection with the prospect or event of the person's death.
visa	Permit that allows either temporary or permanent stay in a country.
privilege	A benefit or advantage to certain persons beyond the advantages of other persons, i.e., an exemption, immunity, power, etc.
underwrite	To insure payment or satisfaction of an obligation; to insure life or property; to sell stock or bonds to the public and agree to buy any that are not sold.
accept	v
pro bono publico	For the public good
codefendant	n
in pari materia	Upon the same matter or subject
commissariate	The whole body of officers who act in the department of the commissary, are called the, commissariate.
certified mail	A form of mail similar to registered mail, by which the sender may require a return receipt from the addressee
judiciary committee	The Judiciary Committee of the House of Representatives was established in 1813
judicial officer	An officer of a court; someone charged with upholding the law, administering the judicial system.
double jeopardy	The trying of a defendant a second time for the same offense
warranty deed	A deed which warrants and guarantees that the title being transferred is free and clear of all encumbrances.
dissolution	The bringing to an end, by the Governor, of a Parliament, making a new election necessary. Division: A vote in a House of Parliament in which a record of the names of Members and how they voted is kept. Draft Bill: An early version of a proposed Bill, before it is introduced into Parliament.
illegal	1) adj
duplicate	The double of anything.
waive	To give up a legal right or claim.
not guilty	n
right of privacy	A generally accepted legal right to be let alone and live one's life free from unwarranted publicity or intrusion
default	the failure by an entity to abide by the covenants in a debt obligation or other agreement to which it is a party
power of appointment	n
valid	Legally binding (q.v.) or effective.
confidentiality	Protection against disclosure to an outside person of information revealed in a professional relationship, e.g
prostitution	n
warranty deed	A deed which guarantees that the title conveyed is good and its transfer rightful.
notorious possession	A requirement for adverse possession; possession so open and against the owner's wishes (notorious) that the owner is presumed to have notice of it and its extent.
intangible assets	Nonphysical items that have value, such as stock certificates, bonds, bank accounts, and pension benefits
contingent remainder	n
barter	A contract by which the parties exchange goods for goods
allege	1
decision	The judgment reached or given by a court of law.
statute of limitations	A law that limits the bringing of a court action (civil or criminal) to within a specified period of time.
small business administration	A federal agency which provides assistance of all kinds, including loans, to small businesses.
decision making	the cognitive process of reaching a decision
alienation of affections	n
eminent domain	Power of the government to take private property for public use, after paying the owner reasonable compensation
mouthpiece	n
freehold estate	An estate of indeterminable duration; e.g., fee simple or life estate.
ex-nuptial	Out of marriage; illegitimate.
surrogate	n
marital property	Marital property is the property and debt that a husband and wife acquire during marriage for the benefit of the marriage and may include property acquired when the couple lived together before marriage
autocracy	The name of a government where the monarch is unlimited by law
common law marriage	In some states, a marriage created by a couple holding themselves out to the public as married and living together as if they were married
dissolution	n
execute	v
representative	1) n
deposition	Written testimony taken under oath.
appellant	The party taking an appeal.
to perish	To come to an end; to cease to be; to die.
bullion	In its usual acceptation, is uncoined gold or silver, in bars, plates, or other masses
simple interest	Interest computed only on the principal amount of a loan, as distinguished from compound interest.
plural	A term used in grammar, which signifies more than one.
peck	A measure of capacity, equal to two gallons
bill	In law, a piece of draft legislation presented to the legislature for its approval; a lawyer's statement of account for services rendered to his or her client
alluvion	n
caption	The heading or introductory clause which shows the names of the parties, the name of the court, the number of the case, etc.
possessory interest	n
condemnation	The legal process by which the government takes private land for a public use, paying the owners a fair price as determined by the court
gift tax	n
installment plan of redemption	A plan enabling the taxpayer to pay defaulted taxes in installments over a period of five years
property of the estate	The property that is not exempt and belongs to the bankruptcy estate. Property of the estate is usually sold by the trustee and the claims of creditors paid from the proceeds
juvenile proceedings	See Chapter 5
continuing trespass	n
writs of election	Writs of Election is a term meaning to order a new election to be held.
agent	One who is authorized to act for another
dr 219	Property Transfer Form used to notify Florida State Department of Revenue of property transactions resulting in tax liabilities being incurred
reserve fund	n
conditional sale	n
negotiation	In family law, the process by which an agreement is formed between the parties to a legal dispute, usually consisting of mutual compromise from the parties' original positions to the extent tolerable by each party
pro rata basis	Divided proportionately.
chattel mortgage	n
payable	1) adj
devolution	n
informal vote	A vote that is not counted because the ballot paper has not been completed according to the electoral rules.
aid and abet	To actively, knowingly, or intentionally assist another person in the commission or attempted commission of a crime.
draft	1) n
primary mortgage	Market Lenders making mortgage loans directly to borrowers such as savings and loan associations, commercial banks and mortgage companies. These lenders sometimes sell their mortgages into the secondary market such as FNMA or GNMA.
married spouse	A person who is legally married to another person as a result of a ceremony presided over by someone with the authority to conduct marriages
ex aequo et bono	In equity and good conscience
accord and satisfaction	n
encroachment	n
pro forma	1) prep
penny	The name of an English coin of the value of one-twelfth part of a shilling
abatement of action	A suit that has been quashed and ended.
convict	1) v
executory contracts	Contracts or leases under which both parties to the agreement have duties remaining to be performed
landlady	n
law and motion calendar	n
bait-and-switch advertising	An illegal advertising strategy in which the seller baits customers by an advertisement with a low-priced model of a product but then switches customers who seek to buy the product to a much higher-priced model by telling them that the cheaper model does not work well or is no longer in stock.
petit jury	The group of people selected to decide the facts and render a verdict in a civil or criminal trial.
foreseeability	n
liquidated	A debt that is for a known number of dollars is liquidated
contract	An agreement between two or more persons, which creates an obligation to do or not to do a particular thing
attest	v
to enure	To take, or have effect or serve to the use, benefit, or advantage of a person
coalition	A temporary alliance of individuals or groups, often from opposing political parties.
united states trustee	The Office of the United States Trustee is an arm of the U.S
result	n
sanction	To order punishment or penalties for violation of a rule of law or procedure, or the penalty for such violation.
beneficiary	Someone named to receive property or benefits in a will
statute	An act, legislation; a written law made by a government.
cost charge	An amount attaching to secured taxes for preparing delinquent records and giving notice of delinquency. It is either collected when tax-delinquent or tax-defaulted property is redeemed or is distributed from proceeds of a tax sale.
maker	n
exceptions	1
guardianship	Legal right given to a person to be responsible for the food, housing, health care, and other necessities of a person deemed incapable of providing these necessities for himself/herself
interstate commerce	n
construction	n
predecessor	One who has preceded another.
no fault divorce	n
forcible entry and detainer	A summary proceeding for restoring possession of land to one who has been wrongfully deprived of possession.
vendor	n
alleged	Stated; claimed; asserted; charged.
guaranty	v
zapple rule	A corollary to the equal time rule that states that when the supporters of a legally qualified candidate are given time on a radio or television broadcast, the supporters of all other legally qualified candidates for the same office must also be given equal opportunity.
precinct	The district for which a high or petty constable is appointed, is in England, called a precinct
propinquity	Kindred; parentage
consumer debt debts	incurred by an individual for personal, family or household purposes
satisfaction	See accord and satisfaction.
subrogation	The right of an innocent party who has paid benefits as a result of a third party's wrongful action to recover such payments from the responsible party.
parcel	n
fiduciary	one who is entrusted with duties on behalf of another
action	Case, cause, suit, or controversy disputed or contested before a court of justice.
immediately	adv
abandoned property	n
matrix	List of names and addresses of each creditor.
quarter year	In the computation of time, a quarter year consists of ninety-one days
family law agreement	An agreement between two or more persons about family law issues that have arisen or made arise, dealing with their respective rights and obligations to one another, which the parties expect will be binding on them and be enforceable in court
dividend	n
residuary bequest	n
short sale	A sale of real estate in which the sale proceeds fall short of the balance owed on the property’s loan.
invasion of privacy	A civil tort that emerged in the early 20th century and contains four distinct categories of legal wrongs: appropriation, intrusion, publication of private facts and false light.
lapsed gift	Gift made in a will to a person who died before will-maker.
capitalization	an estimation of the value of a business
in favorem vitae	In favor of life.
unencumbered	Free and clear of liens and other encumbrances.
home confinement	A special condition the court imposes that requires an individual to remain at home except for certain approved activities such as work and medical appointments
fob	1) adj
juror disqualified	Juror excused from a trial
sentence	(criminal law) a final judgment of guilty in a criminal case and the punishment that is imposed
malfeasance	Doing an act that is wrongful or unlawful by operation of law
skeleton filing	term used in bankruptcy courts to describe a bankruptcy filing in which not all the necessary forms have been filed
material	adj
molestation	n
inheritance tax	A state tax on property that an heir or beneficiary under a will receives from a deceased person's estate
pace	A measure of length containing two feet and a half; the geometrical pace is five feet long
fixtures	Appurtenances to land or improvements that usually cannot be removed without agreement, because they become real property; e.g., plumbing fixtures and store fixtures built into a building.
angel	An ancient English coin of the value of ten shillings sterling
commercial frustration	n
brain mapping	Brain Electrical Mapping (BEAM) is a Version of EEG which permits computerized analysis of the brain's electrical activity
course of employment	adj
substantive law	That part of the law dealing with rights, duties and liabilities, as distinguished from procedural law, which is the law regulating procedure.
third party	Person, business or government agency, etc., not actively involved in a legal proceeding, agreement or transaction, but who is somehow involved.
cross claim	Definition: A claim by one codefendant against another codefendant.
lien	a charge upon a specific property designed to secure payment of a debt or performance of an obligation.
absolute privilege	An immunity from libel suits granted to government officials and others based on remarks uttered or written as part of their official duties.
redemption period	Period of time during which a property owner can pay all defaulted payments and charges and redeem a defaulted mortgage or land contract. The time period varies as established by state statute.
reconciliation	In family law, the resumption of cohabitation between married spouses or unmarried spouses with the intention of salvaging their relationship and making another go of it
code of judicial conduct	Rules judges must follow that govern their behavior
false pretenses	Purposely misrepresenting a fact or condition in order to obtain another's money or goods.
alternative dispute resolution	Settling a dispute without a full, formal trial
pro tanto	(proh tahn-toe) Latin for "only to that extent." Example: a judge gives an order for payments for one year, pro tanto.
equity security holder	Generally, a shareholder or partner.
improvement	n
parens patriae	The doctrine under which the court protects the interests of a juvenile
fee tail	n
vested	Bestowed upon someone; secured by someone, such as title to property.
substantial abuse	a term that refers to the abuse of the privilege to file a petition
recorded map	Any map recorded in a county recorder's office. A recorded map may be a subdivision map or it may describe a non-subdivided parcel. Reference to a recorded map is commonly used in legal descriptions.
suppression of evidence	n
legal description	The geographical identification of a parcel of land.
caveat	A warning; a note of caution
restraint of trade	n
affirm	To approve, agree or uphold.
secured creditor	A creditor who holds a specific claim (usually a property interest) over one or more of your assets as security for a secured debt, such as a mortgage or charge over a house used as security for a housing loan.
judge advocate	n
living will	n
unlawful	Acts or omissions that are contrary to legislation or the common law
accrue	v
abstract of title	A chronological history, in abbreviated form, of the ownership of a parcel of land.
release	1) v
quakers	A sect of Christians.
plagiarism	The act of appropriating the ideas and language of another, and passing them for one's own.
application respondent	A party against whom an interim application has been brought
abate	v
bail bondsman	n
achat	This French word signifies a purchase
bearer	n
hearsay rule	A rule of evidence which makes out of court statements used to prove the truth of the matter stated inadmissible
inland	Within the same country.
couchant	Lying down
living trust	A trust set up and in effect during the lifetime of the grantor
c-4 motion	Motion to dismiss on grounds that there is no prima facie case of guilt (FRCP 3.190 Â§(4))
obligation	A duty, whether contractual, moral or legal in origin, to do or not do something
pink slip	n
emancipation	A status of independence of children from their parents due to age or circumstance.
plea in abatement	n
disinherit	v
congress	This word has several significations
memorialized	In writing
estoppel	A party is prevented by its own act from claiming a right which is detrimental to another party who was entitled to rely on such conduct and acted thereon.
burgomaster	In Germany this is, the title by which an officer who performs the duties of a mayor is, called.
eyewitness	n
repliant	One who makes a replication.
transfer	Any mode or means by which a debtor disposes of or parts with his/her property.
bail	1) n
overcharge	v
floor	The chamber in the Capitol where members of Congress assemble to conduct debate and vote
kentucky rule	- In the allocation of dividends by trustees as between income and principal, all dividends whether paid in cash or stock are regarded as income though in most jurisdictions accepting this rule a dividend paid in the stock of the issuing corporation is considered principal and brings about an adjustment in the basis of such stock in the portfolio.
knave	A false, dishonest, or deceitful person
proof of service	The form or part of a form (usually found at the end) filed with the court that certifies that court papers were formally served on (delivered to) a party in a court action on a certain date.
equity	The interest or value that an owner has in real estate over and above the liens against it; a branch of remedial justice by and through which relief is afforded to suitors in courts of equity.
scienter	n
negligence	Failing to do something that a reasonable person would do, or doing something that a reasonable person would not do, which results in harm to someone else.
facsimile	An exact copy or reproduction, as of a document or signature.
bastard	A child of unmarried parents; an illegitimate child
writ	A written court order directing a person to take, or refrain from taking, a certain act.
subject matter jurisdiction	Definition: A court's power to hear the type of case being presented
fiduciary	A person in a position of confidence who has the duty to act responsibly with respect to another's money or property; a trustee; one acting in a fiduciary capacity or relationship.
appraisal	A professional estimate of the worth of an asset
willfully	Intentionally, as distinguished from accidentally, carelessly or inadvertently, but not necessarily maliciously.
adjudication	n
extenuating circumstances	Circumstances which render a crime less aggravated, heinous, or reprehensible than it would otherwise be
donative intent	n
underwriter	n
forprise	Taken before hand
derelict	n
juridical day	Day on which a court is in session.
election under the will	n
fair use	n
affidavit	Definition: A written statement of fact in which the affiant swears under penalty of perjury that the written statement is true
rebouter	To repel or bar
intangible assets	Nonphysical items such as patents, trademarks, copyrights and good will.
code	A collection, compendium or revision of laws systematically arranged into chapters, table of contents and index and promulgated by legislative authority
audit	n
writ	A judicial order directing a person to do something
conveyance	Instrument transferring title of land for one person or group of persons to another.
american bar association	A national association of lawyers whose primary purpose is improvement of lawyers and the administration of justice.
civil service commission	A federal agency which regulates the hiring of government employees.
voluntary lien	Any lien placed on property with the consent of, or as a result of, the voluntary act of the owner.
keelage	The right of demanding money for the bottom of ships resting in a port or harbor
bottomry	n
panel	n
barrel	A measure of capacity, equal to tliirty-six gallons.
united states marshal's service	Agency which serves civil and criminal process in federal courts.
commit	To send a person to prison, asylum, or reformatory by a court order.
adversary process	the method courts use to resolve disputes
expropriation	n
delinquent act	An act committed by a juvenile that if committed by an adult would be a crime.
stay	A court order halting a judicial proceeding or previous ruling.
back-water	That water in a stream which, in consequence of some obstruction below, is detained or checked in its course, or reflows.
eminent domain	The power of the government to take private property for public use through condemnation.
administratrix	This term is applied to a woman to whom letters of administration have been granted
breach of contract	An unjustified failure to perform when performance is due.
administrator	In probate law, a person appointed by the court to settle the estate of a person who has died
mandate	n
root	That part of a tree or plant under ground from which it draws most of its nourishment from the earth.
death row	n
liable	adj
appraisal	A valuation of property by a disinterested party who is qualified to do so (appraiser).
sharp practice	n
earnest money	The deposit money given to the seller by the potential buyer as evidence of good faith in purchasing real estate
prolongation	Time added to the duration of something.
consent judgment	n
conjugal rights	A somewhat outdated idea involving each spouse's entitlement to the benefits of the different aspects of married life from the other, including the comforts of living together, eating at the same table, sympathy, mutual confidence, sex and so forth.
small claims division	Special division established within each justice of the Peace Court to legally resolve claims that do not exceed $2,500.
relevant evidence	That which is applicable to the issue and which ought to be received; the phrase is used in opposition to irrelevant evidence, which is that which is not so applicable, and which must be rejected
inter vivos gift	A gift made during the giver's life.
acceleration	n
heifer	A young cow, which has not had a calf
encumbrance	Charges or liabilities e.g
vacate	To void or rescind.
intangible assets	Nonphysical items such as stock certificates, bonds, bank accounts, and pension benefits that have value and must be taken into account in estate planning.
house counsel	n
owe	v
justifiable	Issues and claims capable of being properly examined in court
replevin	An action for the recovery of a possession that has been wrongfully taken
encumbrance	A claim against property.
file	To take or send documents about a claim to the court registrar at the District Court
panel	1
costs	Fees required in the course of a law suit, beginning with the docketing or filing fee, and may include service fees, witness fees, publication fees, etc
culpability	culpable
post-petition	This is a period that occurs after the filing of a petition.
exceptions	Declarations by either side in a civil or criminal case reserving the right to appeal a judge's ruling upon a motion
common counts	n
reciprocal discovery	n
backlog	Number of pending cases exceeding the capacity of a court which is engaged in acting on other cases.
infancy	n
criminal law	n
refresh one's memory	v
secured debt	is a debt that is backed by collateral (house, mortgage, furniture, ect.)
mens rea	The "guilty mind" necessary to establish criminal responsibility
person responsible	The person highest on a designated list who is available and able to make decisions on medical treatment for a patient who is unable to give informed consent (q.v.).
prospective	That which is applicable to the future; it is used in opposition to retrospective
joint petition	One bankruptcy petition filed by a husband and wife together.
report	A committee's findings and recommendations on a bill it has considered.
pleadings	Written statements filed with the court that describe a party's legal or factual assertions about the case.
diversion	Process of removing certain minor criminal, traffic or juvenile cases from full judicial process on condition that accused undergo some sort of rehabilitation or training, e.g., job training
eminent domain	The power of the government to take private property for public use through "condemnation."
chain of title	A history of conveyances and encumbrances affecting the title, from the time the original patent was granted or as far back as records are available, used to determine how title came to be vested in the current owner.
census	Population count held every ten years, pursuant to provisions of the U
reverse leveraged buyout	when a company that was a leveraged buyout restructures its (usually unmanageable) debt by issuing new equity (usually in exchange for some or all of the outstanding debt incurred during the original leveraged buyout).
cooperative apartment	A form of apartment ownership; ownership of shares in a cooperative venture that entitles the owner to use, rent, or sell a specific apartment unit. The corporation usually reserves the right to approve certain actions such as a sale or improvement.
liquidation	the dissolution of a company, or individual; usually operations cease and assets are sold by auction; Chapter 7 is usually employed for liquidations, businesses or individuals.
whiplash	n
contiguous	adj
attachment	The letter provides the seizing creditor with a guarantee that his claim will be satisfied up to the amount specified by the letter
care	n
"rc" files	The searchable database of the Congressional Record as maintained by the House of Representatives for the use of members and staff.
title abstract	n
transfer agent	n
cestui	He
attached	adj
custody	In family law, an antiquated term used by the Divorce Act to describe the right to possess a child and make parenting decisions concerning the child's health, welfare and upbringing
statute	a law passed by a legislature
penalty	An extra amount charged for failure to pay or perform some required act by a specific deadline. Once attached, a penalty becomes part of the tax amount.
solvent	Able to pay all debts when they are due.
executive privilege	n
indians	The aborigines of this country are so called.
promissory note	n
certificate of eligibility	The document given to qualified veterans, which entitles them to VA, guaranteed loans for homes, business and mobile homes
custody	The care, guarding and keeping of a thing; confinement.
court reporter	A person who makes a word-for-word record of what is said in court and produces a transcript of the proceedings upon request.
tenant	n
state courts	courts established by various state governments, including county and local courts.
alternative pleading	n
to fix	To render liable.
trafficking	In common law, movement from source to end user in the course of trade
illeviable	A debt or duty that cannot or ought not to be levied
divorce	1) n
process server	A specially licensed person who is authorized to serve certain types of legal documents
claim	A debt owing by a debtor to another person or business
co-signed debt	Debt for which more than one person is legally responsible.
remand	To commit a person to prison, or to release them on bail, during a period of adjournment of a hearing of a criminal charge in the High or District Court
mandatory jurisdiction	A case that a court is required to hear.
rain water	The water which naturally falls from the clouds.
court interpreter	a court employee who orally translates what is said in court from English into the language of a non-English-speaking party or witness and translates that person's testimony into English.
brief	A concise statement of a client's case.
summons	A legal notice that informs an individual that someone has brought a lawsuit against him or her
firm offer	n
clerk of court	Officer appointed by court or elected to oversee administrative, nonjudicial activities of the court.
secured debt	A debt backed by a mortgage, pledge of collateral, or other lien.
testacy proceeding	A proceeding to establish a will or determine intestacy.
ex necessitate legis	From the necessity of law.
structure	n
youth advocate	A barrister or solicitor appointed by the Court to represent a child or young person in Youth Court proceedings.
infirm	Weak, feeble.
offer	A proposal to purchase real estate at a particular price, subject to other specified terms and conditions. Acceptance of the offer by the seller creates a purchase contract
inscriptiones	The name given by the old English law to any written instrument by which anything was granted
proximate cause	The act that caused an event to occur
ad quem	A Latin expression which signifies to which, in the computation of time or distance, as the day ad quem
negative pregnant	n
allegations	Statements against one party which the other party is prepared to prove.
jury commissioner	Court officer responsible for choosing the panel of potential jurors for a particular court term.
extradition	The process by which one state or country surrenders to another state, a person accused or convicted of a crime in the state requesting extradition.
chattel	An article of personal property.
estate	A collective term meaning all property owned by a person, including real and personal property, and other legal rights.
hardship driving privileges	See section 302.309, RSMo.
illegal immigrant	n
false arrest	Arresting an individual without proper legal authority.
exoneration	The taking off a burden or duty.
administrator	1
straight bankruptcy	an informal term for a Chapter 7 bankruptcy or liquidation; used more commonly to describe liquidation before the Bankruptcy Reform Act of 1978.
habitual criminal	n
headnote	A brief summary of a legal rule or significant facts in a case, which along with other headnotes, precedes the printed opinion in reports.
assault	The crime of attempting to kill or cause serious physical injury to another person.
special verdict	n
consumer debts	Debts incurred for personal (as opposed to business) needs.
tontine	n
collateral	Property pledged for the payment of a loan or line of credit.
hornbook law	n
will	A legal declaration that disposes of a person's property when that person dies.
subcontractor	n
unsecured creditor	A creditor without a lien
driver improvement school	A possible disposition for traffic law violators
in terrorem populi	To the terror of the people
comparative fault	A rule in admiralty law where each vessel involved in a collision is required to pay a share of the total damages in proportion to its percentage of fault.
constitutional	Authorized by, consistent with or not in conflict with any provision of a constitution.
relevancy	n
polygamy	n
fuero jurgo	A Spanish code of laws, said to, be the most ancient in Europe
eeg	an Electroencephalogram records electrical activity in the outer layer of the brain (the cerebral cortex), using electrodes placed on the patient's scalp
alimony	See "Maintenance"
mesne profits	n
concurrent sentences	n
pay	v
general assembly	This name is given in some of the states to the senate and house of representatives, which compose the legislative body.
tax assessment	The value given to property that is being taxed. Multiplying the net taxable valuation by the tax rate yields the tax due.
nonjusticiable matter	An issue that is inappropriate for a court to decide because the jurists lack the knowledge to make the ruling, because another branch of government has the responsibility to answer such questions, or because a court order in the matter would not likely be enforceable or enforced.
devise	1) v
executor	A personal representative, named in a will, who administers an estate
access right	A landowner's right to have ingress to and egress from his/her property over adjoining property to a public street; also called right-of-way.
indefeasible	adj
treason	n
inviolability	That which is not to be violated
variance	A modification of zoning ordinance regulations to permit the use of property in a manner otherwise forbidden, when such variance will not be contrary to the public interest.
discharged	Released, or liberated from custody
community service	A special condition the court imposes that requires an individual to work – without pay – for a civic or nonprofit organization.
offense	A violation of a municipal ordinance or state statute.
void	adj
in fieri	In the course of execution; a thing commenced but not completed
indifferent	To have no bias nor partiality
allege	v
odhall right	The same as allodial.
denial	n
expectation	That which may be expected, although contingent
undue influence	That degree of influence or compulsion that destroys or eliminates another's free will; any improper persuasion whereby the will of a person is overpowered inducing an action which otherwise would not have been taken.
exhibits	Any paper or object offered in court that is marked for identification or evidence.
robbery	Felonious taking of another's property in that person's presence by force or fear
mens rea	(menz ray-ah) n
issue	Disputed point between parties in a lawsuit.
esquire	n
public trust doctrine	n
company	An association of a number of individuals for the purpose of carrying on some legitimate business.
unilateral contract	n
defence	1
assigned risk plan	A mechanism for drivers to obtain coverage when insurance companies are unwilling to sell automobile insurance to them.
escape clause	n
criticism	The art of judging skilfully of the merits or beauties, defects or faults of a literary or scientific performance, or of a production of art; when the criticism is reduced to writing, the writing itself is called a criticism.
integer	Whole, untouched
execute	1
certificate of costs	A document endorsed by a master or registrar stating the amount owed as "costs" by one party to the other after a trial, usually issued following a hearing to settle the amount of the costs justly owed
merit selection	A system for a judicial nomination commission to recommend candidates for judicial appointments to the governor.
bequeath	To give a gift to someone through a will to take effect upon death.
intestacy	The state or condition of dying without a will.
landlord's lien	n
debtor	One who owes money, a borrower, a maker of a note, a mortgagor.
next friend	One acting without formal appointment as guardian for the benefit of an infant, a person of unsound mind not judicially declared incompetent, or other person under some disability.
libel per se	n
concealment	n
trespass	n
chronological	Arranged in the order in which events happened; according to date.
remote	adj., adv
seditious libel	Libeling the government; criticizing the government or government officers
forbearance and repayment	The most common way of resolving a loan default is to work out a plan which will let you repay part of the delinquency each month, along with you regular monthly installment.
unincorporated area	An area of a county that has not formed a municipal corporation (become a city) or is not otherwise operating under a separate charter.
future interest	n
output contract	n
pre-payment penalty	Money charged for an early repayment of debt. Prepayment penalties are allowed in some form, but are not necessarily imposed in many states.
actuarial value	Actuarial value is a mathematical calculation, often of the financial condition of a retirement plan.
abatement of action	A suit which has been quashed and ended.
vest	v
per diem	adj
levy	A seizure; the obtaining of money by legal process through seizure and sale of property
high water mark	That part of the shore of the sea to which the waves ordinarily reach when he tide is at its highest
earnest payment	n
claims agent	In large cases, often a claims agent is appointed (instead of the clerk) to manage the filing and retention of proofs of claim.
general land office	One of the departments of government of the United St
false pretenses	Deliberate misrepresentation of existing fact or condition whereby a person obtains another's money or goods.
taxable form	Refers to a lawyer's bill of costs (q.v.) which shows details of all the lawyer's charges.
champerty	n
escrow instructions	This discloses when the escrow should be closing and when possession should take place, proration of property taxes, transfer taxes, release of funds and the basics of satisfying the escrow demands.
duty	In law, a legal obligation to do or not do something, whether under the common law or pursuant to legislation.
perfection	When a secured creditor has taken the required steps to perfect his lien, the lien is senior to any liens that arise after perfection. A mortgage is perfected by recording it with the county recorder; a lien in personal property is perfected by filing a financing statement with the secretary of state. An unperfected lien is valid between the debtor and the secured creditor, but may be behind liens created later in time, but perfected earlier than the lien in question. An unperfected lien can be avoided by the trustee
prime facie	On the face of it - factually
cooperative housing	n
primogeniture	n
burning	Vide Accident; Arson; Fire, accidental.
judge	An elected or appointed public official with authority to hear and decide cases in a court of law
expungement	Official and formal erasure of a record or partial contents of a record.
unlawful detainer	A detention of real estate without the consent of the owner or other person entitled to its possession.
free and clear	adj
transfer	means the creation of a lien, the retention of title as a security interest, the foreclosure of a debtor’s equity of redemption, or each voluntary or involuntary disposing of or parting with property or an interest in property
world court	n
meeting of creditors	Also known as the Section 341 (a) meeting or First Meeting of Creditors
realm	A kingdom; a country
interest rate	1) A portion, share or right in something; partial, not complete ownership
in perpetuity	adj
secured signature bond	A signature bond secured by mortgage or real property.
ward	n
court administrator/clerk of court	An officer appointed by the court or elected to oversee the administrative, nonjudicial activities of the court.
ignorance	The want of knowledge.
pension	A series of periodic payments, usually for life, payable monthly or at other specified intervals
confirmation	The official act of the court in approving a plan or a sale of assets
reformation	n
concur	To agree, act together or consent
congress	The legislative branch of government made up of the Senate and House of Reprensentatives.
insanity defense	n
receipt	n
homicide	n
youth justice co-ordinator	A Department of Child, Youth and Family Services employee who organises and runs youth justice Family Group Conferences.
in absentia	(in ab-sensh-ee-ah) adj
commercial law	n
adjuration	The act by which one person solemnly charges another to tell or swear to the truth
book account	n
stock cooperative	A corporation formed to hold fee simple title to improved real property for a term of years
temporary injunction	n
state of domicile	n
post-petition	occurs after the filing of a petition.
protective custody	n
trade name	The name under which a person does business, and which identifies the business.
net estate	n
corroborate	v
deposition	An oral recorded statement made before an officer authorized by law to administer oaths
allotment	Distribution by lot; partition
aristocracy	That form of government in which the sovereign power is exercised by a small number of persons to the exclusion of the remainder of the people.
chambers	The private office or room of a judge.
redemption penalty	A monthly penalty charged beginning when a property is added to the abstract of delinquent property and terminating as of the month of redemption.
annuity	A contract sold by an insurance company designed to provide payments to the holder of the annuity at specified regular time periods, usually after retirement.
