Legal Terms To Know10 min read
When it comes to legal matters, it’s important to be aware of the terminology used. Here are some key legal terms to know:
1. Contract: A contract is an agreement between two or more parties, usually in writing. The agreement sets out the terms and conditions of the relationship between the parties.
2. Tort: A tort is a wrongful act or omission that results in damage or harm to another person. Torts can be intentional or negligent.
3. Statute: A statute is a law passed by a legislative body.
4. Common law: Common law is law that is based on judicial decisions, rather than statutes.
5. Equity: Equity is a branch of law that is based on fairness and justice. It is often used to remedy situations where the law does not provide a remedy.
6. Contractual terms: Contractual terms are the terms and conditions of a contract. They are usually set out in writing and may include such things as the price, delivery date, and warranty.
7. Breach of contract: Breach of contract is when a party to a contract fails to meet its obligations under the contract. This can result in a lawsuit.
8. Statutory damages: Statutory damages are damages that are prescribed by law. They are not based on actual damages suffered by the plaintiff.
9. Liquidated damages: Liquidated damages are damages that are specified in the contract as a remedy for a breach of contract. They are intended to compensate the injured party for losses suffered as a result of the breach.
10. Contractual indemnity: Contractual indemnity is an agreement by one party to the contract to indemnify the other party against any losses or damages suffered as a result of the contract.
Table of Contents
What is the legal terminology?
The legal terminology is a complex and extensive system of words and phrases that are used in the law. It can be difficult to understand for those who are not familiar with it, so here is a brief explanation of some of the most common terms.
Jurisdiction is the power and authority of a court to hear and decide cases. This can be based on the location of the court, the subject matter of the case, or the parties involved.
The statute of limitations is a law that sets a time limit on how long a person has to file a lawsuit. This is generally based on the type of claim being made.
Torts are civil wrongs that can give rise to a lawsuit. These can include negligence, intentional torts, and strict liability.
Contracts are agreements between two or more parties that are legally binding. Breach of contract is when one party fails to uphold their end of the bargain.
Real property is land and anything permanently attached to it, such as a house or a building. Personal property is everything else, such as cars, furniture, and clothes.
The plaintiff is the person who brings a lawsuit, while the defendant is the person who is sued.
The court is the place where a lawsuit is heard. The judge is the person who presides over the court and makes decisions in the case.
The jury is a group of people who listen to the evidence in a case and decide whether the defendant is guilty or not guilty.
The appellate court is a court that hears appeals from lower courts. An appeal is when a party challenges a decision made by a lower court.
The legal system in the United States is based on the English common law system. This is a system of law that is derived from case law, or the decisions of judges in previous cases.
What are common words used in court?
When attending court, it is important to be aware of the common words and phrases that are used. This article will provide a brief explanation of some of the most commonly used words and phrases in a court setting.
First and foremost, it is important to understand the difference between direct and indirect evidence. Direct evidence is evidence that tends to prove or disprove a fact in question without the need for any inference or presumption. Indirect evidence, on the other hand, is evidence that requires an inference or presumption to be drawn in order to prove or disprove a fact in question.
In a court setting, witnesses may give direct or indirect evidence. Direct evidence is given when a witness testifies about what they saw, heard, or smelled. For example, if a witness saw the defendant shoot the victim, they would be giving direct evidence. Indirect evidence, on the other hand, is given when a witness testifies about what someone else told them. For example, if a witness heard the defendant say that they were going to kill the victim, they would be giving indirect evidence.
Another important term to be familiar with is hearsay. Hearsay is a statement, other than one made by the declarant while testifying at the trial or hearing, offered in evidence to prove the truth of the matter asserted. In other words, hearsay is a statement that is used to prove the truth of something that was said outside of court. There are a few exceptions to the hearsay rule, but in general, hearsay is not admissible in court.
Another important term to be familiar with is an objection. An objection is a formal protest made by a lawyer against the admission of evidence or the asking of a question. There are many reasons why an objection might be made, but some of the most common objections are that the evidence is irrelevant, that it is hearsay, or that it is unduly prejudicial.
Finally, it is important to be familiar with the different types of evidence that can be presented in court. The most common types of evidence are eyewitness testimony, documentary evidence, and expert testimony. Eyewitness testimony is testimony given by a person who saw the event in question happen firsthand. Documentary evidence is evidence that is contained in a document, such as a contract, a letter, or a receipt. Expert testimony is testimony given by a person who is an expert in a particular field, such as medicine or engineering.
What is legal jargon examples?
Legal jargon is a specialized language used by lawyers in the course of their work. It can be difficult to understand for people who are not familiar with it. This article provides examples of some of the most common legal terms.
Arbitration: A process in which two or more parties try to resolve a dispute outside of the court system.
Breach of contract: The breaking of a contractual agreement.
Court order: A directive from a court of law.
Damages: Compensation that is awarded to a party who has suffered loss or injury as a result of another party’s actions.
Estate: The property and assets of a deceased person.
Habeas corpus: A legal process that allows a person to challenge their detention or imprisonment.
Injunction: A court order that requires a party to do or not do something.
Liability: The legal responsibility for damages or injuries that are caused.
Tort: A wrongful act that results in harm to another person or their property.
What every paralegal should know?
As a paralegal, it is important to be aware of the ethical and legal issues that may arise in your work. You should also be familiar with the basics of the law, so that you can effectively assist your supervising attorney.
One of the most important things to remember as a paralegal is to always act ethically. You should never do anything that would compromise the attorney-client relationship or the legal process. Additionally, you should be aware of your state’s rules of professional conduct, which set standards for the ethical behavior of attorneys and paralegals.
In addition to being ethical, it is also important to be knowledgeable about the law. As a paralegal, you may be responsible for conducting legal research, drafting documents, and assisting with trial preparations. To be effective in these roles, you need to have a basic understanding of the law.
The best way to learn about the law is to read cases and statutes. You can also attend law school, although this is not necessary to work as a paralegal. However, if you want to become a lawyer, law school is a must.
If you are looking for a career as a paralegal, it is important to remember that the job requires hard work and dedication. But if you are willing to put in the effort, the rewards can be great. As a paralegal, you can help attorneys defend the rights of their clients and play a key role in the legal