inch	From the Latin uncia
affirmed	In the practice of the court of appeals, it means that the court of appeals has concluded that the lower court decision is correct and will stand as rendered by the lower court.
rule	A guideline governing House or Senate business; or, in the House, a decision of the Rules Committee about the handling of a particular bill on the floor.
not denied	Where a young person doesn't deny that they have committed the offence with which they have been charged, but doesn't admit it.
joint powers agreement	n
patent infringement	n
self-executing	adj
dishonor	v
agent	n
due-on-sale clause	A provision in a mortgage or deed of trust that allows the lender to demand immediate payment of the balance of the mortgage if the mortgage holder sells the home.
conspirator	n
bill	A proposed law, printed, and presented to Congress for action that may lead to its adoption through the legislative process
canons of ethics	Standards of ethical conduct for attorneys.
mens rea	Literally, "guilty mind." The "guilty mind" necessary to establish criminal responsibility.
severance	To separate the cases of multiple defendants in such a way as to allow separate trials.
uninsured motorist clause	n
habeas corpus	a Latin phrase meaning "that you have the body." A prisoner may file a habeas corpus petition seeking release on grounds that he or she is being held illegally.
expert testimony	n
litigated order	An order issued by a government agency, like the FTC, requiring that a particular practice, such as a certain advertisement, be stopped.
bequests	Gifts made in a will.
crimes code	Short title for Title 18 of Purdon's Pennsylvania Statutes, "Crimes and Offenses."
irrevocable	Incapable of being recalled or revoked; unchangeable.
barrister	n
erroneous	adj
debt	n
queen	There are several kinds of queens in some countries
objectivity	judgment based on observable phenomena and uninfluenced by emotions or personal prejudices
confusingly similar	adj
natural day	That space of time included between the rising and the setting of the sun
co-debtor	An individual who signs a contract for credit with another debtor.
movant	The party who files a motion that asks the court for something.
kindred	Relations by blood.
prosecute	v
paramount title	n
registry	A central office, located in each judicial district, at which the court files for each court proceeding in that district are maintained, and at which legal documents can be filed, searched and reviewed; a courthouse.
republican government	A government in the republican form; a government of the people; it is usually put in opposition to a monarchical or aristocratic government.
permissive	adj
testator	n
contact order	An order stating the kind and frequency of contact between a child and another person - usually the parent with whom the child is not living
booking	Process of photographing, fingerprinting and recording identifying data of a suspect following arrest.
impaneling	n
attestation	n
m. o.	n
entireties property	Typically husband and wife, a form of indivisible co-ownership of realty or personality estate that upon death of one, survivor takes title to the whole estate.
barbican	An ancient word to signify a watch-tower
summation	n
archivist	One to whose care the archives have been confided.
enrolled bill	The final copy of a bill that has been passed in identical form by both chambers; printed on parchment, but not yet signed by the President.
social security	A system of federal old-age pensions for employed persons begun in 1935
superseding cause	n
opening statement	The initial statement made by attorneys for each side, outlining the facts each intends to establish during the trial
deficiency judgment	n
lawyer	A person licensed to practice law
fdic	Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, the agency of the federal government that insures deposits at banks and other qualifying savings institutions.
restitution	In the context of bankruptcy recovery, the act of repaying debt incurred as a result of fraud or abuse
bond	See bail bond.
propositus	The person proposed
admit	v
after-discovered evidence	n
uniform commercial code	A uniform law governing commercial transactions
sum certain	n
asset	n
party	The technical legal word for the people who are part of a court case and have a right to ask the court to make a decision on a dispute
compensatory damages	n
leading the witness	n
self-help	n
process server	n
usury	The act or practice of lending money at an exorbitant or illegal rate of interest.
expense advance	May be either corporate advance or escrow advance (see definitions above).
grantor	A person who transfers his/her interest in property to another by grant; the seller of property.
concur	To agree.
agri	Arable land in the common fields
prosecution	In criminal law, refers to the government attorney charging and trying a case against a person accused of a crime.
executed	1) adj
corrected deed	A deed issued when the original deed or notice contained a clerical error or misstatement of fact
federal communications commission	A five-member body appointed by the president whose function is to administer the federal broadcasting and communications laws.
ferae naturae	Of a wild nature.
debenture	n
kin	n
pardon calendar	A summary of the consideration of a pardon application by the Board of Pardons
installment contract	n
ultrahazardous activity	n
divorce	The legal termination of a valid marriage by an order of a judge; the ending of a marital relationship and the conjugal obligations of each spouse to the other
hidden defect	A defect in property or goods which is not readily detectable, that causes injury to a third party.
embezzlement	n
desert	v
buyers market	A market condition that occurs in real estate where more homes are for sale than there are interested buyers.
servicing advances	Funds advanced by servicer under terms of agreement with lender to cover servicing costs and expenses as they occur.
escheat	The process by which unclaimed financial assets come under the custody of the State Controller's Office when there are no known heirs or owners
income tax	n
secured debt	A claim secured by a lien in the debtor’s property by reason of the debtor’s agreement or an involuntary lien such as a judgment or tax lien
blind	One who is deprived of the faculty of seeing.
clear title	Ownership of property without any debt, liens, or claims being registered against the property
public law	That law such as traffic ordinances or zoning ordinances which applies to the public.
entrepot	A warehouse; a magazine where goods are deposited, and which are again to be removed.
yard	A measure of length, containing three feet, or thirty-six inches.
life estate	n
respondent	The person against whom a claim has been brought by Notice of Family Claim
capers	Vessels of war owned by private persons, and different from ordinary privateers (q
impound	That portion of a borrower’s monthly payments held by the lender or servicer to pay for taxes, hazard insurance, mortgage insurance, lease payments and other items as they become due. Also known as reserves
applicant	A person who makes an application.
indictor	He who causes another to be indicted
forensic	1) adj
state	n
vest	To give an immediate interest, as opposed to a contingent or future interest; bestowed upon someone; secured by someone, such as title to property.
preference	a payment by a debtor made during a specified period (90 days or one year) prior to the filing that favors one creditor over others
attorney-in-fact	Private person, not necessarily an attorney, authorized by another to act in his place and stead, either for a particular purpose or for transaction of business in general that is not of legal character
ex parte	A proceeding brought before a court by one party only, without notice to or challenge by the other side
cite	v
in the alternative	A phrase used to indicate secondary relief or a secondary ground of relief in a claim or application, usually presented as an option to the primary relief or primary ground of relief
procedural law	Law which prescribes the method of enforcing rights or obtaining redress for invasion of rights
star chamber proceedings	n
personal property	Tangible physical property (such as cars, clothing, furniture and jewelry) and intangible personal property
senior lien	n
collateral	Property that is promised as security for the satisfaction of a debt.
grantee	One who receives
beneficial use	n
express contract	n
personal property	Movable property not attached to realty; chattels.
magistrate	n
ante	Prior to.
devisee	A person who receives real estate from another by will.
alternative	A phrase used to indicate secondary relief or a secondary ground of relief in a claim or application, usually presented as an option to the primary relief or primary ground of relief
disbar	To strip a lawyer of his or her right to practice law, usually after a formal inquiry by the Law Society.
payee	The person who receives the child support payments for the child
arrest	Apprehension or detention of a person by a law enforcement officer.
public charge	n
automatic data processing	See Electronic Data Processing (EDP).
egress	A term concerning a right to come and go across the land (public or private) of another
liability	Debt
burden	n
belief	n
forum non conveniens	(for-uhm nahn cahn-vee-nee-ehns) n
plurality opinion	An opinion announcing the judgment of a court with supporting reasoning that is not endorsed by a majority of the justices participating.
in fee simple	adj
date rape	n
filing	The delivery to the clerk of the bankruptcy court of a proof of claim
services	n
escrow agent	n
direct evidence	n
coroner	n
to retract	To withdraw a proposition or offer before it has been accepted.
thirty-day notice	n
biannual	Happening twice each year; semi-annual.
in extremis	(in ex-tree-miss) adj
article iii	This article, on the powers of judicial branch of government, is very brief and contains very few details when compared with Articles I and II
tax exemption	An area over which a governmental body has authority to levy property taxes. A tax district may contain one or more assessment districts.
equity	is the value of a debtor’s interest in property that is unencumbered by a lien or security interest
bankruptcy administrator	An officer of the judiciary serving in the judicial district who, like the U.S
jus dicere	To declare the law
mitigation of damages	n
working days	In settling laydays, (q
family law mediator	A lawyer or another person with special training in the mediation of family law disputes who meets the training and experience requirements set out in the provincial Family Law Act Regulation
contract	An agreement between two or more persons that creates an obligation to do or not to do a particular thing
nisi period	A period of time (usually 90 days) following a final divorce order during which neither party can marry again.
family allowance	A small amount of money set aside from the estate of the deceased
liquidity	Holdings in or the ability to convert assets to cash or its equivalent; the ease with which a person is able to pay maturing obligations.
pro tem	Temporary.
small claims court	Court that handles civil claims for small amounts of money
cure defaults	Bring accounts up-to-date that were past due at the time of filing.
voidable	Capable of being rendered void or annulled.
sole proprietorship	n
timely	adj
conversion	n
exchange offer	an offer by an issuer of debt securities to exchange new securities with less onerous provisions for currently outstanding securities
loan origination fee	A fee charged by the lender for evaluating, preparing and submitting a proposed mortgage loan.
dog	A well known domestic animal
service by mail	n
k	n
detailed list	A list of properties that have been tax-defaulted for five or more years and have become subject to a notice of power to sell tax-defaulted property
non-discretionary trust	n
abscond	v
functionary	One who is in office or in some public employment.
grantor	The person who sets up a trust
co-optation	A concurring choice
constitutional court	A court created under authority of Article III of the Constitution
fighting words	n
spendthrift trust	A trust set up for the benefit of someone who the grantor believes would be incapable of managing his/her own financial affairs
third party	A person, business or government agency not actively involved in a legal proceeding, agreement, or transaction
community property	Property acquired by husband and or wife during a marriage when not acquired as the separate property of either spouse. Each spouse has equal rights of management, alienation and testamentary disposition of community property.
admission of evidence	n
assume	v
dual agency	Representing both parties in a transaction. In virtually all states it is unethical and illegal for a broker to represent buyer and seller in a real estate transaction without written consent of both.
testate	Having a valid will.
proxy	A person, appointed in the place of another, to represent him.
misappropriation	n
performance	In contract law, the fulfillment of an obligation or duty arising from a contract.
legal aid	Professional legal services available usually to persons or organizations unable to afford such services.
competent	Having the ability to understand the nature and consequences of one's actions.
imprimis	In the first place; as, imprimis, I direct my just debts to be paid
trustor	n
executive order	n
unsecured claim	a claim or debt for which a creditor holds no special assurance of payment; a debt for which credit was extended based solely upon the creditor's assessment of the debtor's future ability to pay.
informed consent	n
privilege against self incrimina-tion	n
admission	A statement tending to establish the guilt or liability of the person making the statement.
unclaimed funds	Proceeds to creditors who were issued checks that did not clear, which are returned to the trustee
escrow instructions	n
southwestern reporter	a case law reporter containing published U.S
deductible	allowable as a deduction de·duc·ti·bil·i·ty [-dək-tə-bi-lə-tē] n
adversary system	Trial method used in U.S
asset	A possession that has some monetary value or can produce a cash flow
void	Of no legal effect.
house of commons	The Lower House of the British Parliament. House of Lords: The Upper House of the British Parliament.
surety	Person who takes responsibility that another person will fulfil some obligation
power of attorney	Formal authorization of a person to act in the interests of another person
pierce the corporate veil	v
forger	n
joinder	The uniting of two or more persons in some legal proceeding.
leveraged buy out	A transaction where a purchaser uses the assets of the corporation to be acquired (target) as collateral for the loan to buy the stock of the target
armed criminal action	Committing a felony by, with or through the use, assistance or aid of a dangerous instrument or deadly weapon.
keels	This word is applied, in England, to vessels employed in the carriage of coals
waste	In law, intentionally or unintentionally allowing the value of a piece of property to diminish through carelessness, neglect or purposeful harm.
cause of action	Definition: A legally acceptable reason for suing
funeral expenses	Money expended in procuring the interment of a corpse.
leader of the house	A person appointed from the government party or parties, to organise and arrange the proceedings of the House. Leader of the Opposition: A Member elected by the Opposition to lead them and to 'shadow' the Premier.
bay	Is an enclosure to keep in the water for the supply of a mill or other contrivance, so that the water may be able to, drive the wheels of such mill
generation skipping	adj., adv
actual	Real; actual.
appreciation	n
student loans	are government backed loans that are generally non-dischargeable in Bankruptcy.
linked credit provider	A credit provider that has an arrangement with a supplier of goods that people wanting to borrow money to buy those goods will be directed to that credit provider.
pleadings	Definition: The initial documents filed in a lawsuit that state the positions of the parties pertaining to the causes of action and the respective defenses
bank	n
to receive	Voluntarily to take from another what is offered.
cost of completion	n
in utero	A Latin phrase meaning "in the womb." Used in reference to fetuses.
gender	That which designates the sexes.
ratification	n
as is	adj
solitary confinement	n
administrator	(1) One who administers the estate of a person who dies without a will
quaere	A question, or query.
leave of court	Permission received from a court to take a nonroutine action.
law of the case	n
take	v
irrelevant evidence	That which does not support the issue, and which) of course, must be excluded
provost	A title given to the chief of some corporations or societies
jury tampering	n
lot	Generally, any portion or parcel of real property; the term usually refers to a portion of a subdivision.
schema	A set of beliefs, or a story, applied when trying to understand a particular political event.
note	A signed, written instrument acknowledging a debt and promising payment, according to the specified terms and conditions; a promissory note.
title	In law, a document demonstrating ownership of a thing
substantial performance	n
joint contract	One in which the contractors are jointly bound to perform the promise or obligation therein contained, or entitled to receive the benefit of such promise or obligation.
next friend	One acting without formal appointment as guardian for the benefit of an infant, a person of unsound mind not judicially declared incompetent, or other person under some disability
counsellor	n
easement	The right or freedom to do something or the right to prevent someone else from doing something over the real property (q.v.) of another.
unsecured taxes	Charges levied from assessment liens against property, where such charges cannot be satisfied by tax default of the property but only by some action against the person responsible for payment; taxes levied against property that is not deemed secured.
ultra vires	Literally, "beyond powers"
oaths	Sworn attestations required in court, usually administered by the in-court clerk.
true copy	An exact copy of a written instrument
yielding and paying	- In conveyancing
abstract of title	Concise chronological history of all official records and recorded documents affecting title to a parcel of land.
conclave	An assembly of cardinals for the purpose of electing a pope; the place where the assembly is held is also called a conclave
unlawful assembly	n
scoring	evaluation of performance by assigning a grade or score
animus	The intent; the mind with which a thing is done, as animus
roaring	A disease among horses occasioned by the circumstance of the neck of the windpipe being too narrow for accelerated respiration; the disorder is frequently produced by sore throat or other topical inflammation.
rules 24.035 and 29.15	A prisoner's motion to set aside, vacate or correct a sentence, based on an alleged violation of the prisoner's constitutional rights
consent decree	Agreement by defendant to cease activities asserted by government to be illegal
returned check fee	Charge imposed for bounced check.
spendthrift trust	A trust set up for the benefit of someone who the grantor believes would be incapable of managing his or her own financial affairs.
incarcerate	To confine in jail
bar examination	A state examination taken by prospective lawyers in order to be admitted and licensed to practice law
remand	When an appellate court sends a case back to the lower court for further proceedings.
equity	The value of a debtor's interest in property that remains after liens and other creditors' interests are considered.
sovereign immunity	Doctrine that a government, either state or federal, is immune to lawsuits unless it gives its consent.
banc	Bench; the place where a court permanently or regularly sits.
scoresheet	Uniform guidelines for sentencing using points system mandated by the Legislature
robbery	Felonious taking of another's property from his or her person or immediate presence and against his or her will by means of force or fear.
ranking minority member	The highest rank on a committee on the minority side.
stay	A court order halting a judicial proceeding.
federal communications commission	A federal agency which regulates interstate and foreign communications by wire and radio.
succession	n
grace period	n
quid pro quo	A Latin phrase meaning "this for that." Refers to a benefit offered or owing in exchange for a benefit received
endorsement	The signature on the back of a check or other negotiable instrument.
reputation	n
attractive nuisance doctrine	n
per curiam opinion	An unsigned court opinion
obstruction of justice	The act or attempt to impede justice or a judicial proceeding, often by officials who have a duty to administer justice.
separation of powers	Division of the powers of government among three branches-- legislative, executive, and judicial.
submitted	n
sounds in	adj
suspension	The driver's license and privilege to drive are temporarily withdrawn, but only during the period of such suspension
quatuorviri	Among the Romans these were magistrates who had the care and inspection of roads
marked for identification	adj
xenodochium	In the civil and old English law, an inn allowed by public license, for the entertainment of strangers, and other guests
bulk transfer	bulk sale
reserve	v
parole	Supervised, conditional release of a prisoner before expiration of his/her sentence.
impossibility	n
plat	A map or chart for a lot, subdivision or community drawn by a surveyor showing boundary lines, buildings, improvements on the land and easements
search and seizure	n
county coroner	Elected official responsible for investigating deaths that occurred under violent or unusual circumstances.
second mortgage	A mortgage made subsequent to another mortgage and subordinate to the first one
bully pulpit	A term which stems from President Theodore Roosevelt''s reference to the White House as a "bully pulpit," meaning a terrific platform from which to persuasively advocate an agenda
o.s.c.	n
petition respondent	The person against whom a court proceeding has been started by Petition
executive branch	The President and departments that carry out the laws of the federal government.
strict liability	n
private nuisance	n
dissent	n
granting cert	See certiorari.
mitigating circumstances	Those which do not constitute a justification or excuse for an offense, but which may be considered as reasons for reducing the degree of blame.
renunciation	The act of giving up a right.
distribution	Payments in a bankruptcy case, generally made after confirmation of a plan in a Chapter 11filing or approval of the trustee’s accounting in a Chapter 7filing.
retainer	Act of the client in employing the attorney or counsel, and also denotes the fee which the client pays when he/she retains the attorney to act for him/her
third party	A person, business, or government agency not initially actively involved in a legal proceeding, agreement, or transaction, but may be at a later time.
tainted evidence	n
breaking and entering	n
disposing mind and memory	n
real estate owned	Property acquired by lender as a result of foreclosure or deed in lieu of foreclosure.
mens rea	The "guilty mind" necessary to establish criminal responsibility.
remand	To send a dispute back to the court where it was originally heard
cross-appellant	The party who files the cross-appeal
area	An enclosed yard or opening in a house; an open place adjoining to a house
knowledge	Information as to a fact
liability	n
kangaroo court	Term descriptive of a sham legal proceeding in which a person's rights are totally disregarded and in which the result is a foregone conclusion because of the bias of the court or other tribunal
assessor	One appointed to assess property for taxation.
involuntary	adj
debt	A sum of money or an obligation owed by one person to another
criminal case	a case prosecuted by the government, on behalf of society at large, against an individual or organization accused of committing a crime
rental	A roll or list of the rents of an estate containing the description of the lands let, the names of the tenants, and other particulars connected with such estate
co-sponsor	A member who formally adds his or her name as a supporter to another member's bill.
quarry	A place whence stones are dug for the purpose of being employed in building, making roads, and the like.
testatrix	n
recess	A temporary break in a session for a short period of time within the same day
assembly	The union of a number of persons in the same place
publish	v
per annum	Yearly, annually; relative to a 12-month period.
interrogatories	Written questions propounded by one party and served on the adversary, to be answered in writing under oath.
corollary relief	In court proceeding for divorce, this term refers to all relief claimed apart from the divorce order itself
retainer	Act of the client in employing the attorney or counsel, and also denotes the fee which the client pays when he/she retains the attorney to act for him/her.
transfer fee	A charge made by a lending institution holding or collecting on a real estate mortgage to change its records to reflect a different ownership.
lis pendens	Latin for suit pending. Recorded notice of the filing of suit, the outcome of which may affect title to a certain piece of property
atheist	One who denies the existence of God.
annuity	n
fair market value	The highest price that a buyer, willing but not compelled to buy, would pay, and the lowest a seller, willing but not compelled to sell, would accept
mandate	Federal regulations in which states and districts must adhere
eminent domain	The right of government to acquire private property for public use by condemnation and the payment of just compensation, as prescribed by the 5th Amendment of the United States Constitution
desertion	The abandonment of one married spouse by the other
mortgagor	n
court of law	n
daso	Dane County Sheriff Office
hobby loss	n
proceeding	n
discount	n
parent	n
in pari delicto	adv
solicitor general	Justice Department official whose office represents the federal government in all litigation before the U.S
dot	Department of Transportation
prevailing party	n
party wall	n
consummation	The completion of a thing; as the consummation of marriage; (q
easement by prescription	An easement of ingress and egress, based on the presumption that a written easement was given by the property owner (although no writing existed), after a period of open and continuous use of land. A prescriptive easement may be "perfected" by recording. See also Prescriptive Easement.
insured	n
patent	A government grant giving an inventor the exclusive right to make or sell his/her invention for a term of years
notice to appear	As defined under Rule 3.125 (a), Florida Rules of Criminal Procedure, a written order issued by a law enforcement officer in lieu of physical arrest requiring a person accused of violating the law to appear in a designated court or governmental office at a specified date and time
united states code	The official compilation of federal statutes.
action in rem	A suit or legal proceeding directed against specific property
bureau of land management	A federal bureau within the Department of the Interior that manages and controls certain lands owned by the United States.
registration statement	n
guidelines	Short for the Child Support Guidelines, a regulation to the federal Divorce Act, adopted by each province and territory except Quebec, that sets the amount of child support a parent or guardian must pay based on the person's income and the number of children involved.
restatement of the law	n
guardianship	Legal right given to a person to be responsible for the food, housing, health care, and other necessities of a person deemed incapable of providing these necessities for him or herself
certificate	The certificate that is issued by the State Controller upon approval of the claim submitted to postpone the property taxes of the claimant.
servient estate	n
rental value	n
warranty	(1) A minor clause in a contract, the remedy for breach of which is damages for any loss
assessment	The valuation of property for the purpose of levying a tax; or, the amount of the tax levied.
zone	An area of a county or city in which the use of the land and improvements is restricted by law.
irreparable injury	An injury of such a nature that it cannot be redressed in a court of law and is not susceptible to complete monetary compensation
farmer	One who is lessee of a farm
mirror wills	n
condominium or condo	A condominium is a home in a shared building or development
code of federal regulations	An annual publication which contains the cumulative executive agency regulations.
master	Official appointed by a court to assist with its proceedings
federal register	A daily publication which contains federal administrative rules and regulations.
genetic test	A test that examines genetic markers present on blood cells, skin cells, tissue cells, bodily fluid cells or cells of another body material for the purpose of determining the statistical probability of an alleged father's paternity.
professional indemnity insurance	Insurance that provides cover for a person against claims for negligence arising out of the performance of his or her professional duties.
occupant or occupier	One who has the actual use or possession of a thing.
debtor	The debtor is the entity ( person, partnership or corporation) who is liable for debts, and who is the subject of a bankruptcy case.
cornet	A commissioned officer in a regiment of cavalry.
lease	A contract between owner and tenant setting forth the term of occupancy and the conditions under which the tenant may occupy and use the property
recall	The process of removal of a public official by a vote of the people, taken upon submission of a petition signed by a required number of citizens.
lewd and lascivious	adj., adv
carrier	One engaged in the transportation of goods or freight; an insurance company.
element	n
bankruptcy code	Title 11 of the U.S
testamentary capacity	n
lien	A form of encumbrance that usually makes property security for the payment of a debt or discharge of an obligation
indicia	n
syllabus	A brief statement summarizing a court opinion.
motion	Definition: A request made to a court
article iii judge	A federal judge who is appointed for life, during "good behavior," under Article III of the Constitution
incumbrance/encumbrance	A claim, lien, charge, or liability attached to and binding real property. Any right to or interest in land that may exist in someone other than the owner but will not prevent the transfer of fee title.
master and servant	n
default	Failure to fulfill a legal or contractual obligation.
jus deliberandi	The right of deliberating, which in some countries, where the heir may have benefit of inventory, (q
code of professional responsibility	n
stop and frisk	n
judicial sale	n
equity	A homeowner's financial interest in a property
fslic	Federal Savings and Loan Insurance Corporation.
moral turpitude	Conduct contrary to honesty, modesty or good morals.
metes and bounds	(meets and bounds) n
priority debts	Debts that are paid ahead of others
minority	n
condominium	A system of individual fee ownership of units in a multi-family structure, combined with joint ownership of common areas of the structure and the land (sometimes called a "vertical subdivision").
sua sponte	a Latin term meaning "on its own responsibility or motion." A sua sponte order is an order issued by a court without prior motion by either party.
tortfeasor	A person who commits a tort.
regnant	One having authority as a king; one in the exercise of royal authority.
burying-ground	A place appropriated for depositing the dead; a cemetery
trade regulation rules	Rules adopted by the Federal Trade Commission that prohibit specific advertising claims about an entire class of products
adjusted basis	n
force placed insurance	Hazard insurance purchased by servicer on borrower's home (covering only lender's interest) when policy purchased directly by borrower on non-escrow mortgage account has lapsed, when servicer contends that borrower has failed to provide proof of insurance coverage, or when account is in default.
running at large	adj
surrender	v
prosecute	To charge someone with a crime
viz	prep
arrangement	may refer to a variety of formal or informal agreements concerning the conditions under which a bankrupt company may operate; often, it refers to an extension of time in which debt can be paid off
breach of trust	n
contemplation of death	n
beach	The sea shore
at issue	Whenever the parties to a suit come to a point in the pleadings where the disputed issues are defined, they are said to be "at issue" and ready for trial.
alteration	Changing or making different.
connivance	Intentionally causing or permitting a wrongful act to happen to obtain a goal
scintilla	n
aggravated assault	n
expert witness	a person with specialized training and experience about particular subject matter who testifies in a case to offer an opinion on an issue in the case based on his or her specialized knowledge.
fathom	A measure of length, equal to six feet
logic	reasoned and reasonable judgment
prudence	knowing how to avoid embarrassment or distress
sentence report	A document containing background material on a convicted person
argumentative	adj
tenure	n
bond amounts	Cash or surety to be posted for release on bail.
in faciendo	In doing, or in feasance
garnishment	When money owed a debtor is ordered given to a creditor to cover some of the debt owed
risk of loss	n
crown	A covering for the head, commonly used by kings; figuratively, it signifies royal authority
judicial review	The authority of a court to determine the constitutionality of acts committed by the legislative and executive branches and to strike down acts judged to be in violation of the Constitution.
cr	Criminal
compos mentis	n
leasehold estate	A tenant's right to occupy real estate during the term of the lease. This is a personal property interest.
make	v
ultra vires	(uhl-trah veye-rehz) adj
represent	v
usus loquendi	The common usage of ordinary language.
biennial	An event that occurs once every two years.
instrument	A written legal document created to effect the rights of the parties, giving formal expression to a legal act or agreement for the purpose of creating, modifying or terminating a right.
caption	Heading or introductory party of a pleading.
unsecured debt	A debt that is not backed by an underlying asset (collateral)
failure of consideration	n
infra	Below.
specific performance	An order directing a person to perform specifically what that person has agreed in a contract to do; issued only when money damages would not be adequate to compensate for the breach of a contract.
breach of contract	Failure, without legal excuse, to perform a duty required under a contract.
gener	A son-in-law
securities acts	The various federal statutes that require full disclosure of material facts relevant to the offer or sale of stock.
patronage	The right of appointing to office; as the patronage of the president of the United States, if abused, may endanger the liberties of the people.
constituent	A person who is represented by a particular member of the House or Senate, whom they may or may not have voted for
sbs-ap	SBS-AP is a defined contribution plan governed by section 401(a) of the Internal Revenue Code
judgment	a final order of the court that resolves the case and states the rights and liabilities of the parties.
de novo	A trial de novo is a new trial of a case.
childishness	Weakness of intellect, such as that of a child.
sale	An agreement to transfer the ownership of property from one person to another in exchange for the reciprocal transfer of something else, usually money
lien	A charge on specific property that is designed to secure payment of a debt or performance of an obligation
standard of care	That which a reasonably prudent person would do under the same circumstances
ad seriatim	adj
ex delicto	(ex dee-lick-toe)adj
defense	A reason why a claim in a complaint should not be granted.
no-par stock	n
court administrator	An officer appointed by the court or elected to oversee the administrative, non-judicial activities of the court.
open policy	An open policy is one in which the amount of the interest of the insured is not fixed by the policy, and is to be ascertained in case of loss
bona fide purchaser	n
renewal	n
escrow	Money or a written instrument such as a deed that, by agreement between two parties, is held by a neutral third party (held in escrow) until all conditions of the agreement are met.
dilatory	That which is intended for delay
costs	(1) Fees and charges that a party pays to file and present a court case or to enforce a judgment;(2) money that may be awarded to the party who wins the appeal to pay for expenses such as filing fees, bond fees, transcript preparation costs, copying costs or mailing costs.
extenuating circumstances	Circumstances which render a crime less aggravated, heinous, or reprehensible than it would otherwise be; circumstances which tend to lessen guilt and which sometimes reduce punishment.
subject to	adj
void	To have no force or effect; unenforceable.
possession	In law, the right to have the control and use of a thing
dependent	1) n
memorial	Abstract of a legal record
undue	More than necessary; excessive.
reliction	An increase of the land by the sudden retreat of the sea or a river.
pretrial services	A function of the federal courts that takes place at the very start of the criminal justice process – after a person has been arrested and charged with a federal crime and before he or she goes to trial
whole blood	Being related by both the father and mother's side; this phrase is used in contradistinction to half, blood, (q
precedence	The right of being first placed in a certain order, the first rank being supposed the most honorable.
labor	Continued operation; work.
waive	v
sine die	Literally, "without day"
escrow	Money or documents, (e.g., a deed), which are held ("in escrow") by a neutral third party until all conditions of an agreement are met.
valid	Having force, or binding force; legally sufficient and authorized by law.
emption	The act of buying.
mental competency	n
capital gains	n
third-party beneficiary	A person who receives an intended or incidental benefit by virtue of a contract to which he or she is not a party and for which he or she has paid no consideration.
polygarchy	A term used to express a government which is shared by several persons; as, when two brothers succeed to the throne, and reign jointly.
inverse condemnation	n
impotence	n
ex post facto	After the fact
heir apparent	n
rescind	To void or cancel in such a way as to treat the contract or other object of the rescission as if it never existed.
piti payment	A loan payment that combines Principal, Interest, Taxes and Insurance.
gratification	A reward given voluntarily for some service or benefit rendered, without being requested so to do, either expressly or by implication.
offset	The reduction of a support indebtedness
consent	Agreement; voluntary acceptance of the wish of another.
improved land	Land having either on-site improvements, off-site improvements, or both.
interlocutory decree	n
implied contract	A contract in which the promise made by the obligor is not expressed, but inferred by his or her conduct or implied in law.
proposition	An offer to do something
arbitrary	adj
testate	One who has died leaving a will, or one who has made a will
consecutive sentences	Successive sentences, one beginning at the expiration of another, imposed against a person convicted of two or more violations.
tenement	n
conviction	A judgment of guilt against a criminal defendant
on file	prep
condonation	Forgiving the wrongful or harmful act of another
nuisance	Offensive, annoying, unpleasant or obnoxious thing or practice that interferes with use or enjoyment of a property.
affidavit	A written or printed statement made under oath.
recoupment	A reduction or rebate in proceeds claimed by a party arising from the same transaction with another party, as opposed to a “set off” which arises from a transaction that is collateral or somehow related to the same transaction.
donation	n
senate parliamentarian	The Senate Parliamentarian advises the presiding officer of the Senate on the rules and procedures of the Senate
negligence per se	(purr say) n
continuance	n
dd 214	Military Discharge Form issued by the government upon discharge from military service
recoverable	adj
adjustment	Change to prior account treatment of payment or expense, including reallocation of funds held in suspense account
foreclosure	A termination of all rights of the mortgagor or his grantee in the property covered by the mortgage
radio act of 1927	The first comprehensive national broadcast law, which provided the basic framework for the regulation of broadcast that was later adopted in the Federal Communications Act of 1934.
lapsed gift	A gift made in a will to a person who has died prior to the will-maker's death
transcript	A written, word-for-word record of what was said
to dictate	To pronounce word for word what is destined to be at the same time written by another
statute of limitations	A law that sets the time within which parties must take action to enforce their rights.
jus personarum	The right of persons.
acre	A measure of land equal to 160 square rods (43,560 sq
commit a bill	To send a bill to a committee for initial consideration rather than debating it immediately.
repo laws repossess	The repo laws: If you don't make your car payments for a number of months, your lender may repo or repossess your car.
will	Legal document that sets forth how an individual wants his/her property disposed of when he/she dies.
campaign	The period before an election in which candidates and parties seek to win voters' support.
special session	A special session of Congress may be convened after that Congress has already adjourned sine die
felonious	adj
diplomatics	The art of judging of ancient charters, public documents or diplomas, and discriminating the true from the false
legal	adj., adv
remedy	Legal or judicial means by which a right or privilege is enforced or the violation of a right or privilege is prevented, redressed, or compensated
bad faith	Intentionally misleading someone else, whether by doing or not doing something; acting in a manner contrary to one's actual intention; failing to act honestly and openly
miranda warning	The statement of legal rights which must be given to an arrested person or person suspected of a crime before he can be interrogated by law officers.
gratis	Without reward or consideration.
rescission	The cancellation of a contract. With respect to mortgage refinancing, the law that gives the homeowner three days to cancel a contract income cases once it is signed if the transaction uses equity in the home as security.
impossibility	The character of that which
mao	Medical Assistance Only cases.
inevitable accident	A term used in the civil law, nearly synonymous with fortuitous
subordination agreement	An agreement establishing the priority of payment of claims, whereby a creditor may agree that claims of other creditors are discharged before payment is made to the subordinated creditor.
perfect	Something complete.
dissolution of corporation	n
spendthrift trust	Trust set up for benefit of someone whom grantor believes would be incapable of managing his/her own financial affairs, and to keep money out of hands of creditors.
reading	The stage in the passage of a Bill through Parliament at which the major debate takes place on its principle or purpose
ethics	Of or relating to moral action and conduct; professionally right; conforming to professional standards.
waste	n
buy-down	When the lender and/or the homebuilder subsidized the mortgage by lowering the interest rate during the first years of the loan
hague conventions	Legal agreements binding between signatory nations at the Hague
casual	What happens fortuitously what is accidental as, the casual revenue's of the government, are those which are contingeut or uncertain.
extortion	Illegally obtaining money or property by force, threat, intimidation, or undue or illegal power.
bankruptcy code	the name given to the statutory body of bankruptcy laws after the Bankruptcy Reform Act of 1978
liquidate	v
certification	A procedure whereby a lower court requests that a superior court rule on specified legal questions so that the lower court may correctly apply the law.
constructive trust	n
demanding state	The state seeking return of a fugitive.
held	v
equity	the value of the debtor's interest in property that remains after the liens and other creditor's interests are considered.
polygraph	n
defeasance	A deed, made collaterally with a conveyancing deed, which imposes conditions which, if met, will defeat the conveyance.
probate court	The court with authority to supervise estate administration
vested	adj
after-acquired property	n
resulting trust	n
discharge of bond	A court order to release a bond
lessor	n
barrack	By this term, as used in Pennsylvania, is understood an erection of upright posts supporting a sliding roof, usually of thatch
challenge	To call into question; to object or make exception to.
auditor	n
betrothment	A contract between a man and a woman, by which they agree that at a future, time they will marry together.
de medietate linguae	Of half tongue
compensatory damages	A monetary award, equivalent to the loss sustained, to be paid to the injured party by the party at fault.
veniremen	Members of a panel of jurors.
deceased	1) adj
boilerplate	n., adj
union	An organization of workers formed for the purpose of collective bargaining.
or	conj
dying declaration	n
public records	At a county level, usually the records of all documents that are necessary to give notice, including the assessment roll, the abstract of delinquent taxes, and redemption documents
collateral estoppel	n
liability insurance	insurance against loss resulting from civil liability for injury or damage to the persons or property of others see also comprehensive general liability insurance
cm	Designation of a case based upon an alleged Criminal Misdemeanor.
due process of law	n
disorderly house	n
shareholders' agreement	n
process server	A person who is hired to serve court papers on a party to a lawsuit.
unalienable	The state of a thing or right which cannot be sold.
subpoena duces tecum	A command to a witness to appear and produce documents.
co-trustee	n
payments	Distributions made to the creditors in accordance with the plan.
quod recuperet	That he recover
physician-patient privilege	n
prolixity	The unnecessary and superfluous statement of facts in pleading or in evidence
water rights	The right to use water.
public auction sale	A procedure that the tax collector employs for selling tax-defaulted property. Each tax-defaulted property is sold to the highest bidder in order to satisfy the lien of delinquent taxes and other charges.
shall	v
rent	1) v
drawee	n
suspense account	Catch-all account used as place to temporarily put funds that are in "suspense" until servicer makes decision on how to permanently allocate or apply, often used to hold less than full installment payments or payments received while account in default.
boycott	n
uphold	to allow a lower court's decision to stand as is
implied consent	Requirement to take a chemical test when arrested for driving under the influence.
debtor	A debtor is a company or individual who owes money
doli capax	Capable of deceit, mischief, having knowledge of right and wrong
descriptio personae	Description of the person
incontrovertible evidence	n
judge	A person appointed by the federal or provincial governments to manage and decide court proceedings in an impartial manner, independent of influence by the parties, the government or agents of the government
statutory offer of settlement	n
in forma pauperis	"In the manner of a pauper," permission given by the court to a person to file a case without payment of the required court fees because the person cannot pay them.
on or before	prep
provisional remedy	n
intestate	One who dies without leaving a will
scope of employment	n
plaintiff	a person or business that files a formal complaint with the court.
constable	An officer, who is generally elected by the people.
good title	n
shareholders' meeting	n
commercial speech doctrine	The legal doctrine that states that truthful advertising for products and services that are not illegal is normally protected by the First Amendment to the U.S
certified check	n
to overdraw	To draw bills or cheeks upon an individual, bank or other corporation, for a greater amount of funds than the party who draws is entitled to.
product liability	Legal responsibility of manufacturers and sellers to buyers, users, and bystanders for damages or injuries suffered because of defects in goods.
legacy	n
contraband	Articles, the possession of which is prohibited by law.
larceny	Unlawfully taking personal property with intent to deprive owner of it permanently
enlarge	Put off, or extend the time for doing any step in proceedings
circuit court	an informal name for a U.S
proceres	The name by which the chief magistrates in cities were formerly known
egress	n
affirm	v
corporate opportunity	n
fraud	Intentional deception to deprive another person of property or to injure that person in some way
hogshead	A measure of wine, oil, and the like, containing half a pipe; the fourth part of a tun, or sixty-three gallons.
probation	Allowing a person convicted of a criminal offense to remain in the community rather than being incarcerated, so long as the person maintains good behavior, meets any special conditions imposed by the court, etc
peculation	n
initial	Placed at the beginning
restrictive covenant	n
supervised release	Term of supervision served after a person is released from prison
creditors' meeting	See 341 meeting
data processing	Usually refers to the methods by which an office handles its workload of records and reports. A "data processing department" is a separate office or subdivision of an organization established to function as part of a record-processing system, often utilizing electronic computers and providing technological expertise
void for vagueness	adj
necessary	adj., adv
domestic partnership	A relationship where two people (of the same or opposite sex) are not married but are living or have lived together as a couple.
petition	This document begins the bankruptcy proceeding.
lender liability	A body of law which includes liability for breach of contract and other wrongs where banks and other lenders may be made to pay damages to customers.
restitution	payment by an offender of money or services to the victim of a crime for losses suffered as a result of the crime
canal	A trench dug for leading water in a particular direction, and confin- ing it.
effect	The operation of a law, of an agreement, or an act, is called its effect.
sequester	To separate
offset	1) n
to garnsih	To warn; to garnish the heir, is to warn the heir
personal jurisdiction	Adjudicative power of a court over an individual.
ct	Criminal Traffic
de novo	Latin, meaning "anew." A trial de novo is a completely new trial
quorum	The minimum number of House and Senate members necessary to conduct business on the floor of each chamber
estate	An estate consists of personal property (car, household items, and other tangible items), real property and intangible property, such as stock certificates and bank accounts, owned in the individual name of a person at the time of the person's death
publisher	One who does by himself or his agents make a thing publicly known; one engaged in the circulation of books, pamphlets, and other papers.
ambiguity	n
american depository receipt	n
net income	The remainder of a person's annual income after the mandatory deductions have been paid, which may include CPP, EI, income taxes and union or professional dues
plain view doctrine	The doctrine that permits a law enforcement officer to lawfully seize incriminating evidence not specifically sought but readily visible in the course of a valid search.
res ipsa loquiter	Lat.: The thing speaks for itself
prescriptive easement	n
private mortgage insurance	Insurance to protect lender against loss if borrower defaults
on demand	adj
hodge-podge act	A name given to a legislative act which embraces many subjects
mandate	The official decree by a court of appeal.
recordation	The filing of instruments for public record (and notice) with a recorder (usually a county official). See also Recording.
contingent claim	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.
notary	notary public
arches court	The name of one of the English ecclesiastical courts
revenue district	Includes every city and district for which the county officers assess property and collect taxes or assessments.
cenotaph	An empty tomb
subrogation	Substituting one person in place of another in asserting a lawful claim, demand or right.
settlor	See grantor.
naturalization	The process of granting full citizenship to those of foreign birth.
dwd	Department of Workforce Development
return of service	A certificate of affidavit by the person who has served process upon a party to an action, reflecting the date and place of service.
state action	An action taken by an agency or official of a state or local government.
mandamus	A writ issued by a court ordering a public official to perform an act.
cloud on title	A claim, encumbrance or condition that impairs the title to real property until disproved or eliminated through, for example, a quitclaim deed or a quiet title legal action.
bond	A written agreement by which a person insures he will pay a certain sum of money if he does not perform certain duties property.
respondent	The party against whom a legal action is filed.
avail	Profits of land; hence tenant paravail is one in actual possession, who makes avail or profits of the land
ami	A friend; or, as it is written in old works, amy
civil law	Law based on a series of written codes or laws.
avus	Grandfather
occupancy	n
kangaroo court	n
kentucky rule	In the allocation of dividends by trustees as between income and principal, all dividends whether paid in cash or stock are regarded as income though in most jurisdictions accepting this rule a dividend paid in the stock of the issuing corporation is considered principal and brings about an adjustment in the basis of such stock in the portfolio
hot pursuit	n
execution	n
partition	In law, the division of the ownership of a piece of real property between two or more people
nisi prius	(nee-see pree-us) adj
clean hands doctrine	n
psi	Presentence Investigation
equity	Generally, justice or fairness; body of principles that determine what is just or fair
non-suit	n
strict construction	(narrow construction) n
adultery	A married person's voluntary sexual intercourse with a person other than his or her spouse; playing the field; fishing out of season
forensic testimony	n
recruit	A newly made soldier.
law	By science here, is understood that connexion of truths which is founded on principles either evident in themselves, or capable of demonstration; a collection of truths of the same kind, ...
order	A mandate, command, or direction authoritatively given
trustor	One who deeds property to a trustee to be held as security until the trustor has performed obligations to a lender under the terms of a deed of trust.
exemption	Freed from an obligation or duty required by others. In California, types of property exempt from property tax include those listed in Article XIII, section 3, of the California State Constitution and types of personal property exempted by the Legislature, such as those listed in sections 201.2 through 234 of the Revenue and Taxation Code.
psychosurgery	Brain surgery used as a way of treating mental disorders.
user	of credit reports are entities that request a report to evaluate a consumer for some purpose.
closing	The end of the transaction when the seller hands over the title to the buyer in exchange for payment
revival	n
jd	n
motion	A request made to a court for a certain ruling or action.
stay	The act of stopping a judicial proceeding by order of the court.
incorporeal	adj
enforce	To require somebody to do something that is stated in a court order
anticipatory breach	n
return	1
omission	In law, a failure to do something, whether the failure was intentional or unintentional.
compensation	The maximum compensation allowed a trustee is based on a fixed percentage of monies disbursed to parties in interest
bench trial	' Lambert v
one-minute speeches	At the start of each day of session in the House of Representatives, members are normally recognized to address the House for one–minute on any subject they wish
tax title	Title held by one who purchases property at a tax sale.
ejusdem generis	Of the same kind.
collation of seals	Where, on the same label, one seal was set on the back or reverse of the other, this was said to be a collation of seals
resident	n
jurisprudence	The philosophy of law, or the science which deals with the principles of positive law and legal relations.
voidable	Capable of being adjudged void but not void unless action is taken to make it so.
supra	Latin for above.
tenancy	n
indecent exposure	n
bad faith	1) n
fair market value	The value for which a reasonable seller would sell an item of property and for which a reasonable buyer would buy it.
stock option	n
retainer	Act of the client in employing the attorney or counsel; also denotes the fee which the client pays when he/she retains the attorney.
election of remedies	n
calling the docket	Public calling of the causes at commencement of a court term.
words of art	n
overt	Open
issue	(1) The disputed point in a disagreement between parties in a lawsuit
waiver	The intentional and voluntary relinquishment of a known legal right.
rate caps	Rate caps limit how much the interest rate can move up or down
intrinsic fraud	n
simple trust	n
check	A draft or order to pay money
recess	A temporary adjournment or suspension of court proceedings.
citators	A set of books which provides the subsequent history of reported decisions through a form of abbreviations or words.
waiver	Voluntarily giving up right.
galleries	The balconies which overlook the House and Senate chambers.
kilderkin	A measure of capacity equal to eighteen gallons
personal property	Anything a person owns other than real estate.
defraud	v
adversary proceeding	In the American legal system, a lawsuit filed by one party against another
mortgage identification number	Number assigned to a mortgage that is registered with MERS (see definition above) and used for identification and various other purposes for life of mortgage.
antitrust laws	n
objectors	Objectors are members of the House of Representatives appointed to screen legislation considered under expedited floor procedures permitting passage with only minimal debate and no recorded vote
"bound over"	See "bind over" in this glossary.
release	In family law, a legal document in which a person gives up a right or a claim, or the entitlement to enforce a right or advance a claim; a waiver
quitclaim deed	A deed to relinquish any interest in property that the grantor may have, without any warranty of title or interest.
double waste	When a tenant, bound to repair, suffers a house to be wasted, and then unlawfully fells timber to repair it, he is said to commit double waste
ferry	A place where persons and things are taken across a river or other stream in boats or other vessels, for hire
possession of stolen goods	n
child	Offspring of parentage; progeny.
express	That which is made known, and not left to implication
frustration of purpose	n
null and void	Of no legal validity or effect.
atip	Alternatives to Incarceration Program
former recovery	A recovery in a former action.
pope	The chief of the catholic religion is so called
reading	The final stage in a Bill's passage through a House of Parliament before it is passed.
in loco parentis	prep
a.k.a.	prep
to restore	To return what has been unjustly taken; to place the owner of a thing in the state in which he formerly was
circuit attorney	The prosecuting attorney for the City of St
in rem	adj
depreciation	n
public land	Land belonging to the federal government, not reserved for government use but subject to sale or other disposal.
lawyer's fees	The money charged by a lawyer to his or her client for the lawyer's services, usually pursuant to the terms of the lawyer's retainer agreement
in haec verba	(in hike verb-ah)prep
consumer guarantee	Regime of automatic rights under the Australian Consumer Law cf Consumers: Contracts and Credit
support trust	Trust that instructs trustee to spend only as much as needed for beneficiary's support.
assets	Personal possessions of value, such as cash, real estate, vehicles and investments.
penal	adj
co-operative of co-op	In a residential co-operative, the buyer purchases shares in the co-op corporation, which is made up of the residents in the co-op property
seisin	(sees-in) n
demand	Assert a legal right; claim.
vacate	To set aside
court administrator	An officer appointed by the court or elected to oversee the administrative, non-judicial activities of the court
pleadings	Written statements filed with the court that describe a party's legal or factual assertions about the case.
nihil	(ni [as in it]-hill) n
necessaries	The basic requirements for a reasonable lifestyle, e.g
divestiture	n
mortgage	A Conveyance of title to property that is given as security for the payment of a debt or the performance of a duty and that will become void upon payment or performance according to the stipulated terms.
tide lands	n
payee	n
executory contract or lease	Generally includes contracts or leases under which both parties to the agreement have duties remaining to be performed
offer of proof	n
affix	v
parole	the suspension of a convict's prison sentence and the convict's release from prison, at the discretion of an executive branch agency and conditioned on the convict's compliance with the terms of parole
unlawful detainer	Detention of real property without consent of owner or other person entitled to its possession.
published delinquent list	The document issued to the highest bidder at a tax sale conveying title free of all prior liens and encumbrances of any kind except federal liens, special assessments, easement liens, and unpaid bonds. See also Delinquent List; Deed to Purchaser.
property	Something which can be owned
conditional sales contract	A contract for the sale of property where the buyer has possession and use, but the seller retains title until the conditions of the contract have been fulfilled
excluded property	A term under the Family Law Act referring to property acquired by a spouse prior to the commencement of the spouses' relationship and certain property acquired by a spouse during the relationship, including gifts, inheritances, court awards and insurance proceedings
vacated	A legal term meaning canceled or rescinded.
ingress	1) n
proximity	Kindred between two persons
case summary	See "pending issues summary" in this glossary.
daily accrual accounting	Method of calculating earned interest on a daily basis, if provided for in terms of note and permitted by state law
island	A piece of land surrounded by water.
executive session	A popular euphemism for a closed meeting held by a government body such as a city council or school board.
candidate access rule	Section 312 of the Federal Communications Act, which forbids a broadcaster from instituting an across-the-board policy that denies all candidates for federal office the opportunity to use the station to further a political campaign.
control	1) n
judgment creditor	n
subscribe	v
official	1) adj
hand	That part of the human body at the end of the arm.
court reporter	A person who makes a word-for-word record of what is said in court, generally by using a stenographic machine, shorthand or audio recording, and then produces a transcript of the proceedings upon request.
marshal	1) n
confidence game	n
escheator	The name of an officer whose duties are generally to ascertain what escheats have taken place, and to prosecute the claim of the commonwealth for the purpose of recovering the escheated property
stay away order	n
debtor education	see credit counseling
ipse dixit	(ip-sah dicks-it) v
hostile possession	n
lien	A legal claim against another person's property as security for a debt.
joint petition for divorce	A petition for divorce filed jointly by the parties
acceptance of service	n
due care	n
adverse interest	n
escheat	The process by which a deceased person's property goes to the state if no heir can be found.
damnum absque injuria	A loss or damage without injury.
clerk of court	an officer appointed by the court to work with the chief judge and other judges in overseeing the court's administration, especially to assist in managing the flow of cases through the court.
director	n
charter	n
estate tax	Generally, a tax on the privilege of transferring property to others after a person's death
hto	Habitual Traffic Offender
manifest	1) adj., adv
plan	More formally, a
petty larceny	n
public law	All bills that complete the lawmaking process described in the Constitution and are signed into law or, if not signed by the president, have gone beyond the time in which the president can veto the measure
promissory note	A written promise to pay a specific sum of money to a named person.
ccap	Consolidated Court Automation Program
allege	To claim or declare that something is so.
imputed negligence	Negligence which is not directly attributable to a person
corporal punishment	In family law, the physical punishment of a child by a parent, guardian, or other authorized person
jury fees	n
easement	n
bee	The name of a well known insect.
rebuttal	The introduction of rebutting evidence
fair market value	That price a property will bring given that both buyer and seller are fully aware of market conditions and comparable properties.
lease	An agreement which requires payment for the use of property, under which the owner of property, like a car or an apartment, gives up the right to occupy and use that property in exchange for a sum of money
compatibility	In speaking of public offices it is meant by this term to convey the idea that two of them may be held by the same person at the same time
proof of service	The document proving that the other party was formally served
out of home placement	Also called "alternate care" or "substitute care," it could be a shelter home, foster home, group home, residential treatment center, or relative placement of juveniles.
dominant estate	n
appear	v
spendthrift trust	A trust set up for the benefit of someone who the grantor believes would be incapable of managing his/her own financial affairs.
priority	Claims of some employees, employee benefit plans, domestic support obligations, taxing bodies, and others may be entitled to payment prior to the claims of general unsecured creditors.
exception in deed	n
covenant	A promise to do or not do a particular thing
advocate	Someone who helps and supports another person
enclosure	(inclosure)n
defective	adj
devolve	v
situs	Place, location of property, address.
forgery	Falsely and fraudulently making or altering a document, e.g., a check.
withdrawal of reference	Although U.S
presence	The existence of a person in a particular place.
ex parte communication	n
primogeniture	The state of being first born the eldest
unclean hands	n
discharge in bankruptcy	n
demise	1) v
legalese	n
testamentary trust	Trust set up by a will
contract	n
oath	Swearing or affirming that a statement is true
division of opinion	When, in a company or society, the parties having a right to vote are so divided that there is not a plurality of the whole in favor of any particular proposition, or when the voters are equally divided, it is said there
et al.	n
inherit	v
child support	Court-ordered payments for the support of a child
inter alios	Among other persons, between others.
carnal knowledge	n
doing business	v
original application for relief	A request made to the Supreme Court to consider a case or issue that is used when no other category applies
interest payment	Portion of borrower payment applied to mortgage interest.
omnibus clause	A clause in a will or decree of distribution that encompasses all property not specifically mentioned.
brief	A written statement of the case, including a summery of the facts, a statement of the questions of law involved, and the arguments and legal authorities upon which the party relies
prescriptible	That which is subject to prescription.
quiet enjoyment	In leases there are frequently covenants by which the lessor agrees that the lessee shall peaceably enjoy the premises leased; this is called a covenant for quiet enjoyment
aristodemocracy	A form of government where the power is divided between the great men of the nation and the people.
title	Legal ownership of property, usually real property or automobiles.
tide lands	Lands that are covered at the highest point of the tide. These lands are State property and cannot be used for private purposes. Even though the tide may lower over a period of years, the land remains State property.
fair market value	n
case file	a complete collection of every document in a case.
cruelty	n
casus faederis	In international law, the case of a treaty
legislate	The power of a government to create and revise written laws governing things, people and places; a right of the provincial and federal governments to propose, enact and enforce laws derived from the Constitution
emergency	n
beach bum trust provision	n
in pro per	adj
patent pending	n
associate circuit judge	Presides over associate circuit court
silent partner	n
grantee	One who receives.
vendee	n
to wit	prep
jurisdiction	The power or authority of the court to act
notice of default	n
alternative dispute resolution	A process to resolve a dispute in lieu of traditional litigation e.g
voir dire	(vwahr [with a near-silent "r"] deer) n
dcdhs	Dane County Department of Human Services
interrogatories	Written questions asked to one party by an opposing party, who must answer them in writing under oath
dhfs	Department of Health and Family Services (State Agency)
bulk sale	n
option	A right given, for consideration, to purchase or lease property upon stipulated terms within a specific period of time.
reservation	n
rules of appellate procedure	These are the special rules that regulate the practice and procedure in appellate cases
oar	Operating After Revocation
enjoin	To require a person, by writ of injunction from a court of equity, to perform or to abstain or desist from some act.
irreconcilable differences	n
putative	Alleged; supposed; reputed.
summary reporting system	Florida State Courts System uniform case reporting system, pursuant to Section 25.075 (1), Florida Statutes
consideration	Anything of value given or promised by a party to induce another to enter into a contract; e.g., personal services or even love and affection. It may be a benefit conferred upon one party or a detriment suffered by the other.
amnesty	n
mental cruelty	n
postdated check	n
annulment	A declaration by a judge that a marriage is invalid
interests	the equity interests of stockholders are often referred to in bankruptcy documents merely as “interests.”
abstract system	A system consolidating into a single record or file pertinent information relating to all properties having delinquent assessments or taxes due and providing fiscal accountability. Gives an official history and record of each delinquent parcel and any tax liens against it.
proportional representation	A system in which parties receive seats in a legislative body roughly equal to their share of the votes.
curtesy	n
personal property	Assets, such as cars, stock, furniture, etc., that is not real estate or affixed to real property
amendment xix	While women had voted in some states before the adoption of the 19th Amendment, this important amendment established uniform rules in all states that guaranteed women the right to vote
jurisdictional amount	n
rejection of claim	n
oversight	Congress is vested with the power not only to make laws but also to ensure that these laws are effectively executed
cruelty to animals	n
certificate of taxes due	A written statement or guaranty of the condition of the taxes on a certain property made by the treasurer of the county wherein the property is located.
dicta	n
wanton	adj
assignee	n
statutory lien	An involuntary lien (created by law rather than by contract)
equity	A homeowner’s financial interest in a property
best evidence rule	n
capital stock	n
acreage	Any parcel of land which may be measured in terms of acres.
undue hardship	The most widely used test for evaluating undue hardship in the dischargeability of a student loan includes three conditions: (1) the debtor cannot maintain – based on current income and expenses – a minimal standard of living if forced to repay the loans; (2) there are indications that the state of affairs is likely to persist for a significant portion of the repayment period; and (3) the debtor made good faith efforts to repay the loans.
cashier's check	n
chattel real	A leasehold interest
jury venire	A panel of persons from which a jury is selected.
"southern bloc"	The name given to a group of conservative southern Democratic Senators, and one Republican Senator (John Tower of Texas), who opposed passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964
attestation clause	(See 'Testimonium Clause'.)
paralegal	An individual trained to perform a variety of legal tasks but who is not authorized to practice law.
contribution	n
accounts receivable	n
environmental protection agency	A federal agency created to permit coordinated and environment effective governmental action to preserve the quality of the environment.
injury	n
fee simple	See Fee Simple Estate.
priority	The Bankruptcy Code's statutory ranking of unsecured claims that determines the order in which unsecured claims will be paid if there is not enough money to pay all unsecured claims in full.
prevailing party	The party who wins a court case.
quid pro quo	Literally, "what for what." A fair return or consideration.
district attorney	n
statute of frauds	n
ornament	An embellisment
municipal	adj
counterpart	n
common carrier	n
breach	The breaking or violating of a law, right, or duty, either by commission or omission
market value	n
collusion	An agreement to do something with another person towards an illegal or harmful goal
tort non-motor vehicle action	Any tort action not included under tort motor vehicle except medical malpractice and breach of contract actions
obligor	(ah-bluh-gore) n
equity	The value of a debtor's interest in property that remains after liens and other creditors' interests are considered
contingent fee	n
ballot	The process by which people vote in an election.
complaint	a written statement by the person (called the "plaintiff") starting a civil lawsuit, which details the wrongs allegedly committed against that person by another person (called the "defendant").
enter a judgment	v
panderer	n
delinquent	Overdue, not paid on the due date agreed to.
indemnity	Compensation for a wrong done, or an expense or loss suffered as a result of the act or default of another
age of majority	The age at which a child becomes a legal adult with the full capacity to act on their own, including the capacity to sue and be sued
jurat	Certificate of officer or person whom writing was sworn before
conjoints	Persons married to each other
liable	Legally responsible.
operation of law	A right or entitlement arising under the law and not as a result of agreement.
deficiency	Something missing or lacking.
benefit	This word is used in the same sense as gain (q
assignment	Legal transfer of a right or an interest in property from the owner to another person.
de forciant	One who wrongfully keeps the owner of lands and tenements out of the possession of them
privity	The mutual or successive relationship to the same rights of property
constructive trust	In family law, the finding by a court that a person holds a portion of his or her assets for the benefit of the other party without an express agreement to that effect between the parties
in esse	In being
sealed bid sale	A Chapter 7 procedure of selling tax-defaulted property to an owner, who is the highest bidder in a sealed bid sale process, of contiguous property.
street improvements	Improvements connected with a street, such as paving, sidewalks, curbs, etc.
mining claim	n
mental health treatment	Special condition the court imposes to require an individual to undergo evaluation and treatment for a mental disorder
construction loan	A short-term interim loan to pay for the construction of building or homes
dedication	An appropriation of land by its owner to a public use and the acceptance for such use by authorized officials on behalf of the public.
colonel	An officer in the army, next below a brigadier general, bears this title.
performance	n
gavelkind	Given to all the kindred, or the hold or tenure of a family, not the kind of tenure
appraisal	an expert estimation of the quality, quantity, and other characteristics of someone or something
person	n
justice of the peace	(JP) n
deduction	n
section 77b	followed Section 77; provided for reorganization of companies other than railroads.
pecuniary	Relating to money, which is exactly what someone who is "impecunious" doesn't have a great deal of
gravamen	n
mural monuments	Monuments made in walls.
priority	The Bankruptcy Code's statutory ranking of unsecured claims that determines the order in which unsecured claims will be paid if there is not enough money to pay all unsecured claims in full
condition	n
stipulation for judgment	An agreement between the bankrupt debtor and creditor which ends the lawsuit
venue	n
codex	Literally, a volume or roll
revoke	To cancel or nullify a legal document
sub judice	Under consideration by the court.
ginnie mae – gnma	Government National Mortgage Association.
chapman	One whose business is to buy and sell goods or other things
tax	The enforced charge exacted of persons, corporations and organizations by the government, to be used to support government services and programs.
renunciation	n
offset	Using a debt to cancel another debt
inter se inter sese	Among themselves
cy pres doctrine	n
grantee	That party in the deed who is the buyer or recipient
willful	A "willful" act is one done intentionally, without justifiable cause, as distinguished from an act done carelessly or inadvertently.
substituted service	Personal service performed in a way other than required by the rules of court, as may be authorized by the court
claim in bankruptcy	n
civil case	A case to protect the private right of a person or to compel some type of solution in a dispute between parties
d.b.a.	n
dangerous offender	One who: (1) is being sentenced for a felony during the commission of which he knowingly murdered or endangered or threatened the life of another person or knowingly inflicted or attempted or threatened to inflict serious physical injury on another person; and (2) has been previously convicted of a class A or B felony or of a dangerous felony
chapter 12	chapter 12 of the U.S
quasi corporation	n
a fortiori	With greater force or reason.
request	1) v
ad valorem	adj
alternate juror	A juror selected in the same manner as a regular juror who hears all the evidence but does not help decide the case unless called on to replace a regular juror.
fraudulent conveyance	the transfer of valuable assets from a company which i) occurs when the company is technically insolvent, ii) renders the company insolvent, or iii) is made for less than adequate consideration
straw man	n
jurisprudence	The study of law and the structure of the legal system
post mortem	n
united states code	Same as
estreature	Civil aspect of a bond forfeiture.
legitimate	adj., adv1) legal, proper, real
grantor	One who gives.
replicated payment	A tax payment on a property for which payment has already been received.
question of fact	n
interest on escrow	Interest earned on funds held in escrow account paid either directly to borrower or credited to escrow account.
legal charge	A form of security (e.g
restitution	Act giving the equivalent for any loss, damage or injury
civil code	n
judicial	adj., adv
product liability	An area of law dealing with the liability of manufacturers or sellers of goods that cause damage or injury to consumers.
annexation	Addition to property by adding or attaching other property (e.g., fixtures) to it. Also, addition of a county's unincorporated territory to a city or town.
uwpd	University of Wisconsin Police Department
bankruptcy fee	Fee charged to borrower by lender or servicer as a result of bankruptcy filing by borrower, often a flat fee included in amount owed listed on proof of claim filed by servicer in chapter 13 or added to account as recoverable expense or corporate advance without notice to borrower or bankruptcy court approval.
condemnation	The legal process by which real estate of a private owner is taken for public use without his or her consent, but with payment of just compensation.
special administrator	n
posse comitatus	(pahs-see coh-mitt-tah-tus) n
government student loan	In the United States, a student loan that is issued or guaranteed by the federal government
spendthrift clause	n
query	n
levy	A seizure
action	Conduct, behaviour, something done
information	a formal accusation by a government attorney that the defendant committed a misdemeanor
preliminary title report	A report showing the condition of title before a sale or loan transaction. After completion of the transaction, a title insurance policy is issued. See also Title Report.
binder	n
unmarketable title	A title which has serious defects and is therefore unsalable.
redistribution	Application of payment or other posting to two or more accounts.
contempt of court	An act of disrespect to the court, willful disregard of the court's authority
counter offer	n
covenants	Agreements written into deeds and other instruments stating performance or non-performance of certain acts or noting certain uses or non-uses of property.
instrument	A formal legal document in writing.
subpoena	Literally, "under penalty"
ada	Assistant District Attorney
grand theft	n
remittitur	n
land act	Provincial legislation allowing married and unmarried spouses to file an "entry" on the title of the family home, whether court proceedings have been started or not, that will prevent the property from being transferred without their consent.
statuary hall	A large circular room in the Capitol with statues of famous Americans from each state
moot point	n
operation of law	n
obstruction of justice	Doing a thing or not doing a thing with the intention or effect of hindering the proper administration of justice
rod	A measure sixteen feet and a half long; a perch.
ostensible authority	n
robbery	n
certificate of pending litigation	A document filed in the office of the Land Title and Survey Authority against the title of real property, stating that the property is the subject of a court proceeding and that ownership of the property may change as a result; formerly called a lis pendens
unconstitutional	adj
short sale	A sale of a house in which the proceeds fall short of what the owner still owes on the mortgage
contingency	A condition that must be met before a contract is binding
rood of land	The fourth part of an acre.
article iii judge	A federal judge who is appointed for life, during "good behavior," under Article III of the Constitution
obedience	The performance of a command.
recourse	n
oaths	Sworn attestations required in court, usually administered by the in-court clerk
matrimonial home	In family law, the dwelling occupied by a family as their primary residence
law	The combination of rules and principles of conduct promulgated by legislative authority, derived from court decisions, and established by local custom.
personal property	Assets, such as cars, stock, furniture, etc., that is not real estate or affixed to real property.
dissent	To disagree
rape	See section 566.030, RSMo
insurer	n
abuse	See domestic violence.
tentative trust	n
public passage	This term is synonymous with public highway, with this difference; by the latter, is understood a right to pass over the land of another; by the former is meant the right of going over the water which is on another's land
currency	The money which passes, at a fixed value, from hand to hand; money which is authorized by law.
harassment	According to WI Statute § 813.125(1), striking, shoving, kicking, or otherwise subjecting a person to physical contact or attempting or threatening to engage in such contact, or engaging in a course of conduct or repeatedly committing acts which harass or intimidate a person and which serve no legitimate purpose.
late charge assessed	Fee charged to borrower's account when payment made after due date (usually fifteen days after due date).
implication	An inference of something not directly declared, but arising from what is admitted or expressed.
reissuable notes	Bank notes, which after having been once paid, may again be put into circulation, are so called.
real property	Land, and whatever grows on or is affixed to it.
quoad hoc	As to this; with respect to this
remand	Send back.
aggravated assault	An attempt to cause serious bodily injury to another or purposely, knowingly or recklessly causing such injury, or an attempt to cause or purposely or knowingly cause bodily injury to another with a deadly weapon.
rescind	To cancel or nullify a contract, either mutually or unilaterally.
affidavit of service	A legal document required by the rules of court in which a person who has personally served someone describes the circumstances in which the person was served
lien holder	One who benefits from or holds a lien
oligarchy	This name is given to designate the power which a few citizens of a state have usurped, which ought by the constitution to reside in the people
divisible	The susceptibility of being divided.
action at law	A suit or legal proceeding in which one demands his legal right in a court of justice.
homestead	The place of the house or home place
da	District Attorney
disclaimer	n
conclusion	n
perform	v
incest	n
moralism	judgments about another person's morality
customs	This term is usually applied to those taxes which are payable upon goods and merchandise imported or exported
in loco parentis	A Latin phrase meaning "in the place of a parent." Acting as a parent in the place of the child's natural parent or intending to stand in the place of that parent
bias	A particular influential power which sways the judgment; the inclination or propensity of the mind towards a particular object.
reasonable doubt	That state of the minds of jurors in which they are not firmly convinced as to the truth of the charge
attachment	Taking a person's property to satisfy a court-ordered debt
bad debt	n
legal advertising	n
alimony	Money paid by a divorced husband or wife to the ex-spouse for personal support
encumbrance	(incumbrance)n
assessment	A local tax levied against a property for a specific purpose, such as a sewer or streetlights.
modify	To alter; to change; to extend; to amend; to limit; to reduce.
confess	v
statement	A writing made by a person and signed or otherwise adopted or approved by such person; any mechanical, electrical or other recording or a transcription thereof, which is a recital of an oral utterance; and stenographic or written statements or notes which are in substance recitals of an oral statement.
exemptions	Exemptions are the lists of the kinds and values of property that is legally beyond the reach of creditors or the bankruptcy trustee
running with the land	Passing with transfer of the land. A covenant is said to run with the land when either the liability to perform it or the right to take advantage of it passes to the assignee of the land. This term is usually used in conjunction with easements and covenants.
family	n
forfeiture	A cancellation
creditor's rights	n
specific legacy	n
informed consent	Consent given after full disclosure of constitutional and other legal rights which impact on whether consent would be given.
presumption of abuse	see means test.
convey	To transfer title to property from one person to another.
to repudiate	To repudiate a right is to express in a sufficient manner, a determination not to accept it, when it is offered.
pander	1) v
family purpose doctrine	n
reserve	An additional sum of money required by lender to be paid into escrow account as part of monthly escrow payment to protect lender against increases in escrow expenses.
penal code	Code of laws concerning crimes and offenses and their punishment.
adversary	One who is a party in a writ or action opposed to the other party.
charged off	This is an accounting term that means the creditor does not expect to collect on the debt
chapter 13	The chapter of the Bankruptcy Code providing for adjustment of debts of an individual with regular income, often referred to as a “wage-earner” plan
offeree	n
by-laws	Rules and ordinances made by a corporation for its own government.
support trust	A trust that instructs the trustee to spend only as much income and principal (the assets held in the trust) as needed for the beneficiary's support
quotient verdict	n
toll	v
unjust enrichment	Money, services or other benefits unfairly received by a person at a corresponding or loss to another person
grantee	A person to whom a grant is made; the purchaser.
decedent	A deceased person
plat	A map of a piece of land, in which are marked the courses and disstances of the different lines, and the quantity of land it contains.
security interest	An interest in real or personal property which secures or ensures payment of an obligation.
perfected	In contract law, finished, legally complete and enforceable; executed
willful	adj
bill of sale	n
kidnapping	Unlawfully taking and carrying away a person by force and against his/her will.
allegation	A claim that a certain set of facts is true, such as "on Monday, I had soup for lunch" or "Bob drives a blue Camaro." Also called an "allegation of fact" or a "statement of fact."
foster parent	An adult charged with the care of a child who is not his or her own natural or adoptive child, usually in the position of a guardian to the child, who receives money in exchange for caring for the child
adoption act	A provincial law dealing with the adoption process and the ability to adopt.
capitalized value	n
board	An official body organized to perform managerial or administrative functions; e.g., the county board of supervisors. The "State Board" refers to the State Board of Equalization.
bapcpa	Abbreviation for the
occupy the field	v
chastity	That virtue which prevents the unlawful commerce of the sexes.
consent decree	In a juvenile case, an agreement worked out at the pre-trial hearing thereby avoiding a final dispositional hearing.
ego	I, myself
joint tenancy	A form of property co-ownership in which each joint tenant has a right of ownership of the whole property that is indistinct from the ownership rights of the other joint tenants
chattels	All forms of personal property and leases excluding interest in land, shares and Government debentures.
reverse	to set aside a decision or order, on appeal or by the same court, and enter a different decision or order
pro indiviso	For an undivided part
irrevocable trust	A trust that, once set up, the grantor may not revoke
lot line	The boundary line of a lot in a subdivision.
deficient	Incomplete; defective; not sufficient in quantity or force.
lobby	A noun referring to a group of persons or an organization seeking to influence the passage or defeat of legislation
alternative	The one or the other of two things
de facto	Latin, meaning "in fact" or "actually." Something that exists in fact but not as a matter of law.
gift	n
mitigating circumstances	Circumstances which do not constitute justification for committing an offense, but which may reduce degree of blame and help reduce sentence of individual convicted
civil law	n
pleadings	Written statements filed with the court which describe a party’s legal or factual assertions about the case.
smith act	A federal law adopted in 1940 that makes it illegal to advocate the violent overthrow of the government.
legal texts	Books that cover specific areas of the law, usually dealing with a single topic.
assessed valuation	A valuation placed upon property by a public authority as a basis for levying taxes on the property.
rascatl	An opprobrious term, applied to persons of bad character
de jure	As a result of law or official government action.
sound mind and memory	n
conveyance	n
sentencing report	See pre-sentencing report.
necessities	Purchases that are required for the sustenance of life without being excessive
underwrite	v
transfer	In law, the act of an owner of a thing giving ownership of that thing to another person, in exchange for money or other property in the case of a sale or in exchange for other rights in the case of a family law agreement
liquidation	The sale of a debtor's property with the proceeds to be used for the benefit of creditors.
habitual drunkard	A person given to ebriety or the excessive use of intoxicating drink, who has lost the power or the will, by frequent indulgence, to control his appetite for it.
principal	Sum of money outstanding on mortgage upon which interest is payable.
collateral	Property pledged as security for satisfaction of a debt
collusive action	n
repossess	v
refalo	A word composed of the three initial syllables re
contraband	Articles that are illegal to possess.
341 meeting	(see first meeting of creditors)
personal liberty	Vide Liberty.
llama	A domesticated South American camelid, widely used as a meat and pack animal by Andean cultures.
subject to sale	A property becomes subject to the tax collector's power of sale five or more years after the property becomes tax-defaulted. See also Notice of Power to Sell Tax-Defaulted Property and Power to Sell.
gross	Absolute; entire, not depending on another
escrow balance	Amount of funds remaining in escrow account.
hybrid custody	The parents have primary physical custody of some of their children and shared physical custody of other of their children
contested matter	a dispute among the parties to a bankruptcy proceeding, instituted by the filing of a motion of the court.
surrebutal	n
tax lien	A charge against or an interest in property to obligate (encumber) the property or its owner in order to satisfy levies of the government.
acquisition	The act or process by which a person procures property.
acceleration clause	n
civil calendar	n
consideration	Something of real value given in return for performance or the promise of performance, which induces a party to make an agreement or enter into a binding contract.
misprision of a felony	n
driving while intoxicated	See section 577.010, RSMO.
unliquidated claim	A claim for which a specific value has not been determined.
homo	This Latin word, in its most enlarged sense, includes both man and woman
absolute	Final, complete and unconditional
escrow	Money or a written instrument, such as a deed, that by agreement between two parties is held by a neutral third party ("held in escrow") until all conditions of the agreement are met.
suspension	exclusion of a student from school for a specified period as a disciplinary measure; less severe punishment than expulsion (q.v.).
bankruptcy rules	Also known as the Federal Rules of Bankruptcy Procedure
trade fixture	n
beneficiary	Someone named to receive property or benefits in a will, trust, insurance policy, or other such document.
arrears	Payment that is overdue or made after the date when it fell due.
subordinate agreement	An agreement by which an encumbrance is made subject (junior) to an encumbrance. For example: A loan on vacant land is made subject to a subsequent construction loan.
constructive fraud	n
easement in gross	An easement for the benefit of a person or company, rather than for the benefit of another parcel of land. Commonly, easements are for public utilities.
transfer tax	Government tax on the transfer of real property. Based on the purchase price or money changing hands
tenancy at will	n
native title	A form of communal title whereby land is not owned but is used by those who have rights over it
disclosure statement	An explanatory document that accompanies the plan and the solicitation of votes in a Chapter 11 case
personal security	The legal and uninterrupted enjoyment by a man of his life, his body, his health and his reputation
yeven	Given; dated
change	The exchange of money for money
unissued stock	n
appellate court clerk′s office	This is the place that deals with all paperwork that comes into and out of the Supreme Court and the Court of Appeals
devise	A gift of real property made in a will.
res gestae	(rayz jest-tie) n
general plan	n
asylum state	The state holding a fugitive from justice in another state.
fee simple estate	The greatest interest that one can have in real property. An estate that is unqualified, of indefinite duration, freely transferable, and inheritable.
alibi	n
stipulate	to enter into a binding agreement on an issue that is not genuinely in dispute
power of attorney	An instrument authorizing another to act as one's agent or attorney.
de minimis	Small or unimportant
market value	Same as Fair Market Value.
jurist	A legal scholar.
sua sponte	A Latin phrase which means on one's own behalf; voluntary, without prompting or suggestion
plaintiff	A person or business that files a formal complaint with the court.
permission to move	According to WI Statute §767.481, if more than one parent has been awarded periods of physical placement, a parent with legal custody of and physical placement rights to a child must provide 60 days' written notice to the other parent and the court of intent to (1) establish a legal residence with the child outside of the state; (2) establish a legal residence with the child within this state a distance of 150 miles or more from the other parent; or (3) remove the child from this state for a period of time exceeding 90 consecutive days
color of law	n
master servicer	Servicer responsible for protecting interests of mortgage-backed securities' certificate holders and oversight of primary servicers.
conflict attorney	One of a pool of attorneys appointed on rotation when a codefendant has the Public Defender.
exempt assets	Property that a debtor is allowed to retain, free from the claims of creditors who do not have liens on the property.
dna testing	DNA testing which is also called "genetic testing" shows whether someone is the parent of a child
implied contract	n
township	In the survey of public lands of the United States, a territorial subdivision six miles long and six miles wide, containing 36 one-mile-square sections, located between two range lines and two township lines.
insurable interest	A real and financial interest in property or the life of another sufficient to support and justify ownership of an insurance policy.
actual controversy	n
domicile	The place where one has one's permanent home, where one lives most of the time; sometimes the place where one intends to have a permanent home
adverse possession	Method of acquiring real property under certain conditions by possession for a statutory period.
precaution	judiciousness in avoiding harm or danger
taxable income	The income against which tax rates are applied to compute tax paid; gross income of businesses or adjusted gross income of individuals less deductions and exemptions.
candidate	One who offers himself or is offered by others for an office.
conjugal rights	n
in rem	A Latin phrase meaning "against the thing." Refers to a right or an order made in reference to objects or property rather than against a person.
amortization	n
preference	A transfer to a creditor in payment of an existing debt made within certain time periods before the commencement of the case
franchise tax	n
recovery	Distribution of borrower payment or funds to servicer as reimbursement of escrow, corporate, or other advances.
counts	(See 'Indictment'.)
quasi-criminal	adj
btw	A law student's mnemonic device, short for "Bigamy = Two Wives."
practice	The form, manner and order of conducting and carrying on suits or prosecutions in the courts through their various stages, according, to the principles of law, and the rules laid down by the respective courts.
oath	In law, a promise of the truth of a statement secured by one's faith in a god, and the prospect of torment in the afterlife in the event the promise is falsely made
doubt	The uncertainty which exists in relation to a fact, a proposition, or other thing; or it is an equipoise of the mind arising from an equality of contrary reasons
condonation	A term used in the canon law
incarcerate	To confine in jail.
pool	A small lake of standing water.
beneficiary	A person for whom a trustee holds a trust; the recipient or intended recipient of property given in a will
revoke	v
undbundled legal services	Some attorneys are willing to provide limited legal services to clients
et ux	An abbreviation for et uxor; literally, "and wife."
sexual harassment	n
merits	The substantive claims and defenses raised by the parties to an action.
innuendo	n
executio non	These words occur in the stat
lienor	n
presumption of innocence	n
bicameral	A legislature, such as the U.S
responsible	adj
tax return	n
voice vote	Method of voting in either house, with members answering "aye" or "no" in chorus and with no tabulation of individual votes
recover	v
actionable	adj
abduction	n
cohabitation	Living with another person, shacking up
criminal history privacy laws	State laws that limit the access of non-law enforcement personnel to criminal records maintained by states.
short payment	Payment made in less than full monthly amount due under the loan payment schedule, often held in suspense account until full amount received.
admission against interest	n
reprieve	n
bench	The seat occupied by the judge; more broadly, the court or judicial branch itself.
instrument	In law, a legal document that sets out certain rights and obligations, or records certain facts or entitlements to certain benefits and obligations, such as a contract, a waiver and a will
international law	n
"chapter 22"	an unofficial term describing a company that has filed for Chapter 11 twice.
action	Case, cause, suit, or controversy disputed or contested before a court of justice
multifarious	adj., adv
fornication	Sex between two unmarried people
contingent	Used to describe debts that are not fixed in right at the time, but are dependent on some other event happening to fix the liability.
inferior courts	By this term are understood all courts except the supreme courts
pray	v
consiginment	The goods or property sent by a common carrier from one or more persons called the consignors, from one place, to one or more persons, called the consignees, who are in another
sine die	A Latin phrase meaning "without a day." An application adjourned sine die has been adjourned without a specific date being set for the hearing, often in the expectation that it will never need to be set for hearing
extradition	Process by which one state or nation surrenders to another state or nation a person accused or convicted of a crime in the requesting state/nation.
chattel	Any property that is not freehold land
non-contestability clause	n
acs	Adult Community Services (Division of DCDHS)
contract	Legally enforceable agreement between two or more competent parties made either orally or in writing.
waiver	the act of knowingly, intentionally, and voluntarily giving up a right
gross negligence	A negligent act committed with a conscious indifference to the consequences thereof willfully or wantonly.
oath	Solemn pledge to keep a promise or speak the truth.
civil law	Law which is not criminal or church law (usually the former), it may mean law based on the Roman system
diet	An assembly held by persons having authority to manage the public affairs of the nation
disbursement	Use of funds to pay for servicing-related charges and expenses, including payments made out of escrow.
peremptory	Something which is fixed, mandatory or absolute
survivorship	Another name for joint tenancy
security deposit	n
accomplice	1
breach of contract	Failure by one of the parties to a contract (q.v.) to satisfactorily perform the service or action agreed to in the contract.
affidavit	A written statement or declaration sworn to or affirmed before some officer who has authority to administer an oath or affirmation.
reliance	n
negative equity	This is used to describe a situation where the market value of your house is less than the balance you owe on your mortgage
congress	Definition: The legislative branch of the federal government with the primary function of enacting law.
incriminate	v
enjoyment	n
public domain	n
aoda	Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse
bequeath	To give a gift to someone through a will.
per stirpes	By stock; by roots.
bequeath	v
unsecured	A claim or debt is unsecured if there is no collateral that is security for the debt. Most consumer debts are unsecured.
carryover	n
half-brother and half-sister	Persons who have the same father but different mothers; or the same mother but different fathers.
to alter	To change
bargain	n
final decree	n
masculine	That which belongs to the male sex.
furnisher	are entities that send information to Credit Reporting Agencies regarding creditworthiness in the normal course of business.
murder	See "homicide" in this glossary.
under the influence	n
owi	Operating While Intoxicated
embezzlement	Fraudulently taking property or money entrusted to one individual by another.
fair dealing	legitimate use or reproduction of part or all of copyright (q.v.) material by someone other than the copyright owner, for defined purposes.
chapter 7	The chapter of the bankruptcy code that sets forth the provisions relating to liquidation of a debtor’s assets
reasonable care	That degree of care that would ordinarily be exercised by a reasonably prudent person under similar circumstances.
entity	n
soldier	A military man; a private in the army.
res adjudicata	n
creditor	a person to whom a debt is owed ;esp : a person to whom money or goods are due compare debtor, obligor general creditor : a creditor who is not secured by a lien or other security interest ...
pro rata	According to the rate, proportion or allowance
living trust	Trust set up and in effect during lifetime of grantor
u.s. attorney	A lawyer appointed by the President in each judicial district to prosecute and defend cases for the federal government
to remit	To annul a fine or forfeiture.
arson	The crime of knowingly damaging a building by starting a fire
bar association	Missouri has more than 80 local and specialty bar associations, which are voluntary
duty of care	n
corroborate	Definition: To add weight or credibility to testimony.
color of title	n
consign	v
board of civil authority	A used in Vermont
time served	Actual number of days served in jail
class action	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
straight bankruptcy	An informal term for a Chapter 7 bankruptcy or liquidation; used more commonly to describe liquidation before the Bankruptcy Reform Act of 1978.
statutory construction	Process by which a court seeks to interpret legislation.
income	The gain which proceeds from property, labor, or business; it is applied particularly to individuals; the income of the government is usually called revenue.
recorder	1
lis pendens	Literally, "a pending lawsuit." A notice of lis pendens serves as a warning to all persons that the title to certain property is disputed in a lawsuit.
revocation	Cancelling the effect of a previous act, e.g
joint tenancy	Form of legal co-ownership of property which gives the survivors, when one of the owners dies, the rights to the decedent's shares of the property
consecutive sentences	Successive sentences, one beginning at the expiration of another, imposed against a person convicted of two or more violations
advisory opinion	n
access	n
lessor	A person who leases property or goods to another.
bequeath	To give a gift to someone through a will
forensics	n
lease	A document of agreement between a landlord and a tenant, for rental of premises.
obiter dicta	(oh-bitter dick-tah) n
revenue stamps	Government stamps (similar to postage stamps) affixed to a conveying instrument (deed), or rubber stamps imprinted on such documents to show the amount of tax imposed on the real estate transaction. See also Documentary Transfer Tax.
attorney	One who acts for another byvirtue of an appointment by the latter
isthmus	A tongue or strip of land between two seas
de facto	A Latin phrase meaning "in fact."
orphan	n
statute of limitations	a law setting a fixed time period (for example, one year) after which a person cannot sue someone for an alleged injury or a government cannot prosecute someone for a crime
caseload	Total number of cases filed in a given court or before a given judicial officer for a given period of time.
order to show cause	n
discharge	v
per se	In and of itself.
alien	A foreign-born person who has not qualified as a citizen of the country.
in extremis	This phrase is used to denote the end of life; as, a marriage in extremis, is one made at the end of life
arrest of judgment	Act of delaying the effect of a judgment already entered.
zetetic	Proceeding by inquiry
cumulative sentence	Any sentence which is to take effect after the expiration of a prior sentence.
motion	Attempt to have a limited issue heard by the court
trade name	n
action	A lawsuit brought in a state of federal court
conclusion of fact	n
o.r.	n
alias	n
court costs	The expenses of prosecuting or defending a lawsuit, other than attorneys' fees
pad	Prosecutor's alternative division: Settlement without Prosecution.
theft	n
concurrent	Happening or existing at the same time
fair comment	Term used in libel law applying to statements relating to matters of public concern made by a writer in honest belief that they are true, even though they are not.
domestic contract	In family law, an agreement between two or more persons about legal issues that have arisen or made arise, dealing with their respective rights and obligations to one another, that the parties expect will be binding on them and be enforceable in court
missouri constitution	The Missouri Constitution is the ultimate legal authority in the state, subject only to the supremacy of the U.S
public nuisance	n
entrapment	The act of officers or agents of a government in inducing a person to commit a crime not contemplated by him or her, for the purpose of instituting a criminal prosecution against him or her.
lay advocate	In relation to the Children Young Persons and their Families Act 1989:In both Care and Protection and Youth Court proceedings, is a person appointed to appear in support of the young person to ensure that the Court is made aware of all cultural matters that are relevant to the proceedings and to represent the interests of the child's or young person's whānau, hapū, and iwi (or their equivalents (if any) in the culture of the child or young person.
blue sky laws	State statutes regulating sale of securities.
pledge	v
nugatory	adj
companion bill	Bills that may be identical or very similar and are introduced separately in the House or Senate
in toto	(in toe-toe)adj
exonerate	Removal of a charge, responsibility or duty
legal aid	Professional legal services available usually to persons or organizations unable to afford such services
accomplice	n
ordinance	Law enacted by a municipality such as a county or city council.
merchantable	adj
dealer	n
battery	It is proposed to consider, 1
war powers act	The 1973 War Powers Act requires the president to consult with Congress before sending troops abroad.
spousal support	Money paid by a divorced husband or wife to the ex-spouse for personal support
solicitor	n
preferential lien	A lien obtained under circumstances which makes it a preferential transfer and subject to being avoided.
et al	All others.
in toto	In the whole; wholly; completely; as, the award is void in toto
name	One or more words used to distinguish a particular individual, as Socrates, Benjamin Franklin.
foreclosure	Your mortgage lender may start a foreclosure action and sell your home at a Sheriff's sale
ascendants	Those from whom a person is descended, or from whom he derives his birth, however remote they may be.
fugitive from justice	n
leading	1) v
period of exclusivity	(see exclusivity)
discrepancy	A difference between one thing and another, between one writing and another; a variance
in issue	Definition: The truth of facts in a case that must be established at trial
surcharge	n
insolvent	When the total debt of an entity is greater than all of its property.
due	n
crime	An act in violation of the penal laws of a state or the United States
lien	Legal claim against another person's property as security for a debt, lasting until the debt has been paid.
marriage	A legal relationship between two persons, whether of the same or opposite genders, that is solemnized by a marriage commissioner or licenced religious official and gives rise to certain mutual rights, benefits and obligations
testamentary trust	A trust set up by a will
notice of lis pendens	A notice filed on public records to warn all persons that the title to certain property is in litigation, and that if they purchase or lease that property they are in danger of being bound by an adverse judgment
guarantee	1) v
notice	1
suit	In law, a court proceeding, a lawsuit, a legal action, a case; a claimant's claim against a respondent
tenancy in common	A kind of co-ownership of property in which two or more owners have distinct shares in the common property
aid and abet	To actively, knowingly or intentionally assist another person in the commission or attempted commission of a crime.
disclosure	A step in a court proceeding in which each party advises the other of the documents in his or her possession which relate to the issues in the court proceeding and produces copies of any requested documents before trial
grant	v
mortgagee	One to whom property is mortgaged.
next of kin	n
legal duty	An obligation at law to do or not do a thing, whether by legislation, the common law or an order of the court
cognovit judgment	See confession of judgment.
fornication	n
biological father	The man who fathers a child by impregnating the mother.
cancellation	cancel
peaceable possession	n
board of directors	n
harmless error	Error committed during trial which was not serious enough to affect outcome of trial and thus is not grounds for reversal
jury commissioner	The court officer responsible for choosing the panel of persons to serve as potential jurors for a particular court term
luxuries	Purchases made that provide pleasure or comfort but are not absolutely necessary.
disbarment	Form of disciplining a lawyer whereby he/she loses, permanently or temporarily, the right to practice law.
property	Everything capable of being owned and acquired lawfully; the rights of ownership; the right to use, possess, enjoy, and dispose of a thing in every legal way and to exclude everyone else from interfering with these rights. Property is classified into two groups: personal property and real property.
testify	v
frisk	v
estate	All properties owned by an individual when he/she dies.
valuable consideration	n
modification	n
adopt	v
robbery	Felonious taking of another's property, from his or her person or immediate presence and against his or her will, by means of force or fear.
cause of action	A legal claim.
street improvement bonds	Interest-bearing bonds issued by a local government, to secure assessments for street improvements
offer	An expressed willingness to enter into a contract or to perform an act.
warranty	A promise that a proposition of fact is true.
juris doctor	Doctor of Law
in lieu	prep
official misconduct	n
et seq.	"And the following."
servant	n
legal tender	n
bondsman	n
custom	A usage which had acquired the force of law
breach	The breaking or violating of a law, right, or duty, either by the commission or omission of an act.
consumer lease	A contract (q.v.) for hire of goods by a person for a specified period and rental.
christianity	The religion established by Jesus Christ.
inundation	The overflow of waters by coming out of their bed.
will	A written, legal declaration of a person expressing his/her desires for the disposition of the person's property after death.
ergo	A Latin word meaning "therefore."
roll	A schedule of parchment which may be turned up with the hand in the form of a pipe or tube
equitable estoppel	n
class action	A lawsuit brought by a limited number of members on behalf of a larger group, all of whom share a common right or damage.
capital account	n
government survey	A method of specifying the location of parcels of land using prime meridians, base lines, standard parallels, guide meridians, townships and sections.
order nisi	A conditional order which is to be confirmed unless something be done, which has been required, by a time specified
ancillary	That which is subordinate on, or is
dynasty	A succession of kings in the same line or family; government; sovereignty.
letters patent	An instrument from the government (federal or state) granting land to an individual. See also Patent.
ex delicto	Rights and causes of action arising from a wrong or "tort."
remand	When an appellate court sends a case back to a lower court for further proceedings
jips	(Juvenile in Need of Protection or Services) Court proceedings involving a juvenile under the age of 18-(1) whose parent signs a petition requesting the court to take jurisdiction and is unable to control the juvenile; (2) who is habitually truant from school or home; (3) who is a school dropout; (4) who is under the age of 10 and has committed a delinquent (criminal) act; or (5) who has been determined to be not responsible for a delinquent act by reason of mental disease or defect or who has been determined to be not competent to proceed.
redeem	To buy back, repurchase, recover; to free property from the debt of defaulted taxes.
arm's length	adj
picketing	n
magistrate judges	Judicial officers who assist U.S
seized	(seised) n
ransom	1) n
dower	n
set-off	The ability to discharge or reduce a debt by applying a counter claim between the same parties.
public defender	See "SPD"
conversant	One who is in the habit of being in a particular place, is said to be conversant there
fugitive	A person who flees from one state to another to avoid prosecution.
vulture funds	(also referred to as vulture capitalists or vulture investors) – investment groups that are prominent in the restructuring of financially distressed and bankrupt companies usually by the buying or selling of large pieces of the distressed company’s debt and/or equity.
et ux.	(et uhks) n
conformed copy	An exact copy of a document on which has been written things that could not or were not copied, i.e., a written signature is replaced on the conformed copy with a notation that it was signed by the parties.
judicial discretion	n
executive session	Session of a committee, or occasionally of an entire chamber, that is closed to the public.
contract	A legally enforceable agreement between two or more competent parties made either orally or in writing.
lis pendens	The old name of a document filed in the Land Title and Survey Authority against the title of real property stating that the property is the subject of a court proceeding and that ownership of the property may change as a result, now known as a Certificate of Pending Litigation
joint tenancy	A form of legal co-ownership of property (also known as survivorship)
licensee	n
booking	The process of photographing, fingerprinting and recording identifying data of a suspect
privilege	In law, the duty a lawyer has to keep his or her client's information confidential, including communications between the lawyer and client and advice given to the client; the client's right to have his or her confidential communications kept secret and protected from disclosure
mechanic’s lien	A lien created by statute on a specific property for labor or materials contributed to an improvement on that property.
balance sheet	n
notice	Formal notification to a party that a civil lawsuit has been filed against him/her
sc	Designation of a Small Claims case.
irrigation	The act of wetting or moist ening the ground by artificial means.
domicile	The place where a person has his permanent home to which he intends to return.
contract	An agreement between two or more persons which creates an obligation to do or not to do a particular thing
de facto corporation	n
asset personal	possessions of value, including cash, real estate, vehicles and investments.
a fortiori	(ah-for-she-ory) prep
star	Sheriff's Telephone Alternative Release
parol	adj
trust	In law, a form of possession of property in which a "trustee" keeps and manages property for the benefit of another person, the "beneficiary." The trustee holds the property in trust for the beneficiary
forensic	Belonging to or applied in the Courts of Justice (e.g
statute of limitations	The length of time a debt collector or creditor can lawfully collect a debt.
chief justice	n
consortium	The marital relationship between spouses, specifically the right of each spouse to the company and aid of the other
retainer	Act of the client in employing the attorney or counsel, and also denotes the fee that the client pays when he or she retains the attorney to act for them.
judge	An official of the judicial branch of government with authority to decide lawsuits brought before courts
defined benefit plan	This type of retirement plan is generally considered a "traditional" pension plan
valuable consideration	A legal term meaning any consideration sufficient to support a contract
three-day notice	n
majority party	The political party with the most elected members.
per capita	adj
intangible assets	Nonphysical items, such as stock certificates, bonds, bank accounts, and pension benefits that have value and must be taken into account in estate planning.
occupation	n
indorsement	n
assured	A person who has been insured by some insurance company, or underwriter, against losses or perils mentioned in the policy of insurance
confirmation	Approval of a plan of reorganization by a bankruptcy judge.
general lien	1) A lien such as a tax lien or a judgment lien, which attaches to all property of the debtor, rather than the lien of, for example, a trust deed, which attaches only to specific property. 2) The right of a creditor to hold personal property of a debtor for payment of a debt not associated with the property being held. This type of general lien must be done under an agreement.
goods	n
registry	A book authorized by law, in which writings are registered or recorded
appeals court	See "appellate court" in this glossary.
peer review	n
incompetent	adj
chapter 11	A reorganization bankruptcy, usually involving a corporation or partnership
compound interest	Interest allowed upon interest; for example, when a sum of money due for interest, is added to the principal, and then bears interest
district work period	The time set for House members to work in their home district.
assets	Money, property, and money-related rights that you own.
crown	The formal term for the Sovereign (the Queen)
brandy	A spirituous liquor made of wine by distillation
gift deed	A deed for which the consideration is love and affection and where there is no material consideration.
termination of parental rights	A judicial order ending a parent's legal relationship with that parent's child.
tranches	a piece, portion or slice of a deal or structured financing
satisfaction	A document evidencing release or discharge of an obligation such as a mortgage.
tax sale	Public sale of property at auction by governmental authority, after a period of nonpayment of property tax.
fiduciary	One who owes to another the duties of good faith, trust, confidence and candor.
supervised release	Term of supervision served after a person is released from prison
agard	An old word which signifies award
invest	v
domestic relations	n
burden of proof	A rule of evidence which requires a party to prove a fact or facts in dispute
motion	A formal request to a judge or court to perform a certain act favorable to the requester.
domestic partners	n
negligence	Failure to use care which a reasonable and prudent person would use under similar circumstances.
employer	One who has engaged or hired the services of another
attesting witness	One who, upon being required by the parties to an instrument, signs his name to it to prove it, and for the purpose of identification.
undivided interest	n
dd 214	Military Discharge Form issued by the government upon discharge from military service.
immigration	The removing into one place from another
assumption	n
citizen	n
sound discretion	Judicial discretion which is not arbitrary but is fair and equitable under the circumstances.
ipse dixit	A statement that depends for its persuasiveness on the authority of the one who said it.
reconveyance	The transfer of the title of land from one person to the immediately preceding owner. This instrument of transfer is commonly used to transfer the legal title from the trustee to the trustor (borrower) after a trust deed debt has been paid in full.
lesser-included offense	n
decide	v
treaty	n
ingress	A term concerning a right to come and go across the land (public or private) of another
nil	A short form of the Latin word nihil meaning "nothing"; usually used to indicate a zero value
vagrancy	n
oral contract	n
probation officer	Officers of the probation office of a court
ab initio	prep
several liability	n
bankruptcy courts	U.S
family bible	A Bible containing an account of the births, marriages, and deaths of the members of a family.
assess	v
demand note	n
service mark	Any word, name, symbol, character, design, drawing or device used to identify services rendered and to distinguish them from services rendered or offered by others.
post	After
tax sale	n
to entail	To create an estate tail
cram down	A term that describes the reduction of the amount paid for a secured asset (vehicle, furniture, ect..) from the amount owed to the actual value of the asset on the date of filing of the bankruptcy case.
recess	n
quare ejecit infra terminum	Wherefore did he eject within the term
insufficient evidence	n
survivorship	Another name for joint tenancy, in which one owner becomes entitled to property because he or she has survived all other owners.
bad faith	Willful or dishonest conduct in a situation where a party owes a financial or other duty to a third party
proprietary	In its strict sense, this word signifies one who is master of his actions, and who has the free disposition of his property
stockholder	n
forgery	Falsely making or materially altering what would otherwise be an apparently genuine document, with an intent to defraud others who rely on the genuineness of the document.
condemn	To pronounce guilty
fiscal year	An accounting year, as distinguished from a calendar year or an assessment year (q.v.). For property tax purposes, the fiscal year is July 1 through June 30.
united states supreme court	Definition: The court of last resort
on the merits	adj
i.e.	prep
cestui que use	(pronounced ses-tee kay use or setty kay use) n
constitution	Definition: The document that sets forth the fundamental laws that create the branches of government and identify the basic rights and obligations of citizens
miscarriage of justice	A term referring to the demonstrable and traumatic failure of the justice system in a particular court proceeding.
registry of deeds	n
records	n
principal	The employer or master of an employee or agent; one who authorizes another to act on his behalf.
sanction	A penalty or other type of enforcement used to bring about compliance with the law or with rules and regulations.
service by fax	n
duty	n
chattel	n
specific finding	n
excambium	Exchange
prince	In a general sense, a sovereign the ruler of a nation or state
twelve tables	The name given to a code of Roman laws, commonly called the Law of the Twelve Tables
guarantor	n
in chambers	adj
unconscionable	adj
testamentary	adj
turn states' evidence	v
jv	Juvenile
interrogatories	Written questions questions submitted to another party in a lawsuit for which written answers must be provided
legal description	A land description recognized by law; a description by which property can be definitely located by reference to government surveys or approved recorded map.
duress	Undue pressure placed on a person to force him or her to do something.
logrolling	An informal pact in which members agree to vote for each other's priorities.
preliminary injunction	n
priority	n
trust	Includes an express trust, private or charitable, with any additions, wherever and however created
addenda	Supplement -- addition to the delinquent list of those properties that were, by operation of law, validly declared to be in default in previous years but were inadvertently omitted from previous published delinquent lists.
girth	, A girth or yard is a measure of length
real	A term which is applied to land in its most enlarged signification
injunction	An order of the court directing a person not to do certain things
judicature	the act of meting out justice according to the law
reckless disregard	n
extenuating circumstances	Circumstances which render a crime less aggravated, heinous, or reprehensible than it would otherwise be.
copartner	n
bankruptcy code	In the United States, an informal name for federal bankruptcy law as codified in Title 11 of the U.S
divestment	n
foreclosure	To take back legal title to and possession of property.
constructive possession	n
descent and distribution	n
substitution of attorney	n
incapacity	Lack of legal ability to act; disability, incompetence; lack of adequate power.
civil liability	n
title	Legal ownership of property.
preliminary	Something which precedes, as preliminaries of peace, which are the first sketch of a treaty, and contain the principal articles on which both parties are desirous of concluding, and which are to serve as the basis of the treaty.
endowment	In family law, the giving of dower to a wife or dowry by a wife
interlocutory	Literally, "between speakings;" refers to interim applications brought after the start of a court proceeding but before its conclusion
reasonable reliance	n
false pretenses	n
document	n
jury of one's peers	n
seeds	The substance which nature prepares for the reproduction of plants or animals.
battery	Bodily harm to another by an act done with intent to cause bodily harm to that person or another without the consent of the person so harmed
human activity	something that people do or cause to happen
liquidated claim	A creditor's claim for a fixed amount of money.
latent defect	A defect in a product or premises that is not readily observable or discoverable even with the exercise of ordinary care.
broker's price opinion	Evaluation of property value typically based on drive-by exterior examination, public data sources, and recent comparable sales, obtained by servicer as alternative to full appraisal after loan is placed in default status or upon loan modification.
approach the witness	v
statutory construction	Process by which a court seeks to interpret the meaning and scope of legislation.
branches	Those solid parts of trees which grow above the trunk.
equitable	adj
alternative dispute resolution	A procedure for settling a dispute outside the courtroom.
pimp	n
chain of title	A history of conveyances and encumbrances affecting the title as far back as records are available.
family support	A form of payment that substitutes for child support and maintenance payments that is tax deductible to the payer and taxable to the recipient.
sustain	Definition: To support, approve, or adequately maintain a motion.
landlord	n
indefensus	One sued or impleaded, who refuses or has nothing to answer.
posthumous child	after the death of its father; or, when the Caesarian operation is performed, after that of the mother.
in limine	In or at the beginning
homestead	1) n
security interest	A lien on personal property obtained by consent
political party	An organization of citizens who have similar views on public issues and work for the election of party members to public office.
private parts	n
grantor-grantee index	The record of the passing of title to all of the properties in a county, as kept by the county recorder's office
calendar call	n
referee	Person appointed by a court to assist with certain proceedings, such as taking testimony.
fop	First Offenders Program
crown	In law, the federal and provincial governments and their departments and agencies
sex	The physical difference between male and female in animals.
lower court	n
loose-leaf services	Loose-leaf replacement pages provided by a publisher in areas of the law where changes occur at a rapid rate.
gross income	n
tax search	A part of a title search that determines if there is any unpaid tax or assessment that may be a lien against the property being searched.
paterna paternis	This expression is used in the French law to signify that in a succession, the property coming from the father of the deceased, descends to his paternal relations.
military courts	Military courts are usually convened where military personnel are assigned such as Ft
commute a sentence	See: commutation
ex parte proceeding	The legal procedure in which only one side is represented
good time	A reduction in sentenced time in prison as a reward for good behavior
habit	A disposition or condition of the body or mind acquired by custom or a frequent repetition of the same act
dmv	Department of Motor Vehicles
inconclusive	What does not put an end to a thing
parliament	This word, derived from the French parlement, in the English law, is used to designate the legislative branch of the government of Great Britain, composed of the house of lords, and the house of commons.
burial	The act of interring the dead.
test	A criterion or set of criteria used by courts to determine if certain legal thresholds have been met or constitutional provisions violated.
ad hoc	Formed for a particular purpose (the board created an ad hoc committee to discuss funding for the new arena).
landlord and tenant	n
fealty	Fidelity, allegiance.
corpus delicti	The body (material substance) upon which a crime has been committed, e.g., the corpse of a murdered person, the charred remains of a burned house.
land	n
title of nobility	The United States was established as a republic, a nation where the power of government is derived from the people and not from a king or emperor
finances	By this word is understood the revenue, or public resources or money of the state.
locus	(low-cuss) n
booby trap	n
abatement	n
use	n
ranking	In Scotland this term is used to signify the order in which the debts of a bankrupt ought to be paid.
civil action	An action brought to enforce or protect private rights.
donee	n
surface rights	The rights (easements) to use the surface of land, including the right to drill or mine through the surface when subsurface rights are involved.
interest short	Earned interest remaining unpaid after application of mortgage payment, typically reflected on account history as negative balance
profane	That which has not been consecrated
restitution	Act of restoring anything to its rightful owner; the act of restoring someone to an economic position he enjoyed before he suffered a loss.
vendition	A sale; the act of selling.
pari delicto	adj
segregation/separate valuation	The act or process of separately valuing an interest in an original assessment appearing on the current roll, to allow taxes for that portion to be paid.
subornation of perjury	n
juvenile	Person who has not yet reached age (usually 18) at which he/she can be treated as adult for purposes of criminal law.
evidence	Testimony or exhibits received by the court at any stage of court proceedings.
multiplicity of actions	Numerous and unnecessary attempts to litigate the same issue.
meeting of creditors	The debtor must appear at a meeting with the trustee to be examined under oath about assets and liabilities
president of the senate	The Senate's presiding officer, who is also the Vice President of the United States but not a member of the Senate
marriage	Signifies the act, ceremony, or formal proceeding by which persons take each other for husband and wife.
corpus	n
palimony	n
nominee	n
plagiarism	n
beneficial interest	That right which a person has in a contract made with another; as if A makes a contract with B that he will pay C a certain sum of money, B has the legal interest in the contract, and C the beneficial interest
ecclesiastical law	By this phrase it is intended to include all those rules which govern ecclesiastical tribunals
officers	The Members of Parliament elected by each House to preside over the meetings of that House (President in the Legislative Council, Speaker in the Legislative Assembly)
express warranty	An affirmation of fact or promise made by the seller to the buyer that is relied upon by the buyer in agreeing to the contract.
call	n
fidelity bond	See "surety bond"
joint tenancy	Joint ownership by two or more persons with right of survivorship. Upon the death of a joint tenant, his interest does not go to his heirs, but to the remaining joint tenants
vigilante	n
large	Broad; extensive; unconfined
motion	The document a party files to ask the Supreme Court to do something or to permit one of the parties to do something
impleader	n
location	A unit within the State Controller's Office whose prime responsibilities include accounting systems, financial reporting, cost allocation plans, auditing, and property tax collection system of local agencies.
security interest	n
trust deed	A document which sets out the rights and obligations of the trustee and beneficiaries (q.v.) of a trust (q.v.).
private student loan	In the United States, a student loan that is made by non-government lender, such as a bank or Sallie Mae (a large, private student loan company)
right of way	n
board of supervisors	Local governing body at the county level.
assent	The final stage in the process by which a Bill becomes an Act
justifiable homicide	n
multiple referrals	Bills that are complex and cross the jurisdictional lines of several committees are often referred to several committees at the same time
permanent disability	n
initial interest rate	The initial rate quoted usually is a lower introductory rate, sometimes called a teaser or discount rate. This lower rate lasts only until the first adjustment, after which you will be charged the fully indexed rate.
vested remainder	n
endorse	In law, to sign a document or otherwise formally signal one's approval or acceptance of a document, proposal, contract or draft order.
accretion	The increase or accumulation of land by natural causes, as out of a lake or river.
calendar	1) n
private road	n
fee	A charge fixed by law for the service of public officers.
due process	In criminal law, the constitutional guarantee that a defendant will receive a fair and impartial trial
sanction	A penalty or other type of enforcement used to bring about compliance with the law or with rules and regulations.
aliquot	(al-ee-kwoh) adj
yurt	A circular tent of felt or skins used by nomadic tribespeople in Mongolia and Turkey.
board of law examiners	Recommends to the Supreme Court of Missouri whether to license Missouri attorneys.
firman	A passport g ranted by the Great Mogul, to captains of foreign vessels, to trade within the territories over which he has jurisdiction; a permit.
inferior court	A lower court.
appraiser	One qualified by education, training and experience who is hired to estimate the value of real and personal property based on experience, judgment, facts, and use of formal appraisal processes.
innavigable	Not capable of being navigated.
tortfeasor	n
in trust	A phrase describing how property is held by one person for the benefit of another person who is ultimately entitled to the use or proceeds of sale of that property
widow	n
edict	A law ordained by the sovereign, by which he forbids or commands something it extends either to the whole country, or only to some particular provinces.
assess	To determine the value or amount of something
murder	The unlawful killing of a human being with deliberate intent to kill
contract	An agreement between two or more persons that creates an obligation to do or not to do a particular thing.
illicite	Unlawfully.
advance	In family law, this usually refers to one party obtaining a share of the family property before the property has been finally divided by court order or the parties' agreement.
discretion	n
set aside	v
realty	An abstract of real, as distinguished from personalty
devisee	n
legal services	n
booking	The process of photographing, fingerprinting, and recording identifying data of a defendant
testamentary capacity	The ability to draw up a valid will, the mental capacity to understand about property rights and family responsibilities.
ordinary	adj
overrule	1
information and belief	Definition: When a party qualifies a statement made in a pleading not as bact but as believed to be true from information available to the party
peace bond	n
female	This term denotes the sex which bears young.
joint referral	This means a bill is referred simultaneously to more than one committee of the House or Senate
balloon mortgage	A mortgage for a fixed term shorter than necessary to fully repay the debt
fraud	Intentional deception to deprive another person of property or to injure that person in some other way.
pret a usage	Loan for use
interrogatories	A form of discovery consisting of written questions to be answered in writing and under oath.
save harmless	v
disheritor	One who disinherits, or puts another out of his freehold
frustration	In contract law, the inability to complete or fulfill a contract, whether intentional or unintentional; the intentional interference with a person's rights under a contract or court order
bankruptcy act of 1800	The first American federal bankruptcy law, modeled after the British laws in effect at the time
current special assessments	Special Assessments levied and becoming due within one year.
emptor	A buyer; a purchaser.
balancing test	A process of judicial decision making in which the court weighs the relative merits of the rights of the individual against the interests of the government.
credible witness	n
subpena	(suh-pea-nah) n
ex parte	By or for one party; done on the application of one party only, usually without notice to the other party.
constitution	The fundamental law of a nation or state which establishes the character and basic principles of the government.
transfer	n
deponent	Person who swears an affidavit (q.v.).
conditional obligation	One which is superseded by a condition under which it was created and which is not yet accomplished
maxims	n
speculative damages	n
aleatory	adj
abstract of judgment	n
allege	To state, assert or declare.
trust	Legal device used to manage real or personal property, established by one person (trustee) or the grantor manages the trust.
life estate	An estate or interest in real property that is held for the duration of the life of some certain person
appraisal	An estimate of the value of property, made by a qualified professional called an “appraiser”.
quitclaim deed	n
extension	n
fraud in the inducement	n
common-law marriage	A form of marriage without government or church licence, and often without ceremony, in which a couple acquired certain rights and obligations toward each other under the common law, banned as a result of the 1753 English Marriage Act
quo warranto	Literally, "by what authority." A writ or order issuable by the state, through which it demands an individual to show by what right he exercises an authority which can only be exercised through grant or franchise emanating from the state.
estate by entirety	n
substitution	n
reciprocity	n
labor and materials	(time and materials) n
liability	Legal responsibility, e.g
premium	n
extinguishment	n
to pass	To accomplish, to complete, to decide.
convey	v
deed of trust	n
associate justice	n
limitation	A certain time allowed by statute in which a lawsuit must be brought ("statute of limitation").
spendthrift trust	A trust set up for the benefit of someone whom the grantor believes would be incapable of managing his/her own financial affairs.
inter se	(in-tur say)prep
patent	Government grant giving an inventor exclusive right to make or sell his/her invention for a term of years.
exonerate	Removal of a charge, duty or responsibility
pledger	The same as pawner
copulative term	One which is placed between two or more others to join them together: the word and is frequently used for this purpose
robbery	Felonious taking of another's property, from his or her person or immediate presence and against his or her will, by means of force or fear
said	adj
grand larceny	n
in re	prep
implied consent	Requirement to take a chemical test when arrested for driving under the influence
complaint	1
assign	1) v
breach of warranty	n
promisor	One who makes a promise.
pawn	v
capital offense	A crime punishable by death
et al	All others
occupier	One who is in the enjoyment of a thing.
crime of passion	n
income	n
n.o.v.	adj
net disposable income	The amount of income left over after all expenses are paid.
dormant partner	One who is a participant in the profits of a firm, but his name being concealed, his interest is not apparent
sex offender	n
certiorari	n
desertion	n
capitalization	n
means test	Assessment of a person's income and assets to see if they qualify for financial assistance.
iris oifigiúil	Iris Oifigiúil is the State gazette
rest	A party is said to rest or rest its case when it has presented all the evidence it intends to offer.
court calendar	n
capital punishment	n
manslaughter	The unlawful killing of another without intent to kill; either voluntary (upon a sudden impulse); or involuntary (during the commission of an unlawful act not ordinarily expected to result in great bodily harm.)
qui tam action	(kwee tam) n
mortgage modification	A process where the terms of a mortgage are modified outside the original terms of the contract agreed to by the lender and borrower (mortgagor and mortgagee).
incompatible	adj
sentence	a judgment of the court imposing punishment upon a defendant for criminal conduct.
incorporation	n
retrial	n
implied warranty	A term, not stated in a contract but which must be fulfilled, that services and related goods will be fit for the purpose for which they are supplied.
on the record	The official record of what goes on in the courtroom
tax evasion	n
lessee	n
qc	The abbreviation of "Queen's Counsel." A QC is an honor normally granted to lawyers of particular excellence, although they may be granted for other reasons as well, such as service to the legal community or to the public.
revocation	n
sovereign immunity	The doctrine that the government, state or federal, is immune to lawsuit unless it gives its consent.
charter	A grant made by the sovereign either to the whole people or to a portion of them, securing to them the enjoyment of certain rights
necessary inference	n
rescind	v
gross negligence	n
misfeasance	n
negotiation	n
recidivist	n
business invitee	n
private property	n
color of law	The appearance or semblance, without the substance, of legal right
claim	Where a claim is secured by a lien, the code limits that secured claim to the value of the property less any higher priority liens
recording a judgment	The act of filing a certified copy of a judgment with a County Recorder in order to place a lien on any real property the judgment debtor may own in that county
stay	A temporary suspension of legal proceedings by court order.
foia	See Freedom of Information Act.
assent	Agreement, approval.
discovert	Not covert, unmarried
specific performance	A remedy by which a court orders a person who has breached an agreement to perform specifically what he or she has agreed to do
breach	pleading
lrc	Abbreviation for the
merits	The central issues of a case.
remote	At a distance; afar off, not immediate
coupon payment	Regularly scheduled mortgage payment made in amount reflected on payment coupon, typically sent by borrower to servicer's payment processing center.
deficiency judgment	A court order against a borrower under a mortgage to pay to the lender an amount sufficient to make up for the difference between what the borrower owes under the mortgage and the amount the lender sold the property for under a mortgage remedy action.
power of attorney	Legal authorization for one person to act on behalf of another individual
consumer debts	Debts incurred for personal, as opposed to business, needs.
diversion	The process of removing some minor criminal, traffic or juvenile cases from the full judicial process, on the condition that the accused undergo some sort of rehabilitation or make restitution for damages.
adverse witness	n
patent	A conveyance of title to government land.
gleaning	The act of gathering such grain in a field where it grew, as may, have been left by the reapers after the sheaves were gathered.
spousal support	n
corpus juris	n
larceny	See "stealing" in this glossary.
demanding state	The state seeking return of a fugitive
setoff	(offset) n
agent	In law, someone acting on behalf of someone else, with that person's express permission and normally at their express direction.
unliquidated	Not as yet determined as to amount.
unlawful	adj
controlled substance	See Chapter 195, RSMo.
intervening cause	n
adultery	n
enactment	A government action or declaration intended to have a legal effect, usually in the form of legislation or regulation
attorney's advertising	n
appellate rules	These are the special rules that regulate the practice and procedure in appellate cases
family property	A term under the Family Law Act referring to property acquired by either or both spouses during their relationship and after separation, if bought with family property
churning	n
pdi	Predispositional Investigation
infra hospitium	Within the inn when once a traveller's baggage comes infra hospitium, that is, in the care and under the charge of the innkeeper, it is at his risk
illusory promise	n
empanelled	Selection of citizens by judicial officers to complete a jury of peers
betterments	Improvement's made to an estate
manslaughter	The killing of a human being while in a state of anger, fear or agitation suddenly provoked by the unexpected acts of the victim and the death was not justifiable or excusable homicide.
caucus	An informal group of Members sharing an interest in the same policy issues
deem	To make an assumption that one thing follows logically from another; a presumption of a fact based on other facts
occupant	n
s.	The abbreviation for Senate and designates a measure introduced in the Senate as a bill (e.g
case of first impression	n
indemnify	To make good financial loss or harm suffered by another.
tax costs	n
request for production	A formal court process by which one party requests that another produce certain documents or other tangible items.
comparative negligence	n
estate tax	Tax paid on an estate as it passes to the heirs.
escrow	Money or other valuables given to a third party with directions to deliver them to another party upon the fulfillment of a specific act or condition.
arkansas	The name of one of the new states of the United States
hunger	The desire for taking food
petition	The document that initiates the filing of a bankruptcy proceeding, setting forth basic information regarding the debtor, including name, address, chapter under which the case is filed, and estimated amount of assets and liabilities.
concurrent sentences	Sentences for more than one crime that are to be served at the same time, rather than one after the other
act	Intentionally doing a thing; a law passed by a government, also called "legislation" or a "statute." See "regulations."
goodwill	n
agreement of sale	Chapter 8 procedure for selling tax-defaulted property to taxing agencies, revenue districts, redevelopment agencies, and non-profit organizations
ad hoc	adj
u.s. constitution	the document written by the founders of this country, which establishes the basic structure and functions of the federal government, grants certain specified rights, often called constitutional rights, to the American people, and places limits on the powers and activities of our federal and state governments
admonish	To advise or caution
malfeasance	Evil doing, ill conduct; the commission of some act which is positively prohibited by law.
adversary system	Method used in the courts of the United States to settle legal disputes
holder in due course	n
select or special committee	Created for a temporary purpose such as an investigation, or to deal with a matter not under the jurisdiction of a standing committee.
open rule	Decision of the House Rules Committee to permit unlimited debate on a particular bill.
irrelevant	Not material
no-contest clause	Language in a will that provides that a person who makes a legal challenge to the will's validity will be disinherited.
testimony	What a person says in the courtroom under oath, after being sworn-in.
possess	v
public vote	Any votes cast at any public meeting of any public governmental body
promotional stock	n
pedophilia	n
pre-qualification	Getting pre-qualified for a loan is a free process and normally takes between 15 minutes to and hour on the phone. The lender will ask you some basic questions about your household income, time on the job, credit history, down payment and personal savings. You should get pre-qualified before looking for properties so you and your real estate agent know in what price range to start looking.
exhibit	an item of physical evidence (a document or an object).
sealing of records	n
implied consent	n
wind up	v
take	This is a technical expression which signifies to be entitled to; as, a devisee will take under the will
vendor	A seller of a thing
freeman	One who is in the enjoyment of the right to do whatever he pleases, not forbidden by law
common-law marriage	n
first instance	That before which an action is first tried
bid	n
concurrent powers	Authority that may be exercised by both the state and federal governments.
bona fide purchaser	In good faith, without fraud; also, without notice of any adverse claim, defect in title, or right of third parties.
account stated	n
grant deed	A limited warranty deed using the word "grant" or like words, which assures a grantee that the grantor has not already conveyed the land to another and that the estate is free from encumbrances placed by the grantor.
ratable	adj
standard of proof	Degree of proof required
opinion evidence	Testimony as to what the witness thinks, believes or infers regarding a fact in dispute, as distinguished from personal knowledge of the facts
gemote	An assembly
escalator clause	n
lien date	The time when taxes for any fiscal year become a lien on property.
trait	a distinguishing feature of your personal nature
military law	n
deadly weapon	n
court date notice	A written form (usually mailed) that is used to bring the required person to court.
public officer	Person appointed to act on behalf of an incorporated association in any public dealings.
delinquent taxes	Taxes remaining unpaid on and after the date on which a penalty for nonpayment is attached. Even though the penalty may be subsequently waived and a portion of the taxes may be abated or canceled, the unpaid balances continue to be delinquent taxes until abated, canceled, paid, or converted into tax liens.
direction	The order and government of an institution; the persons who compose the board of directors are jointly called the direction
revoke	To cancel or nullify a legal document.
indorsement	The act of signing one's name on the back of a check or note, with or without further qualification.
non assumption clause	A statement in a mortgage contract forbidding the assumption of the mortgage without the prior approval of the lender
fa	Designation of a Family court case.
proxy	n
referendum	n
court	A body in government to which the administration of justice is delegated.
arbitration	n
unsecured debt	A claim or debt is unsecured if there is no collateral that is security for the debt
plaintiff	An individual who initiates a civil lawsuit.
the	A political party based on ecological and social values and represented in the Legislative Council.
natural law	Laws considered applicable to all persons in all nations because they are thought to be basic to human nature.
363 sale	the sale of corporate assets under Section 363 of the Bankruptcy Code
file	When a person officially gives a paper to a court clerk and that paper becomes part of the record of a case.
conformed copy	An exact copy of a document on which has been written explanations of things that could not or were not copied; e.g., recording date, recorder's series number, and document book and page.
failure of issue	n
in rem	Procedural term used to designate proceedings or actions in determining the status of a thing or the rights of persons with respect to that thing
zetetic	- Proceeding by inquiry
mitigating circumstances	n
negotiable instrument	A signed document by means of which money may be transferred from one person to another or through several hands, e.g
denial	Defending a claim by denying the truth of a fact supporting the claim; a rejection of the truth of facts alleged.
ordinary course of business	n
vacate	v
time served	Actual number of days served in jail.
juvenile delinquent	n
motion in limine	Motion for order against admission or prejudicial statements or questions
rebuttal	n
feuds	Grants of land.
reputed	adj
permanent injunction	n
adulteration	This term denotes the act of mixing something impure with something pure, as, to mix an inferior liquor with wino; au inferior article with coffee, tea,.and the like.
confirmor	He who makes a confirmation to another.
personal effects	n
first appearance	See "initial appearance."
substantive law	n
personal property	Tangible physical property (such as cars, clothing, furniture and jewelry) and intangible personal property (such as bank accounts)
government	In Parliament, this is the party or Coalition of parties with majority support in the Legislative Assembly and therefore able to govern
actus	A foot way and horse way
summons	A document signed by a deputy clerk ordering a person to appear before the court.
vicarious liability	n
bequeath	To give someone a gift through a will.
subsurface rights	The rights, whether by fee or easement, to oil, gas, or minerals, below a certain depth beneath the surface of the earth
eminent domain	The power of the state, or of those to whom the power has been lawfully delegated, to take private property for public use
stakeholder	n
on-going support obligation	The on-going child support obligation is the amount that you are currently required to pay on a monthly basis
amendment xx	Sometimes called the Lame Duck Amendment, this provision reduced the time between the November elections and the beginning date of the new term of office for the president and Congress
guardian	Legal right given to a person to be responsible for the food, housing, health care, and other necessities of a person deemed incapable of providing these necessities for himself/herself
seduction	n
title insurance	n
real estate agent	A licensed person who works under the direction of a broker selling and renting real estate.
privacy	n
argument	Persuasion by laying out the facts, the law, and the reasoning that connects them
delegate	1) v
interest	1) A portion, share or right in something; partial, not complete ownership. 2) The charge in dollars for the use of money for a period of time. Unless the law specifies otherwise, interest applicable to property taxation is simple (as opposed to compounded) interest.
to deceive	To induce another either by words or actions, to take that for true which is not so
sell	v
indemnity	Compensation for a loss or wrong
obligation	n
dissolution of marriage	The term used in Arizona Law for "divorce."
memorandum of understanding	A document setting out the essential terms of a settlement reached between two or more people resolving a legal dispute, often used as a guide to the more complete terms of a final agreement or final order to be made with the consent of the signatories
maturity	n
faubourg	A district or part of a town adjoinng the principal city; as, a faubourg of New Orleans
arbitrator	n
tools of trade	n
power of acceptance	n
search warrant	a written court order authorizing a law enforcement officer to search certain premises for specified items and to seize the items described.
seat	A seat which the elected Member won by a relatively small majority of votes, or margin. Minor Party: A political party with few or no representatives in Parliament - see Cross Bench.
trustee	APPOINTMENT IN CHAPTER 11 (also ass Debtor in Possession)
treaties	Executive proposals, in the form of resolutions of ratification, which must be submitted to the Senate for approval by two-thirds of the senators present
long cause	n
ey	A watery place; water
cadet	A younger brother, one trained up for the army or navy.
supervised release	see revocation of probation.
abstract of title	A brief account of all the deeds upon which the title to an estate rests
counsel	Skilled legal officers who draft Bills for debate in Parliament. Parliamentary Privilege: The rights, powers and immunities of Parliament and its Members necessary to uphold and protect the dignity and authority of Parliament - for example freedom of speech
fresh pursuit	n
stay	A court-ordered cessation of a proceeding.
privity of contract	The relationship between two or more parties who enter into a contract directly with each other.
day in court	n
federal deficit	The amount by which federal expenditures exceed federal revenues.
scpd	State Capitol Police Department
outhouses	Buildings adjoining to or belonging to dwelling-houses.
real estate	n
radio act of 1912	The first federal broadcast law, which imposed only minimal regulation on the fledgling broadcast industry
title	One of 51 major divisions of the U.S
tax default/tax-defaulted	Describes the onset of a period wherein tax-delinquent secured property becomes subject to redemption penalties and fees. Five years after becoming "tax-defaulted", a property, by operation of law, becomes subject to the tax collector's power of sale.
participate	v
judgment notwithstanding the verdict	(N.O.V.) n
juvenile court	n
descent and distribution statutes	State laws that provide for distribution of estate property when a person dies without a will
rational basis	n
creditor	n
abortion	n
intangible assets	Nonphysical items such as stock certificates, bonds, bank accounts, and pension benefits that have value and must be taken into account in estate planning
estop	v
plenary	Full; complete; to be attended by all members or participants.
assets	Property of all kinds, including real and personal, tangible and intangible.
bias	A pre-existing attitude or opinion that favours one side over another in a dispute.
proprietor	The owner
purveyor	One employed in procuring provisions
comment	n
form	A model document to work from or a legal paper with blanks that you can fill in.
long-arm statute	Law that allows residents of different states to be served with process and sued in the forum state by virtue of contacts with the forum state.
unsecured creditor	A creditor who has an unsecured claim against a debtor
tort	An injury or wrong committed to the person or property of another, independent of any contract
estes v. texas	U
ad valorem	A Latin phrase meaning "according to value," usually used in connection with real property taxation.
heir. apparent	One who has an indefeasible right to the inheritance, provided he outlive the ancestor
concur	To agree or act together.
young person	In the Youth Court jurisdiction, a boy or girl of or over the age of 14 years but under 17 years; but does not include any person who is or has been married.
youth	In law, in British Columbia a person under the age of 19.
police court	n
security interest	An interest in or power over goods to secure payment of a debt or obligation.
case	A legal dispute or controversy brought to a court for resolution.
common stock	n
foreclosure sale	A procedure whereby property pledged as security for a debt is sold to satisfy the debt in the event of default. Foreclosure extinguishes all rights and interests in the title of the owner(s) of property.
cap	n
legislative court	A court created by Congress under authority of Article I of the Constitution to assist in carrying out the powers of the legislature.
ia	Initial Appearance
ounce	The name of a weight
affiant	A person who makes and signs an affidavit
machine	A contrivance which serves to apply or regulate moving power; or it is a tool more or less complicated, which is used to render useful natural instruments, Clef
to accrue	Literally to grow to; as the interest accrues on the principal
prout patet per recordum	As appears by the record
payable on demand	adj
certify	To make known or establish as a fact; to declare in writing
per	prep
custody investigator	A court appointed expert who is educated, experienced and trained in child development and the effects of divorce or separation on children
misnomer	n
preferred position balancing theory	A theory on how the First Amendment should be interpreted that states that when the guarantees of freedom of speech and freedom of the press are balanced against other important rights, the rights of freedom of expression are to be given extra weight, to be preferred
obligee	(ah-bluh-jee) n
judiciary act repealer act	Act of 1978 that enacted 42 Pa.C.S., Pennsylvania's Judicial Code.
illegal	Contrary to law; unlawful.
indenture	n
bannitus	One outlawed or banished
law of the land	n
10% bond	The defendant deposits with the court cash or securities equal to 10% of the bond amount.
et non	And not
affirm	To confirm, aver, ratify, verify; to make a declaration that an affidavit or other document or testimony is true.
proof	n
arrest warrant	n
fiduciary	A term derived from Roman law meaning a person who stands in a special relation of trust, confidence, or responsibility in his or her obligations to others (e.g
surplusage	n
second degree murder	n
cipher	An arithmetical character, used for numerical notation
affirm	To promise that a statement is true
consortium	n
valuation	The estimated worth or value; the act of valuing by appraisal.
distress	1) n
constituent	He who gives authority to another to act for him
contract	An agreement that may be enforceable through a court action.
testator/testatrix	Male or female who makes or has a will.
defendant	is the party (individual or business) to an Adversary Proceeding against whom the action is filed.
general damages	Compensation for the loss directly and necessarily incurred by a breach of contract.
road	A passage through the country for the use of the people
meeting of creditors	Also known as the section 341 meeting or first meeting of creditors
winding up	n
trade fixtures	Articles of personal property that are constructively or physically annexed to real property by a business tenant and are necessary to the carrying on of a trade
general damages	n
domitae	Subdued, tame,
usury	Charging a higher interest rate or higher fees than the law allows.
standard of care	n
contract of adhesion	n
self-serving	adj
civiliter	Civilly; opposed to criminaliter or criminally.
judicial restraint	A philosophy that courts should defer to the legislative and executive branches whenever possible.
group legal services	Prepaid legal services plan, by which certain lawyers provide legal services to members of an organization under contract with the organization.
conveyance	An instrument in writing used to transfer (convey) title to property from one person to another, such as a deed or a trust deed; the process of transferring title to property from one person to another.
principal payment	Portion of borrower payment applied to mortgage principal.
paperbound supplement	A temporary supplement to a book or books to update the serve.
debt	means liability on a claim of a creditor.
returned mail	Mail which the postal service has determined to be undeliverable and brings back to its sender
notorious possession	n
debtor	Individual, business organization, or government that owes money to another
mortgagor	One who mortgages property.
transcript	A copy of an original writing or deed.
c.i.f.	n
repudiation	An act or declaration which clearly indicates that a party will not perform an act that a contract requires be performed in the future.
probation officer	Officers of the probation office of a court
last antecedent rule	n
return date	In small claims, the deadline for a written answer in cases seeking money damages
reversal	a judgment by a higher court that the judgment of a lower court was incorrect and should be set aside
bond	The bond set by the court during the appeal procedure and posted with the Clerk of Court
power of attorney	Formal written authorization for a person to act in the interests of another person.
major	Military language
tap	Treatment Alternative Program
speedpay fee	Fee charged for making electronic payment.
encyclopedia	A book or series of books arranged alphabetically by topics containing information on areas of law, including citations to support the information.
jump bail	v
reformation	An action to correct a mistake in a deed or other document.
remedy	Legal or judicial means by which a right or privilege is enforced or the violation of a right or privilege is prevented, redressed, or compensated.
execute	To carry out the terms of a will, contract, or judicial order.
expense	n
approach the bench	v
joint tortfeasors	n
battery	A beating, or wrongful physical violence
corporeal	Having an objective, material existence.
coercion	The use of force or intimidation, whether emotional or physical, to compel another person to do something; interference with another person's freedom of choice to obtain an outcome, action or behaviour.
certificate of incorporation	n
plead	v
daughter	An immediate female descendant
payment in due course	n
unfair competition	See misappropriation.
tangible property	Property that may be felt or touched (as distinct from a debt or property right).
undisclosed principal	n
claim	An asserted right to money, property or relief.
ad valorem	According to value
confirmee	He to whom a confirmation is made.
john doe	1
subrogee	n
bankruptcy	A legal procedure for dealing with consumer and business debt.
void	A transaction or document which is absolutely without effect.
proditorie	Treasonably
feasts	Certain established periods in the Christian church
trustee	A person who holds property in trust for the benefit of another person
amicable	Friendly; mutually agreed to, as a settlement.
public easement	n
tender	An unconditional offer to pay or to perform a contractual obligation.
non-feasance	n
trial list	A list of cases marked down for trial for any one term.
adhering	Cleaving to, or joining; as, adhering to the enemies of the United States.
criminal insanity	The lack of mental capacity to do or abstain from doing a particular act
forcible entry and detainer	Summary proceeding for restoring possession of land to one who has been wrongfully deprived of it.
patent defect	n
competency	In the law of evidence, the presence of those characteristics which render a witness legally fit and qualified to give testimony
country	By country is meant the state of which one is a member.
reversion	n
patricide	One guilty of killing his father.
landlocked	adj
clerk of the house	The chief administrative officer of the House of Representatives
political question	n
criminal law	Law governing the relationship between individuals and society
issue	1
adoption	In family law, the act or process of taking another person's natural child as one's own
benefit of counsel	n
partial breach	n
principal	One of the parties to a transaction. For example, the buyer and seller are principals in the purchase of real property. Also the amount of debt, not counting interest, left on a loan
just compensation	n
rebate	1) n
puffing	n
litigant	n
trolling	A troll is a slang term used to describe a person who deliberately posts inflammatory statements on a website with the intention of invoking an emotional response or being disruptive (their behaviour is called trolling)
bona fide	A Latin phrase meaning "in good faith." Doing something honestly and openly, without intending to mislead, deceive, or harm someone else
duces tecum	Literally, "bring with you"
register of actions	Provides a chronological list of actions taken in court
de minimis	adj
judgment creditor	Person who is owed money, and can enforce their claim to this money, as a result of a judgment given in their favour.
payor	(payer) n
malpractice	Negligence by a professional such as a doctor, lawyer or engineer in the performance of professional duties; professional misconduct.
recognizance	See "signature bond" in this glossary.
bigamy	n
adverse party	n
competent	In law, having the capacity, ability or authorization to do a thing
special order speech	A speech on the floor of the House or Senate, before or after regular legislative business, for which the time has been reserved in advance, and during which the member may speak on any topic he or she may choose.
approach	v
convenience claims	(see small claims)
recording acts	State statutes enacted to cover the public recording of deeds, mortgages, etc., and the effect of these recordings as notice to creditors, purchasers, and other interested parties.
recto	Right
discharge of a contract	The act of making a contract or agreement null.
ucc	Uniform Commercial Code
personal property	Tangible physical property (such as cars, clothing, furniture, and jewelry) and intangible personal property
public record	n
probate estate	Estate property that may be disposed of by a will.
grantor	He by whom a grant is made.
res judicata	(rayz judy-cot-ah) n
cash collateral	cash and cash equivalents held by the debtor in Chapter 11 subject to liens of other parties.
district courts	See "U.S
assignment	n
engagement	This word is frequently used in the French law to signify not only a contract, but the obligations arising from a quasi contract
lapsed legacy	One which is extinguished
trader	a person who deals in property as a business, making several purchases and sales within a year as distinguished from a few sales of assets held for investment
severalty ownership	Ownership by one person only; sole ownership.
show cause order	Court order requiring a person to appear and show why some action should not be taken
errors and omissions	n
lien	An interest in real or personal property which secures a debt; the lien may be voluntary, such as a mortgage in real property, or involuntary, such as a judgment lien or tax lien.
aver	To allege; to assert formally.
de jure	adj
amendment	Proposal of a congressman to alter a bill; usually printed, debated, and acted upon in the same manner as a bill.
authorize	v
seizure	n
consanguinity	Being related to another person by blood
cumulative sentences	Sentences for two or more crimes to run consecutively, rather than concurrently.
battery	A beating or other wrongful touching of a person
to buy	To purchase
acquit	v
pr	Probate
demand note	A written document evidencing indebtedness which is payable upon demand or presentation.
trespass	Unlawful entry on another person's land or property.
congregation	A society of a number of persons who compose an ecclesiastical body
sequester	To separate
recorded plat	A subdivision map filed as a matter of public record.
de novo	Anew, afresh
antedate	To, put a date to an instrument of a time before the time it was written
proviso	n
loss of use	n
incompetent	One who lacks ability, legal qualification, or fitness to manage his own affairs.
ab initio	A Latin phrase meaning "from the beginning." A marriage that is unlawful is void ab initio, as if it never happened.
witness stand	n
extrinsic fraud	n
omnibus clause	n
release	A written document evidencing the satisfaction of a debt; the giving up of some right, claim or interest.
escrow surplus	Amount by which current escrow account balance exceeds the projected target balance at the time of an escrow analysis.
term of art	A phrase that has a particular meaning in law that is usually distinct from the common English meaning of the phrase, like the phrase "term of art."
scroll	A mark which is to supply the place of a seal, made with a pen or other instrument on a writing.
justiciable	Issues and claims capable of being properly examined in court.
condition precedent	n
foreclosure	is a state procedure by which a creditor holding a security interest in real estate is allowed to strip the debtor's ownership interest and sell the property to satisfy the debt owed to the creditor that is secured by the real property.
investigative consumer report	are dossiers on consumers that include information on character, reputation, personal characteristics, and mode of living
title	Legal ownership of property, usually real property or automobiles
writ	A written order of a court commanding the recipient to perform or not to perform certain specified acts.
indenture	A deed to which several persons are parties, in which each assumes corresponding obligations.
unscheduled debt	A debt that should have been listed by a debtor in the schedules filed with the court but was not
vacate	To nullify, render void.
debtor	A persons who owes money.
criminal	1) n
loss	n
environment	The conditions, influences, or forces which affect the desirability and value of property, as well as the effect on people's lives.
judiciousness	good judgment
eviction	A legal action by a landlord to remove a tenant from the landlord's property.
unsecured	In bankruptcy proceedings, for the purpose of filing a claim, a claim is unsecured if there is no collateral, or to the extent the value of collateral is less than the amount of the debt.
trade libel	Product disparagement, and not considered true libel; disparaging a product as opposed to the manufacturer or maker of the product.
calendar days	A method of calculating time under which the days for a legal deadline are counted as they appear in the calendar, including weekends and holidays
adverse possession	Method of acquisition of property in denial or opposition to the title of another claimant that involves open and continuous use of the property for a period of at least five years and payment of taxes affirmation.
jus civitatis	Among the Romans the collection of laws which are to be observed among all the members of a nation were so called
nolle prosequi	(no-lay pro-say-kwee) n
avulsion	n
affidavit	Voluntary written statement of facts given under oath
crib-biting	A defect in horses, which consists in biting the crib while in the stable
accomplice	Person who knowingly and voluntarily participates with another in a criminal act through aiding, abetting, advising or encouraging offender
age of consent	n
addition	Whatever is added to a man's name by way of title, as additions of estate, mystery, or place
contingent interest	n
apportion	To divide and distribute proportionally.
concealed weapon	n
household	n
dividend	A portion of the principal, or profits, divided among several owners of a thing.
criminal insanity	Mental condition which renders a person unable to determine right from wrong
order	1) n
police powers	The power of the state to regulate for the health, safety, morals, and general welfare of its citizens.
relative powers	Those which relate to land, so called to distinguish them from those which are collateral to it.
securities	n
cure	A restoration to health.
survivorship	Another name for joint tenancy.
colt	An animal of the horse species, whether male or female, not more than four years old
professional negligence	n
optional preferential voting	A voting system which allows voters to chose between a preferential vote (where all choices have to be shown in number order) and simply marking their ballot paper with their first choice only
dependant	A person who relies on someone else for their support and the necessities of life
good faith	Honest belief; the absence of malice and design to defraud.
title insurance	Protection for lenders and homeowners against financial loss resulting from legal defects in or other claims against the property’s title. The cost of the policy is usually a function of the value of the property and is often borne by the purchaser and/or the seller.
adjutant-general	A staff officer; one of those next in rank to the Commander-in-chief.
immigrants	Persons who come into a foreign country or region to live.
retire	v
lock box payment	Borrower payment sent to designated address (usually post office box) at the servicer's payment processing center (servicer may outsource service to third-party company who collects mail directed to post office box and deposits funds to servicer's bank account).
receiver	A person, who because he or she is disinterested in the parties of a cause, is appointed by the court to preserve the property or funds being contended in the case
remand	v
unsecured	In collection or bankruptcy proceedings, a debt or a claim is unsecured if there is no collateral, or to the extent the value of collateral is less than the amount of the debt.
bailor	n
marital rights	n
mortgage	A mortgage is an interest in land created by a written instrument providing security for the performance of a duty or the payment of a debt.
tax district	An area over which a governmental body has authority to levy property taxes. A tax district may contain one or more assessment districts.
compromise verdict	n
preferred stock	n
femme	Woman.
marriage act	Federal legislation that describes the degrees of relatedness within which persons cannot marry.
cm/ecf	Case Management/Electronic Case Filing system, which allow for the electronic submission of documents
rescue doctrine	n
sentencing guidelines	A set of rules and principles established by the United States Sentencing Commission that trial judges use to determine the sentence for a convicted defendant.
original creditor	The person or company to whom you first owed the money.
reply	The response by a party to charges raised in a pleading by the other party
court administrator	Officer appointed or elected to oversee administrative, nonjudicial activities of the court.
copyright	Right to literary property, giving authors, composers and other creators sole control over how that property is used.
stock in trade	n
spect	SPECT or Single Photon Emission Tomography produces a computerized image of the brain through utilization of radioactive isotopes
price fixing	n
male fides	A Latin phrase meaning "in bad faith." Intentionally misleading someone else, whether by doing or not doing something; acting in a manner contrary to one's actual intention; failing to act honestly and openly
resistance	The opposition of force to force.
proprietary	adj
nuncupative will	Literally, "to name." An oral (unwritten) will.
abut	v
co-heir	One of several men among whom an inheritance is to be divided.
rescind	To terminate or revoke a contract or agreement
power of attorney	Formal authorization of a person to act in the interests of another person.
disjunctive allegations	n
compound question	n
a priori assumption	(ah-pree-ory) n
nolle prosequi	The State Attorney declines to prosecute but may still initiate prosecution within one year
peremptory	adj
character witness	n
setting	n
meeting of the minds	n
ballot date	the date and time when all votes for accepting or rejecting the plan of reorganization must be received.
officious intermeddler	n
indispensable party	n
embezzlement	The fraudulent appropriation by a person, for his or her own use or benefit, of property or money entrusted to him or her by another
lawful	Conduct that is permitted both by legislation and by the common law; conduct that is not prohibited by law
court	Government entity authorized to resolve legal disputes
retainer	Act of a client in hiring an attorney
cut a check	v
right to privacy	n
contractor	One who enters into a contract this term is usually applied to persons who undertake to do public work, or the work for a company or corporation on a large scale, at a certain fixed price, or to furnish goods to another at a fixed or ascertained price
chancellor	n
eleemosynary	(eh-luh-moss-uh-nary) adj
community service	A special condition the court imposes that requires an individual to work - without pay - for a civic or nonprofit organization.
class	n
at will employment	n
employer	n
copy	A copy is a true transcript of an original writing.
remainderman	n
harass	(either harris or huh-rass) v
seal	The symbol of authenticity
defeasible	What may be undone or annulled.
tenancy in common	Co-ownership of property by two or more persons who each hold an undivided interest without the right of survivorship. The interests need not be equal.
furlong	A measure of length, being forty poles, or one-eighth of a mile
attachment	Taking a person's property to satisfy a court-ordered debt.
federal communications act	The law, adopted in 1934, that is the foundation for the regulation of broadcasting in the United States.
miranda rule	Requirement that police advise a suspect in custody of constitutional rights before questioning him/her
example	An example is a case put to illustrate a
admiralty	n
certificate of distribution	A written, dated and signed statement from a court clerk of the date that the document was sent to the parties which is usually found at the bottom of a court order or judgment
f.a.a.	Federal Aviation Administration.
conspiracy	Two or more people joining together for the purpose of committing an unlawful act.
art	The power of doing
set	v
administrative law judge	n
promise of marriage	A contract mutually entered into by a man and a woman capable of contracting matrimony, that they will marry each other.
bill	Formal written declaration, petition, complaint or statement
caveat emptor	(kah-vee-ott emptor) Latin for "let the buyer beware." The basic premise that the buyer buys at his/her own risk and therefore should examine and test a product himself/herself for obvious defects and imperfections
de jure corporation	n
log notes	Written notes that summarize what was said during court hearings and trial
testamentary capacity	The legal ability to make a will.
mortgage	A lien on real estate given by the buyer to secure money borrowed to purchase the real estate
indivisible	That which cannot be separated.
poll	A head
conflict attorney	One of a pool of attorneys appointed on rotation when a codefendant has the Public Defender
real evidence	Physical evidence that plays a direct part in incident in question, as opposed to oral testimony.
paid into court	adj
conjecture	Conjectures are ideas or notions founded on probabilities without any demonstration of their truth
mitigating circumstances	Conditions that lower the moral blame of a criminal act, but do not justify or excuse it.
non compos mentis	(nahn com-pose meant-is) adj
writ	Judicial order directing a person to do something.
redemption	n
restraining order	n
concurring opinion	Definition: A judge's opinion that agrees with the result of the majority of the court but disagrees with the reasons the majority used to support that result.
capacity	Having legal authority or mental ability
fiduciary relationship	n
insertion	n
vel non	"Or not."
finding	The determination of a factual issue as a result of judicial inquiry.
easement	The right of a person to use the land of another for a special purpose, such as for a roadway, utility line, drainage ditch, etc
confession	n
cur. ad. vult.	In full, "Curia Advisari Vult
contra	Over; against; opposite to anything: as, such a case lays down a certain principle; such other case, contra.
go bail	v
declaration	n
peeress	A noblewoman, the wife of a peer.
comitatus	A county
statute	An act, code or rule enacted by the legislature and adopted as law.
hearing	A formal proceeding (generally less formal than a trial) with definite issues of law or of fact to be heard
res judicata	Lat.: A thing decided
spouse	Your husband or wife.
expressed powers	Same as "enumerated" powers.
convertible loan	Some ARM Color loans include a provision that allows it to convert to a fixed rate mortgage at specific times, usually from the end of the first through the fifth years
tender	1) v
criminal syndicalism laws	Laws that outlaw advocacy, planning, or processes aimed at establishing the control over industry by workers or trade unions.
forfeit	v
point information	Penalty points imposed by the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles after conviction in traffic court
exclusive powers	Powers reserved for either the federal government or the state governments, but not exercised by both.
insolvency	(see also bankruptcy and failure) another term used to describe a firm that is failing; generally it means that a firm's liabilities exceed its assets or that it is unable to satisfy its obligations as they come due.
reentry	n
rule	This is a metaphorical expression borrowed from mechanics
holding company	n
real party in interest	n
patented land	Real property that either the federal or the state government has granted to individual or collective ownership.
transcript	The official record of proceedings in a trial or hearing.
contiguous	Sharing an edge or boundary; neighboring, adjacent, adjoining.
conflict	The opposition or difference between two judicial jurisdictions, when they both claim the right to decide a cause, or where they both declare their incompetency
inspection	Any party to a proceeding may require that another party produce any document for inspection, or the Court may order that any document be produced for inspection.
attorney-in-fact	A private person (who is not necessarily a lawyer) authorized by another to act in his/her place, either for some particular purpose, as to do a specified act; or for the transaction of business in general, not of legal character
pardon	A form of executive clemency preventing criminal prosecution or removing or extinguishing a criminal conviction.
minister	A member of the Opposition who follows closely ("shadows") a particular area of responsibility and activities of a Government Minister
taxes default	The amount of taxes which were a lien on the real estate at the time of the declaration of default.
let	v
waiver	n
statement of the case	Section of the brief that contains both a statement of the important facts and a description of the important proceedings that happened in the lower court.
watered stock	n
answer	A response to an allegation of fact or to a claim
disturbing the peace	n
eminent domain	The authority of the government to take private property for public purpose.
deposition	Definition: A pretrial discovery device where one party asks oral questions of the other party or of a witness for the other party
legislation	Laws made by Parliament which are referred to singly as Acts.
consideration	Inducement for which a party enters into a contract.
cloud	An outstanding claim or encumbrance, which adversely affects the marketability of title.
controlled substance	n
street	n
decedent	n
negotiable instrument	n
desuetude	This term is applied to laws which have become obsolete
seriatim	(sear-ee-ah-tim) prep
stock	1) n
tort act	n
trustee's deed	A deed by a trustee under a deed of trust, issued to a purchaser at auction, pursuant to foreclosure.
non sequitur	(nahn sek [as in heck]-kwit-her) n
insolvency	Another term used to describe a firm that is failing; generally it means that a firm's liabilities exceed its assets or that it is unable to satisfy its obligations as they come due.
protest	1) v
motion	A request filed with the Court for a specific action to be taken.
corporator	One who is a member of a corporation.
usurious	adj
confrontation	n
course	n
holder	n
attachment	n
insensible	In the language of pleading, that which is unintelligible is said to be insensible
malfeasance	Committing an unlawful act
cancellation	Its general acceptation, is the act of crossing a writing; it is used sometimes to signify the manual operation of tearing or destroying the instrument itself
encumbrances	A charge (q.v.) or liability, e.g
sherman act	The basic antitrust statute prohibiting any unreasonable interference, conspiracy, restraint of trade, or monopolies with respect to interstate commerce.
section 315	See equal time rule.
preemptive right	n
hazard premium	Premium for hazard insurance on borrower's home.
conventional loan	A fixed rate and fixed term loan that is made without government insurance
widow's election	n
deleterious	adj
concession	A grant
death penalty	n
advocate	A lawyer or a person other than a lawyer who helps clients with legal issues; to advocate a position on behalf of a client.
special appearance	n
redemption	A procedure in a Chapter 7 case whereby a debtor removes a secured creditor's lien on collateral by paying the creditor the value of the property
reversal	Removal of previously imposed charge or reapplication of previously credited payment
inventor	One who invents or finds out something.
public benefit corporation	n
findings of fact	n
nous	common sense
default servicer	Servicer of subprime, home equity, non-performing and other loans in which increased default-related activities are anticipated.
draw	v
certificate of title	Document issued by Registrar of Titles for real estate registered under the Torrens System, which is considered conclusive evidence of the present ownership and state of the title to the property described therein.
insider trading	n
to arrive	To come to a particular place; to reach a particular or certain place as, the ship United States arrived in New York
trustee	The person or institution that manages the property put in trust.
cosign	v
claim	A claim is a challenge of the ownership of a thing which a man has not in possession, and is wrongfully withheld by another
recording acts	n
due process	The right to know that something has been filed in court involving you and the opportunity to tell your side of the story.
interlocutory application	An application for directions or orders before a substantive hearing usually in relation to the procedure of a case (e.g
dangerous	adj
confiscate	v
replacement volumes	Volumes which replace books and their pocket parts when the pocket parts cause the books to become too bulky.
dominant tenement	The parcel of land that benefits from an easement over the servient parcel (tenement).
non compos mentis	A Latin phrase meaning "not of sound mind." A legal disability arising from mental infirmity
marketable title	n
delinquency	The act of a juvenile violating the criminal code
acquittal	The legal certification of the innocence of a person who has been charged with a crime, setting the person free from a charge of guilty by a finding of not guilty.
bipartisan	This word means "two party"
covenant	An agreement or promise that binds a party or parties to do something or not to do something.
common-law spouse	A popular misconception under which people are supposed to become married spouses simply by living together
patent ambiguity	n
qulntal	A weight of one hundred pounds
bona peritura	Perishable goods.
annulment	The grounds for annulment can be found in Wis
carrying on business	v
rule against perpetuities	n
hidden asset	n
enjoin	To prohibit or restrain someone from doing something, normally by order of the court
liquidation	A sale of a debtor’s property with the proceeds to be used for the benefit of creditors.
interruption	The effect of some act or circumstance which stops the course of a prescription or act of limitation's.
next friend	One acting for the benefit of an infant or other person without being regularly appointed as guardian.
et seq	An abbreviation for et sequentes, or et sequentia, meaning "and the following."
construe	v
similarly situated	adj
charity	n
without prejudice	A statement or offer made on the basis that it will not affect a person's legal rights in later court action.
admiralty law	Also, maritime law
equitable	That which is in conformity to the natural law
wtf	A litigator's mnemonic device for the order of events at trial, short for "Witnesses Testify First." Usually followed by AGL, "Arguments Go Last."
settlor	The person who sets up a trust
witness	One who personally sees or perceives a thing; one who testifies as to what he has seen, heard, or otherwise observed.
adr	Acronym for "Alternative Disputes Resolution"
foster care	A home where a child lives other than with his or her natural or adoptive parents
ear-witness	One who attests to things he has heard himself.
yeven	- Given; dated
muniment of title	n
defective title	n
condition subsequent	n
adverse	adj
quantum valebant	A Latin phrase meaning "the amount worth." Refers to the payment for a service according to the value or benefit of the service received.
motion	Oral or written request made by a party to an action before, during, or after a trial, upon which a court issues a ruling or order
beneficial interest	n
motion to strike	n
progression	That state of a business which is neither the commencement nor the end
deliver	v
incorporeal rights	Non-possessory rights in real estate, arising out of ownership, such as rents.
foreseeable risk	n
pilferage	n
prejudice	Unfair harm to one party.
chapter 11	The chapter of the Bankruptcy Code providing (generally) for reorganization, usually involving a corporation or partnership
kangaroo court	Term descriptive of a sham legal proceeding in which a person's rights are totally disregarded and in which the result is a foregone conclusion because of the bias of the court or other tribunal.
general denial	n
disorderly conduct	n
for value received	prep
indemnity	The right of a person who has discharged a duty which should have been discharged by another to collect reimbursement from the party who should have discharged the obligation.
relief	See remedy.
interpleader	An action filed by a party faced by competing claims against property in his possession but which he does not own, requesting the court to determine relative rights to the property.
spousal support advisory guidelines	An academic paper released by the Department of Justice that describes a variety of mathematic formulas that can be applied to determine how much spousal support should be paid and how long spousal support should be paid for, once a spouse is found to be entitled to receive support
alternative dispute resolution	Settling a dispute without full, formal trial
replicate	To duplicate, such as a replicated property tax payment.
session	n
chapter 12	This chapter was developed for family farmers exclusively
ajutage	A conical tube, used in drawing water through an aperture, by the use of which the quantity of water drawn is much increased
highway	n
bona gestura	Good behaviour.
prima facie case	n
animus testandi	An intention to make a testament or will
withdrawal	n
insurrection	A rebellion of citizens or subjects of a country against its government.
shared physical custody	The technical term for when the child(ren) live(s) with each parent at least 30% of the year
misfeasance	The improper performance of some act which a person might lawfully do.
constitutional rights	n
execute	To complete a legal document, as by signing.
pistareen	A small Spanish coin
rien	This is a French word which signifies nothing
piscary	The right of fishing in the waters of another
trust deed	n
bureau	A French word, which literally means a large writing table
override a veto	A method, described in the U
mai-cr	Missouri Approved Jury Instructions - Criminal
affidavit	A written statement or declaration made under oath before a notary or other person authorized to certify the statement
delectus personae	This phrase, which literally signifies the choice of a person, is applied to show that partners have the right to select their copartners; and that no set of partners can take another person into the partnership, without the consent of each of the partners
time served	n
ore tenus motion	An oral motion before the court.
collateral attack	n
nonpurchase money secured creditor	if a creditor has a list of household items for collateral,
and	conj
command	This word has several meanings
casual	adj
good faith	n
civil marriage act	Federal legislation that expands the common law definition of spouse to include persons of the same gender, thereby allowing persons of the same sex to marry one another.
commendation	The act of recommending, praising
escrow	The written agreement between two parties that a third person will hold a deed, money or the like, to be delivered to one of the parties to a transaction when certain conditions or contingencies are met.
false arrest	The act of depriving one of liberty by unlawful physical restraint.
quorum	n
self-dealing	n
unfair competition	n
cestui que trust	n
addendum	n
statute of limitations	The time limit within which a civil or criminal action may be brought after its cause arises
restitution	Act of giving the equivalent for any loss, damage, or injury.
abeyance	1) n
arms	Any thing that a man wears for his defence, or takes in his hands, or uses in his anger, to cast at, or strike at another
ordinance	n
plat book	A map dividing a parcel of land into lots, as in a subdivision.
deviate sexual assault	See section 566.070, RSMO.
gainful employment	Steady work for pay
abstract of title	A chronological summary of all official records and recorded documents affecting the title to a parcel of real property.
petty average	A contribution by the owners of the ship, freight and goods on board, for losses sustained by the ship and cargo, which consist of small charges
polygamy	Being married to more than one person at the same time
lien	The right to take and hold or sell the property of a debtor as security or payment for a debt or duty
change ticket	The name given in Arkansas to a species of promissory notes issued for the purpose of making change in small transactions
equal time rule	Section 315 of the Federal Communications Act, which states that when broadcasters permit a legally qualified candidate for elective office to use their broadcasting facilities, all other legally qualified candidates for the same elective office must be given similar opportunity.
range lines	A series of government survey lines running north and south at six-mile intervals, starting with the principal meridian and forming the east and west boundaries of a township.
law	The combination of those rules and principles of conduct promulgated by legislative authority, derived from court decisions and established by local custom
highway	A passage or road through the country, or some parts of it, for the use of the people
parol leases	An agreement made verbally, not in writing, between the parties, by which one of them leases to the other a certain estate.
drawer	n
satisfaction	n
endorsed	Stamped with the seal of the court indicating the date and time of filing with the court.
respondeat superior	Literally, "a superior (or master) must answer." The doctrine which holds that an employer or principal is responsible for the acts and omissions of his or her employees and agents, when done within the scope of their duties as employees or agents.
pers	The Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS) is the defined benefit plan that is for state government employees first hired on or before June 30, 2006 and a hybrid defined contribution plan that has some defined benefit components for employees first hired on or after July 1, 2006.
non compos mentis	Literally, "not sound of mind," insane.
rescission	The unmaking or undoing of a contract; repeal.
direct and proximate cause	n
judgment	The official decision of a court finally resolving the dispute between the parties to the lawsuit.
adjutant	A military officer, attached to every battalion of a regiment
automatic stay	a stay that comes into operation upon the filing of a bankruptcy petition in accordance with bankruptcy law that prevents creditors from attempting to collect from the debtor for debts incurred ...
code	Laws enacted by the United States Congress are found in the United States Code
particulars	Details of a claim or defence.
occupation	Use or tenure; as, the house is in the occupation of A B
inheritance	Real property or personal property received as a result of the provisions of a will or the Estate Administration Act
citation	Reference to source of legal authority
carrier	One engaged in the transportation of goods or freight; an insurance company
bill of exchange	n
overt act	n
term	n
emblements	n
penalty	n
irrevocable	That which cannot be revoked or undone.
peer	n
levy	Seizing property of a debtor for satisfaction of a judgment against him/her
guilty	adj
best evidence rule	A rule of evidence requiring that, whenever a written or printed document is being offered for the truth of its contents, the original document be put in evidence, or its absence explained so that a copy can be used.
deception	n
negligent	adj., adv
material witness	n
bankruptcy judge	A judicial officer of the United States district court who is the court official with decision-making power over federal bankruptcy cases.
juveniles as adults	Juveniles between the ages of 12 and 17 years old who have committed an act that would be a felony if committed by an adult may be tried under the adult criminal law.
homicide	The killing of one human being by another
latent defect	n
fee simple	Absolute ownership of real property, to the exclusion of all others.
able-bodied	adj
excambiator	The name of an exchanger of lands; a broker
amicus curiae	Literally, a "friend of the Court"
equalization	To make equal, uniform; to constitute or induce equality
po	1
electorate	The geographic area represented by a Member of Parliament
judicial branch	The courts, which interpret the laws; including the Supreme Court, which interprets the Constitution.
ex parte	On behalf of only one party, without notice to any other party
plan administrator	The person or persons who administer a retirement plan
donor	A person giving something as a gift or as a bequest, and does so freely and without expectation of payment in return.
creditor	A person or organization to whom money, goods or services are owed
chapter	The U.S
arrears	n
commission	Money paid to a real estate agent or broker by the seller as compensation for finding a buyer and completing the sale
domicile	The place where a person has his/her permanent legal home
cotenant	n
firkin	A measure of capacity equal to nine gallons
object	1) v
life time cap	Lifetime cap governs the maximum amount the interest rate increases or decreases over the life of the loan.
lien	An encumbrance or legal burden upon property.
compounding a felony	n
pour over will	n
mediation	A form of dispute resolution in which the parties bring their dispute to a neutral third party who helps them agree on a settlement.
intervene	v
cease and desist order	n
burden of proof	the level or quality of proof that a party needs to prove his or her case
in rem	An act directed against a thing and not against a person.
disability	n
committee	The code directs or allows committees to appear and act on behalf of various classes of creditors
encumbrance	A burden or charge upon an estate or property, so that it cannot be disposed of without being subject to it
family allowance	Money set aside from the estate of a deceased to provide for surviving family members during administration of the estate.
deed	A conveyance of realty; a writing signed by grantor, whereby title to realty is transferred from one to another
partial	adj
motion	A formal request to a court to allow or require a specific legal action.
seriatim	One after another; in a series; successively.
acceptance	n
co-administrator	One of several administrators
garden	A piece of ground appropriated to raising plants and flowers.
dedication	n
bona fide	Good faith.
consignee	n
bill of lading	n
justice of the peace	Person able to witness legal documents.
repeal	1) v
in personam	A Latin phrase meaning "against the person." Refers to a right or an order made against a person rather than in reference to a thing.
trust	A property interest held by one person for the benefit of another.
blank endorsement	n
appraiser	The person who evaluates the damage caused by an accident or other covered loss and determines the amount to be paid under the policy terms.
court	1
indigent	Definition: A person who is destitute of property or means of comfortable subsistence
survey	The process by which a parcel of land is measured and its area ascertained.
entry of judgment	n
attachment	Taking and holding a person's property during proceedings to ensure satisfaction of a judgment not yet rendered.
mark	n
abrogate	v
corpus delicti	n
androlepsy	The taking by one nation of the citizens or subjects of another, in order to compel the latter to do justice to the former
joint account	A bank account owned by more than one person, normally with an equal entitlement to deposit or withdraw, with or without the consent of the other account holders.
relevant	adj
defamation	n
gill	A measure of capacity, equal to one-fourth of a pint
reply	A legal document required by the Provincial Court Family Rules to respond to a claim made in an applicant's Application to Obtain an Order
offeror	n
personal property	Any property that is not designated by law as real property.
leading question	n
popular sovereignty	Political authority held by the people in a democratic government.
cautio pro expensis	Security for costs or expenses.
amendment	A change to an Act or other law by a later Act.
pid	The short form for "Parcel Identifier Description," a unique nine-digit number assigned by the Land Title and Survey Authority assigned to each parcel of real property in the province
instruction	n
constructive	adj
assume	An agreement to continue performing duties under a contract or lease.
punitive damages	n
transaction date	Date reflected on payment or account history showing time when servicer completed account transaction or took other action.
incidental beneficiary	n
child	A person who is younger than the legal age of majority, 19 in British Columbia
contingency	n
face amount	n
adequate remedy	n
senior judge	A federal judge who, after attaining the requisite age and length of judicial experience, takes senior status, thus creating a vacancy among a court's active judges
specific devise	n
obstruction of justice	n
abstract	n
solvency	n
pro se	Representing oneself
liberty	n
warranty	n
power of attorney	A written instrument by which a principal appoints another to act as his or her agent and authorizes the agent to perform certain acts.
heirs	In wills and estates law, the people intended or expected to receive property or other benefits under a will; a person's direct lineal descendants
defunct	A term used for one that is deceased or dead
owner	n
situs	n
articles of impeachment	n
building code	A set of stringent laws that control the construction of buildings, design, materials and other similar factors
companion cases or codefendants	More than one person arrested on the same criminal incident.
question of law	n
divorce	A legal proceeding to dissolve a marriage that is irretrievably broken.
commoner	One who is entitled with others to the use of a common.
inventiones	This word is used in some ancient English charters to signify treasure-trove.
vulture funds	(also referred to as vulture capitalists or vulture investors) - investment groups that actively participate in the restructuring of financially distressed and bankrupt companies usually by the buying or selling of large pieces of the distressed company's debt and/or equity.
legislative power	The authority under the constitution to make laws and to alter or repeal them.
decoy	A pond used for the breeding and maintenance of water-fowl
free on board	adj
no information	Document which states no formal charge will be filed by the State Attorney.
cross	contracts
beneficium competentiae	The right which an insolvent debtor had, among the Romans, on making session of his property for the benefit of his creditors, to retain what was required for him to live honestly according to his condition
civil complaint	A written statement of the plaintiff's legal grievance, which normally initiates a civil suit.
depletion	n
presiding officer	The trustee or a representative of the Trustee at a 341 meeting.
reply brief	n
escheat	The process by which a deceased person's property goes to the state if no heir can be found
depose	v
fee simple	An interest in land that, being the broadest property interest allowed by law, endures until the current holder dies without heirs.
tenancy by the entirety	n
in pari delicto	In equal fault; equal in guilt
apparlement	Resemblance
ruse de guerre	Literally a trick in war; a stratagem
inquest	n
drain	Conveying the water from one place to another, for the purpose of drying the former
restructuring	a general term applied to an out-of-court attempt to reorganize and satisfy debts
indicia	Signs, indications.
monopoly	An association formed to directly or indirectly control a particular industry or trade in order to reduce or eliminate competition, generally in violation of anti-trust laws.
whiplash injury	A soft-tissue injury to the neck or back usually associated with rear-end automobile collisions.
bar association	n
in personam	adj
age discrimination	n
promulgate	To put (a law) into action or effect
lien	The right to hold a person's property as security for the performance of an obligation (e.g
filius	The son, the immediate male descendant
legal action	n
remainder	n
finding	n
succession	The passing of real property by will or inheritance, rather than by grant of a deed or any other form of purchase.
escheat	In American law, the right of the state to an estate for which there is no person legally qualified to inherit or claim the estate.
dispossess	v
insolvency	(see also bankruptcy and failure) another term used to describe a firm that is failing; generally it means that a firm’s liabilities exceed its assets or that it is unable to satisfy its obligations as they come due.
secured roll/secured taxes	The listing of property that, in the opinion of the assessor, has sufficient value to guarantee payment of taxes levied thereon
mortgage	A mortgage is an interest in land created by a written instrument providing security for the performance of a duty or the payment of a debt
third-party beneficiary	n
declaration of mailing	n
corpus juris canonici	The body of the canon law
concurrent powers	Concurrent powers are those exercised simultaneously by both national and state governments
accounts payable	n
moiety	(moy-et-tee) n
personal property	Property that is not real property or affixed to real property, such as cars, stock, furniture, etc.
third party	A person, business, organization or government agency not actively involved in a legal proceeding, agreement, or transaction, but affected by it.
outbuilding	n
law clerks	Persons trained in the law who assist judges in researching legal opinions.
good faith	is a term that refers to the filing of a Bankruptcy petition for proper purposes.
rouble	The name of a coin
prescription	n
felony	a crime that carries a penalty of more than a year in prison.
on or about	prep
discharge	To fulfil or be released from an obligation
holdover tenancy	n
iter	A foot way
willfully	adv
motion in limine	Motion for order against admission or prejudicial statements or questions.
witness	A person called by a party to speak in court under oath about what he or she knows or has observed that is relevant to the case
code	Complete, systematic collection of laws.
oas	Operating After Suspension
debt	Something that is owed, usually money, sometimes goods or services
amicus curiae	n
defeasible title	A title which may be annulled or voided at a later date by performance of a specified act or by a conditional limitation.
presumption of abuse	see means test
innocent	adj
key	An instrument made for shutting and opening a lock.
contract law	The branch of law dealing with the interpretation and enforcement of contracts
articles of incorporation	n
variance	n
probate	The court-supervised process by which a will is determined to be the will maker's final statement regarding how the will maker wants his or her property distributed
grave	A place where a dead body is interred.
river	A natural collection of waters, arising from springs or fountains, which flow in a bed or canal of considerable width and length, towards the sea.
doj	Department of Justice
cepit	Took
pint	A liquid measure containing half a quart or the eighth part of a gallon.
mesne	(mean, with a silent s) adj
mortgage	A transfer of real property (land) or personal property (goods) as security for the repayment of money borrowed
administrative process	A quasi-judicial system created by statute or rule to determine legal rights.
sacrilege	The act of stealing from the temples or churches dedicated to the worship of God, articles consecrated to divine uses
dicta	Remarks in a court opinion that do not speak directly to the legal point in question.
puffery	Often expansive hyperbole about a product that does not contain factual claims of merit
count	n
diploma	An instrument of writing, executed by, a corporation or society, certifying that a certain person therein named is entitled to a certain distinction therein mentioned.
reasonable time	n
cop a plea	n
off calendar	adj
coinsurance	n
transferred intent	n
trustee	The person or institution that manages property put in trust.
mitigating circumstances	Those which do not constitute a justification or excuse for an offense but which may be considered as reasons for reducing the degree of blame.
prerogative writ	n
roadside test	n
certificate of sale	Certificate issued to the buyer at a judicial sale (tax sale) that entitles the buyer to a deed upon confirmation of the sale by the court or if the property is not redeemed within a specified time.
sold to the state	A term applicable between 1872 and 1984, meaning that a lien in favor of the State of California had been created because of delinquency of a secured tax
interlocutory decree	A provisional action that temporarily settles a legal question pending the final determination of a dispute.
tenancy by the entirety	See joint tenancy.
courts of record	Those courts whose proceedings are permanently recorded, and which have the power to fine or imprison for contempt
hearsay	Out of court statements made by third parties
party wall	A wall erected on the line between two adjoining estates, belonging to different persons, for the use of both estates
real estate investment trust	n
post-petition	occurring after the filing of a petition.
third party	A person named in a court proceeding or joined to a proceeding who is neither the claimant nor the respondent
incompetency	n
agreement	Mutual consent.
dc	1
to represent	To exhibit; to expose before the eyes: to represent a thing is to produce it publicly
quitclaim deed	A deed without warranty of title which passes whatever title the grantor has to another.
comaker	n
amend amendment	To change, improve, or correct a document that has already been filed with the court.
review	n
triple net lease	n
challenge to the array	Questioning the qualifications of an entire jury panel, usually on grounds of some legal fault in composition of the panel, e.g., racial discrimination.
affidare	To plight one's faith, or give fealty, i
forced sale	n
condemn	v
indemnification	Agreement whereby a person agrees to hold harmless another person from anticipated possible loss.
federalism	a principle of our Constitution which gives some functions to the U.S
unsecured creditor	a creditor who extended credit to a debtor without collateral security
loss of bargain	n
vested	Fixed; accrued; settled; absolute.
lien	The right to take and hold or sell the property of a debtor as security or payment for a debt or duty.
redemption of collateral	A creditor may have a lien on personal property of a debtor where the value of the property is less than the amount due
predetermination	a mental determination or resolve in advance; an antecedent intention to do something
documents	The papers you file in court.
reckless	adj
federal courts	courts established under the U.S
realty	n
counterfeit	1) adj
reversion	The right to possession of the residue of an estate in a grantor or successors of a grantor or testator, commencing upon the termination of a particular estate, granted or devised.
limitation of actions	n
lower court	The court where a case starts
master	n
mortgagor	One who, having all or some part of title to property, by written instrument pledges that property for some particular purpose such as security for a debt
demand letter assessment	Fee for sending the demand letter or notice of intent to foreclose.
proctor	n
face value	n
predecease	v
guarantor	Person who promises to repay a debt incurred by another (also referred to as co-maker or co-signer).
indigent	Needy or impoverished
quantum meruit	(kwahn-tuhm mare-ooh-it) n
preferred dividend	n
aadaip	Adolescent Alcohol/Drug Abuse Intervention Program
acknowledgment	A formal declaration before an authorized official by the person who executed an instrument that it is his free act and deed; the certificate of the official on such instrument attesting that it was so acknowledged.
custody	Detaining of a person by lawful process or authority to assure his/her appearance to any hearing; the jailing or imprisonment of a person convicted of a crime.
motion to dismiss	A motion filed by a party to a lawsuit to dismiss the claim of the opposing party on any of several grounds.
appurtenant	adj
offer	n
pernancy	This word, which is derived from the French prendre, to take, signifies a taking or receiving.
unlawful detainer	A detention of real estate without the consent of the owner or other person entitled to its possession
lien	means a charge against or interest in property to secure payment of a debt or performance of an obligation
government	A Government, without a majority of seats in the Legislative Assembly and there fore dependent on the support of other persons or groups in order to govern. Minister (or Cabinet Minister): A Member of the Government responsible for one or more government departments.
clear title	n
contingent beneficiary	n
resale	n
unsecured roll	The county assessor's certified assessment listing of properties that, in his/her opinion, do not constitute sufficient permanence, through immovability or other intrinsic qualities, to guarantee payment of taxes levied against them.
rule	1) v
writ of assistance	A writ of assistance is a written court order instructing a law enforcement official, such as a police officer, to perform a certain task that will help one of the parties get what was ordered in a separate court order
intestate	Dying without a will.
incompetent evidence	n
“chapter 22″	an unofficial term describing a company that has filed for Chapter 11 twice.
closed shop	n
due process of law	Right of all persons to receive guarantees and safeguards of law and judicial process
property bond	A signature bond secured by mortgage or real property.
comparative negligence	A legal doctrine by which acts of the opposing parties are compared to determine the liability of each party to the other, making each liable only for his/her percentage of fault
value judgment	an assessment that reveals more about the values of the person making the assessment than about the reality of what is assessed
solicitation	n
judicial notice	Acceptance by the court, without formal proof shown, of facts of common knowledge.
default	A failure to respond to a lawsuit within the specified time.
irregular payment	Mortgage payment made in amount or at time different than regularly scheduled payment under terms of note.
defendant	(1) in a civil suit, the person complained against; (2) in a criminal case, the person accused of the crime.
sole proprietorship	A business owned by an individual; not incorporated.
grant	A technical legal term in a deed of conveyance bestowing an interest in real property to another. The words "convey" and "transfer" have the same effect.
jury panel	n
serve	To deliver legal papers to the opposing party either by mail or personal service according to the Appellate Rules
moral turpitude	Immorality, depravity; conduct so wicked as to be shocking to the community's moral sense.
weight of evidence	n
scienter	Guilty knowledge
zoning map	A map of a community showing the zones of permitted use under zoning ordinances.
dedication	Solemn appropriation
pleadings	The documents in which the parties in a suit alternately present written statements of their contentions, each responsive to that which precedes and each serving to narrow the field of controversy, until the issues are established, affirmed on one side and denied on the other, upon which they then go to trial.
property tax	n
true copy	An exact copy of a written instrument.
prior	n
unsecured claim	A claim or debt for which a creditor holds no special assurance of payment, such as a mortgage or lien
president	An officer of a company who is to direct the manner in which business is to be transacted
accommodation	n
equity	Equity is the value of any assets/property you own after any debts are paid
duke	The title given to those who are in the highest rank of nobility in England.
tr	Traffic
voucher	A signed or stamped document that serves as proof that the terms of a transaction have been met.
right of survivorship	The right of a surviving tenant or tenants to succeed to the entire interest of the deceased tenant; the distinguishing feature of a joint tenancy.
government	Normally, a political system in which the Ministers of the Government must be supported by (and therefore be responsible to) a majority in the Lower House of Parliament
act	1) n
distrainor	One who makes a distress of goods and chattels to enforce some right.
servant	An employee; one who acts for another.
real estate broker	A middleman or agent who buys and sells real estate for a company, firm or individual on a commission basis
extrajudicial	adj
bill of costs	Form that the winning party files at the end of the appeal that lists all the costs involved in the appeal and verifies what they were.
extenuating circumstances	n
noxious	adj
profits	In general, by this term is understood the benefit which a man derives from a thing
exempt property	Certain property protected by law from creditors.
de facto	adj
compound interest	n
escrow	The deposit of instruments and/or funds with instructions with a third neutral party to carry out the provisions of an agreement or contract.
corpus delicti	Literally, "body of the crime." The objective proof that a crime has been committed
removal order	A court order transferring a cause of that court's jurisdiction to another court.
out-of-pocket expenses	n
diminution in value	n
refinance	Obtaining a new mortgage loan on a property already owned. Often to replace existing loans on the property.
court	an agency of government authorized to resolve legal disputes
administrative agency	An agency, created and funded by the Congress, whose members are appointed by the president and whose function is to administer specific legislation, such as law regulating broadcasting and advertising.
costs	n
praecipe	Literally, "to admonish or command"
assured	n
multiplicity of suits	n
accord and satisfaction	Method of discharging a claim whereby parties agree to give and accept something in settlement of claim
personal representative	The person that administers an estate
dispraise	the act of speaking contemptuously of
mobilehome/manufactured home	A stationary, non-motorized vehicle designed and equipped for human habitation
locatio	Hire; a letting out.
pedlars	Persons who travel about the country with merchandise, for the purpose of selling it
consequential damages	n
will	A legal declaration that disposes of a person's property when that person dies
dam	A construction of wood, stone, or other materials, made across a stream of water for the purpose of confining it; a mole.
cart bote	An allowance to the tenant of wood, sufficient for carts and other instruments of husbandry.
dispute resolution	A phrase referring to a family of processes used for resolving legal disputes including negotiation, collaborative settlement processes, mediation, arbitration and litigation.
settle	v
executor	A person named by a testator to carry out the provisions of a will
trust agreement or declaration	The legal document that sets up a living trust
distribute	v
inheritance tax	State tax on property an heir or beneficiary receives from a deceased person's estate.
disinterested witness	One who has no interest in the cause or matter in is-sue, and who is lawfully competent to testify.
reliction	n
amendment xxiv	Eliminates the poll tax as a qualification for voting
joint adventure	n
proffer	v
freddie mac – fhlmc	Nickname for Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation
publication of private information	In privacy law, publicizing embarrassing private information about an individual that is not of legitimate public concern.
remand	Definition: To send back to an inferior court for further consideration.
relapse	The condition of one who, after having abandoned a course of vice, returns to it again
aftermarket crash part	A non-original equipment manufacturer (OEM) replacement part, either new or used, for any of the non-mechanical parts that generally constitute the exterior of the motor vehicle, including inner and outer panels.
representative	One who acts for another with permission; an agent.
widower	n
buy-sell agreement	n
administer	v
rogatory letters	n
amendment xxii	This amendment, pushed by Republicans following the unprecedented election to four terms of Democratic President Franklin D
chambers	n
restrictive endorsement	n
acknowledgment	1
indemnify	to guarantee against any loss which another might suffer
criminal attorney	n
peeping tom	n
arson	n
contract	an agreement between two or more persons that creates an obligation to do or not to do a particular thing.
adeem	v
cohabitation	Living together.
mutual	adj., adv
sole legal custody	Condition under which only one party has the right to make major decisions for a child.
provisions	Food for man; victuals.
restraint on alienation	n
charta chyrograpihata vel communis	Signifies an indenture
jury stress	n
appellee	n
adversary system	The system of trial practice in the United States and some other countries in which each of the opposing, or adversary, parties has full opportunity to present and establish opposing contentions before the court.
retroactive	adj
recording	The process of placing a document on file with a designated public official for public notice. This public official, known as the county recorder, signifies to the fact that a document has been presented by placing a recording stamp upon it, indicating the time of day and the date when it was officially placed on file
month-to-month	adj
ratify	v
amend	To change or modify in an attempt to improve, correct, or update.
moral turpitude	n
shareholders' derivative action	n
real property	Land, buildings, and other improvements affixed to the land.
marriage	n
secured debt	Debt backed by a mortgage, pledge of collateral, or other lien; debt for which the creditor has the right to pursue specific pledged property upon default
business bankruptcy	a bankruptcy categorized by the U.S
parent education program	A court-ordered program offered by Family Court Services that 1) helps parents cope with changes in the family and focus on their children's needs and 2) educates parents about the mediation and evaluation process and the legal procedures in family court.
good samaritan rule	n
chapter 13	A repayment plan for individuals with debts falling below statutory levels which provides for repayment of some or all of the debts out of future income over 3 to 5 years.
friendly suit	n
ex contractu	In both civil and common law, rights and causes of action are divided into two classes: ex contractu (from a contract) and ex delicto (from a wrong or tort).
amend	To change or alter a pleading or document that has already been filed in court or given to the other party
primary servicer	Servicer responsible for payment collection, cash management, escrow administration, and loan reporting to mortgage-backed securities' trustees and certificate holders
indemnify	v
forcible entry	n
choice of venue	Definition: The process of finding the fairest place for a trial's location
reapportionment	After each decennial census, the total number of 435 House seats must be divided among the states on the basis of the states' population
parenting time	A term under the Family Law Act which describes the time a guardian has with a child and during which is responsible for the day to day care of the child
blanket mortgage	A mortgage covering at least two pieces of real estate as security for the same mortgage
action in personam	A suit or legal proceeding against the person, founded on a personal liability.
incumbrance	n
temporary relief	Any form of action by a court granting one of the parties an order to protect its interest pending further action by the court
bankruptcy administrator	An officer of the judiciary serving in the judicial districts of Alabama and North Carolina who, like the U.S
u.s. marshal	enforce the rules of behavior in courtrooms.
legal fiction	n
title report	A report that discloses the condition of the title, prepared by a title company before it issues a title insurance policy.
pro rata	(proh rat-ah or proh ray-tah) adj
practicable	adj
cease and desist order	Order of an administrative agency or court prohibiting a person or business from continuing a particular course of conduct.
equitable lien	n
moral certainty	n
chapter 13	A repayment plan for individuals with debts falling below statutory levels which provides for repayment of some or all of the debts out of future income over 3 to 5 years. More in The Power of 13.
article v	This article describes the two methods by which the Constitution may be amended
hire purchase	Where goods are sold with instalment payments required from the purchaser
security	Any note, stock, bond, debenture, evidence of indebtedness, certificate of interest or participation issued by a corporation indicating ownership; collateral.
corporate advance	Disbursement for servicing-related expenses (not escrow expenses) paid with servicer funds rather than escrow funds, to be recovered from borrower
taxing agency	May be the State, a county, a city, or any district that assesses property for taxation purposes and levies taxes or assessments on the property so assessed.
mortgagee	n
interrogatories	Written questions asked by one party in a lawsuit for which the opposing party must provide written answers.
refund	Funds returned to borrower, often following escrow account analysis showing surplus.
estrays	Cattle whose owner is unknown.
pecuniary	adj
injunctive relief	n
natural parent	A biological or birth parent of a child, as opposed to an adoptive parent or a stepparent
escheat	n
discharge	A release of a debtor from personal liability for certain dischargeable debts
prochein	Next
interrogatories	n
chapter 7	liquidation proceedings; generally assets are sold by a trustee and the company ceases operation
judge advocate general	(J.A.G.) n
breach	Violation of an obligation in a contract
open court	The term sufficiently explains its meaning
antecedent	Something that goes before
malum in se	(mal-uhm in say) adv
mandamus	A writ issued by a court ordering a public official to perform an act
doom	This word formerly signified a judgment
referendum	The process of submitting certain recently enacted statutes to a popular vote for approval or rejection
sale	n
full legal representation	When you hire an attorney to represent all of your interests in a court case
cash flow	The amount of cash derived over a certain period of time from an income-producing property
on the stand	prep
wiretap	n
unsecured	In bankruptcy proceedings, for the purposes of filing a claim, a claim is unsecured if there is no collateral, or to the extent the value of collateral is less than the amount of the debt.
turnover	Where someone holds property of the estate that should be in the control of the trustee, the court has the power to compel that person to turn the property over to the trustee for disposition.
supplemental	adj
fresh start	informal term for the new accounting rules applicable to bankrupt companies
carrying for hire	n
bridge loan	A loan, usually short term, that finances the portion of the purchase price not provided by the mortgage loan and the down payment
bicameral	Composed of two legislative bodies, or houses, through which all bills must pass
election	In law, the making of a choice between two or more options.
full disclosure	n
nil	n
equitable subordination	the lowering of priority of a claim because the holder of the claim is found to be guilty of some kind of improper conduct.
wet reckless	n
dictum	n
marriage agreement	An agreement signed by people who are planning on marrying or have married that is intended to govern their rights and obligations in the event of the breakdown of their marriage and, sometimes, their rights and obligations during their marriage
bankruptcy	Bankruptcy is a process where the ownership of a person’s property who cannot pay his/her debts transfers to the Official Assignee in Bankruptcy to be sold
half	One equal part of a thing divided into two parts, either in fact or in contemplation
cohabitation agreement	An agreement signed by people who are or have begun to live together in a marriage-like relationship that is intended to govern their rights and obligations in the event of the breakdown of their relationship and, sometimes, their rights and obligations during their relationship
undersecured claim	A debt secured by property that is worth less than the full amount of the debt.
foreclosure	A legal proceeding to terminate a mortgagor’s interest in property instituted by the lender (mortgagee) either to gain title or to force a sale in order to satisfy the unpaid debt secured by the property.
eminent domain	n
substantive consolidation	In a bankruptcy proceeding, combining the assets and liabilities of two or more related debtors into a single pool to pay creditors
priority	The Bankruptcy Code’s statutory ranking of unsecured claims that determines the order in which unsecured claims will be paid if there is not enough money to pay all unsecured claims in full
supermajority vote	A vote that requires more than a simple majority for passage (e.g
legal separation	A legal proceeding which separates the parties' property and finances but continues their marriage and is an alternative for people who wish to avoid divorce for religious or other reasons
lien	a claim on property in exchange for debt owed
jury	A certain number of persons selected according to law and sworn to inquire into matters of fact and declare the truth about matters lay before them.
approved instructions	In Missouri, the jury instructions are based on "form" or "pattern" instructions that have been approved by the Supreme Court for use in all cases
rating	act of ascertaining or fixing the value or worth of
sine qua non	(see-nay kwah nahn) prep
special master	n
motion for dismissal	(non-suit) n
executor	A man/woman named in a will to carry out its provisions as to the disposition of the estate of a deceased person.
secret rebate	n
burglary	Knowingly entering a building unlawfully for the purpose of committing a serious crime.
pot	n
agreed statement	n
minor	A person who is younger than the legal age of majority, 19 in British Columbia
interests	the equity interests of stockholders are often referred to in bankruptcy documents merely as "interests."
h.r.	The abbreviation for House of Representatives and designates a measure as a bill (e.g
ll.b	To practise law in British Columbia one requires a law degree in the form of either a Bachelor of Laws degree (LL.B.) or a Juris Doctor degree (J.D.)
description	A written account of the state and condition of personal property, titles, papers, and the like
repudiation	n
jeopardy	n
subdivision	Commonly, a division of a single parcel of land into smaller parcels, or lots, by filing a map describing the division and obtaining approval by a city or county.
substance abuse treatment	A special condition the court imposes that requires an individual to undergo testing and treatment for abuse of illegal drugs, prescription drugs, or alcohol
chamber	The actual meeting places of the total membership of either the House or Representatives or Senate
waive	In law, to give up a right or entitlement; to give up the opportunity to assert a right or enforce an entitlement
law	The enforceable rules that govern individual and group conduct in a society
double jeopardy	Putting a person on trial more than once for the same crime
open-meetings laws	State and federal statutes that require that certain meetings of public agencies--normally in the executive branch of government--be open to the public and the press.
loiter	v
basis	n
"common law" marriage	A "marriage" of man and woman who live together without the formalities or legalities of marriage; no longer recognized in Missouri.
priority claims	administrative expenses and salaries, wages, employee benefits, customer deposits and taxes which occurred pre-petition.
assign	In law, to transfer an interest or right in something to someone else
statute of frauds	A statutory requirement that certain contracts must be in writing.
incumbrance	Whatever is a lien upon an estate.
joint custody	See shared physical custody.
prosecution	n
exonerate	Remove a charge, responsibility, or duty.
shortening time	n
consent	Agreement; the giving of permission for a thing to happen or not happen.
convict	To condemn or find one guilty of a criminal charge; to pronounce an accused person guilty as charged.
stipulate	Definition: A fact agreed upon by the parties is said to be stipulated
trade	1) n
rescission	n
open court	n
ordinary service	Sending legal documents to a party at that party's "address for service," usually by mail, fax or email
§ 341 meeting	The meeting of creditors required by section 341 of the Bankruptcy Code at which the debtor is questioned under oath by creditors, a trustee, examiner, or the U.S
espionage	n
share	n
business days	A method of calculating time under which the days for a legal deadline are determined based on when the court is open for business, excluding weekends and holidays
lie detector test	n
motive	n
slander	False and defamatory spoken words tending to harm another's reputation, business, or means of livelihood
alleged	Suspected; temporarily presumed; supposed.
supplemental assessment	An adjustment in valuation that reflects an increase in a property's taxable value as a result of a change of ownership or completion of new construction.
title insurance	Insurance to protect a real property owner or lender up to a specified amount against certain types of loss owing to defective or unmarketable title.
schedules	Technically, the schedules of assets and liabilities; is also commonly used to include the statement of financial affairs.
res gestae	Definition: An evidentiary term that applies to exceptions to the hearsay rule involving statements that are made close to or concurrently with the happening of a transaction or occurrence.
summary	Quickly executed.
stipulation	An agreement by attorneys on both sides of a civil or criminal case about some aspect of the case; e.g
demand	1) v
battery	Physical contact intended to harm someone
teeter plan	An alternative method of tax sale procedures and of distribution of tax levies and collections.
stay	n
liquidated damages	n
reports	n
mitigating circumstances	Those which do not constitute a justification or excuse for an offense but which may be considered as reasons for reducing the degree of blame
deed	A legal document by which property title is transferred from one owner to another
house of review	A term applied to Upper Houses responsible for reviewing and providing a second opinion on Bills passed by the Lower House
probative value	n
writ of certiorari	An order issued by the U.S
release	Discharge from confinement or custody.
ad damnum	Definition: See prayer for relief.
partition	n
real property	A parcel of land and the buildings on that land
sublease	n
rescission	A revocation or stopping action, particularly of a contract
immediate cause	Last event in a series of events which causes another event, particularly an injury, to occur
dissolution	The termination; process of dissolving or winding up something.
rules of court	n
security agreement	An agreement which creates or provides for a security interest.
self-defense	Claim that an act otherwise criminal was legally justifiable because it was necessary to protect a person or property from the threat or action of another
qualified	This term is frequently used in law
calumny	n
calendar	The schedule of proceedings before a court at a particular time or session
no information	Document which states no formal charge will be filed by the State Attorney
disfigure	v
ex parte	A Latin phrase meaning "from one party." Refers to an application that is brought before the court without notice being given to the other party
ancient	Something old, which by age alone has acquired some force; as ancient lights, ancient writings.
united states trustee	an agent of the U.S
piracy	n
no asset case	is a term that refers to a Chapter 7 case in which no assets will be available for liquidation and distribution to unsecured creditors
i.e.	In other words; that is to say. From the Latin id est.
disposable retired pay	This term applies for military retired pay
aggravated assault	See assault.
foreclosure	A court proceeding upon default in a mortgage to vest title in the mortgagee.
ftc	See Federal Trade Commission.
dowry	n
res	(rayz)n
heiress	n
lis pendens	A pending suit
reapportion	In family law, the unequal division of family property or family debt between spouses
exculpate	To free from blame or accusation, particularly in matters of small importance
collateral descendant	n
treasury	The place where treasure is kept the office of a treasurer
utter	v
pa	1
referral	Process by which a juvenile case is introduced to court, agency or program where needed services can be obtained.
certification	1
section 304	the former section of the U.S
creditors' committee	a committee of representatives of a debtor's creditors appointed by the U.S
mandatory joinder	n
unreasonable search and seizure	n
liable	Responsible, answerable.
et al.	An abbreviation of the Latin term "et alibi," meaning "and others."
hdp	Home Detention Program
inter vivos gift	A gift made during the giver's life
tribunal	n
multiple listing	A listing taken by a member of an organization of brokers, whereby all members have an opportunity to find a buyer.
independent	One who does not belong to either of the two major political parties in the United States.
floating easement	n
option	A continuing offer to sell which must be accepted by the optionee within terms of the option, and if not accepted within the time specified, the right to do so is lost
special damages	n
mechanic's lien	A claim created by statute to secure priority of payment for work performed or materials furnished in building or repairing property.
aniens	In some of our law books signifies void, of no force
status quo	The existing situation.
depreciate	v
act of bankruptcy	An action of a debtor that shows an inability to pay their creditors.
pd	1
collect collection	To obtain payment of a debt through legal proceedings
remand	Send back.
consignment	n
grantor	One who gives
"extensions of remarks"	A section of the Congressional Record where members of the House or Senate are able to add additional arguments or statements that were not made on the floor during debate.
dereliction	n
chips	(Child In Need of Protection or Services) A proceeding in juvenile court for any person under the age of 18 for noncriminal reasons including abuse, neglect, and abandonment.
platypus	A duck-billed egg-laying aquatic mammal, the males of which are venomous.
stay	A court order halting a judicial proceeding
section	A unit of land, established by government survey, that contain 640 acres and is one mile square.
inchoate	adj
denial of discharge	Penalty for debtor misconduct with respect to the bankruptcy case or creditors as a whole
letter of advice	comm
interpretation	The explication of a law, agreement, will, or other instrument, which appears obscure or ambiguous.
prosecute	to charge a person or organization with a crime and seek to gain a criminal conviction against that person or organization.
quiet enjoyment	n
sexual offenses	See Chapter 566, RSMo.
covenant not to compete	n
time	Transaction Information for Management of Enforcement
alienation	n
joint tenancy	Undivided ownership of property by two or more persons, each of whom has an equal interest in the property, equal rights to use the property, and a right of survivorship; i.e., the right to share equally with other surviving joint tenants in the interest of a deceased joint tenant.
actual notice	n
ex officio	By virtue of his office
in principio	At the beginning this is frequently used in citations; as Bac
implements	Such things as are used or employed for a trade, or furniture of a house.
lesser crime	n
reasonable man	A hypothetical individual who exercises that degree of care, knowledge and judgment that society ordinarily requires of its members.
espionage act	A law adopted by the Congress in 1917 that outlawed criticism of the U.S
credit report	A report outlining an individuals credit history, public records and credit worthiness.
personalty	n
distribution of proceeds	The required distribution of money received from the sale of property in satisfaction of legal claims.
article	n
trust	A legal device used to manage real or personal property, established by one person (the "grantor" or "settlor") for the benefit of another (the "beneficiary")
alternative dispute resolution	Settling a dispute without a full or formal trial
lay a foundation	v
account	In law, a lawyer's bill to his or her client or a statement; one person's recollection of events.
pairing	Pairing is a procedure available to members of Congress who wish to indicate their position with respect to a question when though they are not present when the vote is taken
reasonable care	n
malum prohibitum	(mal-uhm prohibit-uhm) adj
forbearance	n
view	a personal belief or judgment that is not founded on proof or certainty
notice	The formal process by which the House is notified of forthcoming business - proposals by Members to introduce Bills, or move motions
deficit	n
fare	It signifies a voyage or passage; in its modern application, it is the money paid for a passage
mineral rights	The ownership of the minerals (coal, gold, iron, etc.) under the ground, with or without ownership of the surface of the land. See also Surface Rights and Subsurface Rights.
crime against nature	n
limited liability	n
escrow account	Trust account into which a borrower's funds are deposited and held to pay taxes, insurance premiums, and other escrow expenses.
patent	A grant to an inventor of the right to exclude others for a limited time from make, using, or selling his invention in the United States.
court of appeals	n
voidable	adj
finding of law	a finding as to the applicability of a rule of law to particular facts
federal tax lien	A lien attaching to property for nonpayment of a federal tax (estate, income, etc.). A federal tax lien differs from other liens in that it is not automatically wiped out by a foreclosure on a mortgage or trust deed recorded before the tax lien (except by judicial foreclosure). See IRS Lien.
cpl	The short form for "Certificate of Pending Legislation." A CPL is a document filed in the office of the Land Title and Survey Authority against the title of real property stating that the property is the subject of a court proceeding and that ownership of the property may change as a result, formerly called a lis pendens
admission of guilt	n
civil list	The sum which is yearly paid by the state to its monarch, and the domains of which he is suffered to have the enjoyment.
capital assets	n
equivalent	n., adj
bill	n
legislation	An act; a statute; a written law made by a government
asfa	Adoption and Safe Families Act
general counsel	n
extortion	n
moratorium	n
litigation	A judicial contest which seeks a decision from the court.
wisdom	ability to apply knowledge or experience or understanding or common sense and insight
trs	On July 1, 1955, the Alaska Legislature established the Teachers' Retirement System (TRS) to attract qualified teachers into public service employment
confidential relationship	A fiduciary or other relationship which requires the utmost of good faith, and often, an understanding that communications between the parties are private.
weight of evidence	The balance and quality of evidence
material	In law, something that is relevant, important
professional corporation	n
disposition	The parting with, alienation of, or giving up property
chain of title	n
willful	Intentional; intending the result which comes to pass.
custody	Control; e.g
in pari materia	On the same subject.
beadle	Eng
white collar crime	n
secondary boycott	n
jobber	n
cohabitation	Two people living together in an intimate relationship, without being married.
subordination agreement	n
negative declaration	n
proprietary interest	n
curtilage	The land and outbuildings immediately adjacent to a home and regularly used by its occupants.
amicus curiae	A friend of the court
special assessment	A legal charge against real estate by a public authority to pay the cost of such public improvements as street lights, sidewalks, and street improvements.
conservatee	n
interlocutory order	Any order given before the final order is issued
family farmer or fisherman	means a individual and spouse engaged in a farming operation whose aggregate debts do not exceed $3,237,000.00 (or as modified from time to time) and not less than 50 percent of whose aggregate non contingent debts arise out of a farming operation or an individual and spouse engaged in a commercial fishing operation whose aggregate debts do not exceed $1,500,000.00 and not less than 50 percent of whose aggregate non contingent debts arise out of a commercial fishing operation
personal service	Personal delivery of court papers by handing a copy to the person who is served
recoupment	n
back-to-back life sentences	n
health	Freedom from pain or sickness; the most perfect state of animal life
statutory rape	n
harbor	A place where ships may ride with safety; any navigable water protected by the surrounding country; a haven
employee	n
counsel	Legal advice; a term also used to refer to the lawyers in a case.
"special orders"	This term has different usage in the House and Senate
fruit of the crime	Property acquired by means and in consequence of the commission of a crime, and sometimes constituting the subject matter of the crime.
possibility of a reverter	n
excessive bail	n
replevin	An action to recover possession of personal property from a person who has wrongfully or unlawfully taken and refused to return the property.
haereditas	An inheritance, or an estate which descends to one by succession
hostile witness	An adverse witness or opposing party who is known to offer prejudicial evidence as a result of such adverse interest or bias.
adjuster	An employee or agent of an insurance company who handles a casualty claim
restitution	n
close corporation	n
pursuant to	According to, as directed by (an Act or Regulation).
per curiam opinion	see opinion.
evasion of tax	n
subrogor	n
legal duty	n
effective date	the date on which a plan of reorganization is implemented; usually it occurs after all the conditions to a plan of reorganization have been satisfied.
majority	n
ostensible partner	One whose name appears in a firm, as a partner, and who is really such.
bench	The seat occupied by the judge
first reading	The first stage in the progress of a Bill through a House of Parliament
common pleas court	See Court of Common Pleas.
perfection	When a secured creditor has taken the required steps to perfect his lien, the lien is senior to any liens that arise after perfection
disfranchisement	The act of depriving a member of a corporation of his right as such, by expulsion
voting trust	n
countermand	This word signifies a
respondeat superior	(rehs-pond-dee-at superior) n
sunshine laws	Laws forbidding or restricting closed meetings of government bodies and providing for public access to records.
holding over	The act of keeping possession by the tenant, without the consent of the landlord of premises which the latter, or those under whom he claims, had leased to the former, after the term has expired.
ouster	n
probative	adj
levy	(Verb) To impose taxes, special assessments, or service charges for the support of governmental activities. (Noun) The total amount of taxes, special assessments, or service charges imposed by government.
passion	n
bill	A proposed law as it passes through Parliament
exculpatory	adj
trustee suspense account	Suspense account used by servicer to hold payments received from chapter 13 bankruptcy trustee pursuant to borrower's chapter 13 plan providing for cure of pre-petition mortgage arrearages.
imprimatur	A license or allowance to one to print.
printing	The art of impressing letters; the art of making books or papers by impressing legible characters.
mitigating circumstances	Those facts which do not constitute a justification or excuse for an offense but which may be considered as reasons for reducing the degree of blame.
flight	n
liquidated demand	A demand, or claim, where the amount in question is a specific sum that can be ascertained from some specific document (e.g
specific performance	Doing exactly what is stated in the terms of a contract.
disclaim	To refuse a gift made in a will
subordination	The act or process by which a person's rights or claims are ranked below those of others.
sign	v
hold harmless	n
t.r.o.	n
nominal party	n
disapproval	the act of disapproving or condemning
public administrator	n
ranking member	The second highest position on a committee on the majority side
procedure	The judicial process for the administration of cases before it; the rules governing such process.
depreciation	A reduction in property value resulting from age or use.
"sunshine law"	See Chapter 10.
market value	The highest price a buyer will pay for a property and the lowest price the seller will accept in a typical market.
credit grantor	Business or individual who gives a loan or line of credit; also referred to as the creditor.
mandatory	adj., adv
trust	A legal device used to manage real or personal property, established by one person (the grantor or settlor) for the benefit of another (the beneficiary)
misfeasance	Lawful act performed in wrongful manner
paper hanger	n
abet	v
status quo	A Latin phrase meaning "the state that was." Refers to whatever circumstances or conditions previously existed, or which presently exist and have existed in the same way for some time.
per se	(purr say) adj
interpreter	One employed to make a translation
unsecured claim	A claim or debt for which a creditor holds no special assurance of payment, such as a mortgage or lien; a debt for which credit was extended based solely upon the creditor's assessment of the debtor's future ability to pay.
unsecured	A claim or debt is unsecured if there is no collateral that is security for the debt
good cause	n
index	A published interest rate against which lenders measure the difference between the current interest rate on an adjustable rate mortgage and that earned by other investments (such as one-three and five-year U.S
mark-ups	The name given to a session of a committee or subcommittee of the House or Senate during which the provisions of a bill are discussed in detail and are usually revised
electronic data processing	Processing by means of high-speed electronic equipment. See also Data Processing.
summary adjudication of issues	n
check	n
finder	One who lawfully comes to the possessiou of another's personal property, which was then lost.
indemnity agreement	An agreement by which one party agrees to repay another for any loss or damage the latter may suffer.
eminent domain	The power of the government to take private property for public use through condemnation
prejudice	A legal term which means to injure or damage someone's rights by some legal action
trust	An entity or method through which assets can be held for distribution to beneficiaries at a later date.
penitentiary	n
community property	Only applicable in community property states
accession	Addition to property by natural increase or growth or, artificially, by installation of improvements.
quasi-judicial	adj., adv
inter partes	Literally, "between the parts"
warranty deed	n
genetic testing	A way to determine the parents of a child by testing the chromosomes of each parent and child through taking a blood sample.
obligee	Person to whom support is owed
czar	A title of honor which is assumed by the emperor of all the Russias
marriage-like relationship	In family law, the quality of an unmarried couple's relationship that demonstrates their commitment to each other, their perception of themselves as a couple and their willingness to sacrifice individual advantages for the advantage of themselves as a couple; a legal requirement for a couple to be considered spouses without marrying
personal property	Any movable physical property or intangible property which may be owned
private law	That law, such as a contract between two persons or a real estate transaction, which applies only to the persons who subject themselves to it.
comparative negligence	A legal doctrine by which acts of the opposing parties are compared to determine the liability of each party to the other, making each liable only for his or her percentage of fault
covenant	An agreement written into a deed or other instrument promising certain performance or nonperformance of certain acts or stipulating certain uses or non-uses of the property.
common fishery	A fishery to which all persons have a right, such as the cod fisheries off Newfoundland
accrued interest	Interest earned for the period of time that has elapsed since interest was last paid.
back taxes	All payments required to be made under any provisions of law allowing payment of delinquent taxes in installments, except payments of current taxes due on the property and the penalties and costs on the current taxes.
hard money loan	A loan (usually from a private lender) based upon the condition and value of the property as the primary criteria for approval. Owner occupancy, debt ratios and other issues are seldom a factor. Appraisals rather than purchase prices are used to determine value. Cash out purchases are often allowed and are another key benefit
double taxation	n
blackmail	n
public meeting	Any meetings of public governmental bodies at which public business is discussed or decided, or public policy is formulated.
last clear chance	See "humanitarian doctrine" in this glossary.
zoning ordinance	A law (generally at the city or county level) controlling the use of land and construction of improvements in a given area (zone).
natural person	n
quadrant	In angular measures, a quadrant is equal to ninety degrees
statutory lien	A lien arising under a statute, not including a security interest or judicial lien.
bench	n
permanent injury	n
counsel	A lawyer; the advice given by a lawyer to his or her client.
humanitarian doctrine	The theory that a party who has the last clear chance to avoid damage or injury to another but does not take appropriate possible actions to avoid such damage or injury is liable therefore even though the one injured also was negligent
plain view doctrine	n
advance	n
executory	adj
inspeximus	We have seen
eir	n
functional obsolescence	Loss in value due to out-of-date or poorly designed equipment while newer equipment and structures have been invented since its construction.
consumate	What is completed
plaintiff's attorney	n
substantiation	Providing evidence to prove that an event took place, e.g
quasi in rem	adj
executed	Something done; something completed
payment in full	n
escrow	Money or a written instrument such as a deed that, by agreement between two parties, is held by a neutral third party (held in escrow) until all conditions of the agreement are met
defalcation	v
going concern value	what a company is worth if sold as a continuing business, as opposed to its liquidation value.
propter delictum	For or on account of crime
articles	A division in some books
governmental immunity	n
residue	n
equity	The value of a debtor’s interest in property that remains after liens and other creditors’ interests are considered
separate property	Separate property is property and debt that is not considered marital property
lapse	1) v
pour-over will	A will that leaves some or all estate assets to a trust established before the will-maker's death
descent and distribution statutes	State laws that provide for the distribution of estate property of a person who dies without a will
guardianship	Legal right given to a person to be responsible for the food, housing, health care, and other necessities of a person deemed incapable of providing these necessities for himself/herself
cash collateral	Refers to cash and equivalents held by the debtor that are subject to creditors' liens.
amortization	The reduction of a debt over time by making periodic payments, usually monthly, a portion of which is interest and a portion of which reduces the outstanding amount of debt
bifurcation	n
course	The direction in which a line runs in surveying.
malice aforethought	n
estate	An estate consists of personal property (car, household items, and other tangible items), real property and intangible property, such as stock certificates and bank accounts, owned in the individual name of a person at the time of the person's death
false arrest	n
kingdom	A country where an officer called a king exercises the powers of government, whether the same be absolute or limited
settlement	n
tangible property	n
district	This clause refers to the District of Columbia which is still under the governance of Congress even though the city of Washington, D.C., has its own mayor and city council
receiver	n
to sign	To write one's name to an instrument of writing in order to give the effect intended; the name thus written is called a signature.
credible	Worthy of belief.
extraordinary remedies	See Chapter 6.
split custody	A term used by the Child Support Guidelines to describe circumstances when one or more children live most of the time with each parent or guardian, resulting in an amount of support that is different than the table amount
owner of record	The owner of property according to the records of the county recorder.
conscientious objector	n
ostensible agent	n
respondent	The person who responds to the filing of a petition.
mental suffering	n
licensor	n
good time	Reduction in time served in prison as reward for good behavior.
rerecording	The recording of a deed or other document a second time to correct an error contained in the instrument when originally recorded.
stamp duty	A state tax on transfers of ownership of assets or property, or on leases.
below	Lower in place, beneath, not so high as some other thing spoken of, of tacitly referred to.
satisfaction of mortgage	n
contract	An agreement between two or more people that gives them mutual obligations towards each other that can be enforced in court
hawkers	Persons going from place to place with goods and merchandise for sale
substitute in	v
mistrial	An invalid trial caused by fundamental error
subrogation	n
interlineation	n
administrative hearing	n
immemorial	That which commences beyond the time of memory
printers' ink statute	A model law drafted in 1911 to control false or misleading advertising
absolutist theory	The proposition that the First Amendment is an absolute, and that government may adopt no laws whatsoever that abridge freedom of expression.
legatee	n
supreme court of canada	The highest level of court in Canada
challenge to the array	Questioning the qualifications of an entire jury panel, usually on the grounds of partiality or some fault in the process of summoning the panel.
rebuttable presumption	n
sale number	Formerly, a number assigned to a parcel having delinquent taxes at the time of sale to the State. The number was used in conjunction with the fiscal year for which the taxes originally became a lien upon the property. This number is now called the tax-default number or the default number.
documentary evidence	n
infants act	Provincial legislation that governs the legal capacity of minors and contracts involving minors
freehold	n
filed in open court	Court documents entered into the file in court
consent order	An order resolving all or part of a court proceeding, on an interim or final basis, that the parties agree the court should make.
proper party	n
claimant	Anyone who asserts a right, demand or claim
case law	The law as established in previous court decisions
estreature	Civil aspect of a bond forfeiture
joint liability	n
survivor	n
jus gladii	Supreme jurisdiction
infraction	The least serious criminal offense under Missouri law.
reasonable speed	n
family law arbitrator	A lawyer or another person with special training in the arbitration of family law disputes who meets the training and experience requirements set out in the provincial Family Law Act Regulation
cash collateral	Cash, bank accounts or cash equivalents subject to a security interest.
insurable interest	That right of property which may be the subject of an insurance.
firm	The persons composing a partnership, taken collectively, are called the firm
special	adj
race to the courthouse	n
entire	That which is not divided; that which is whole.
amicus curiae	Literally, "friend of the court." One not a party to a case who volunteers to offer information on a point of law or some other aspect of the case to assist the court in deciding a matter before it.
precatory	adj
clemency or executive clemency	Act of grace or mercy by the president or governor to ease the consequences of a criminal act, accusation, or conviction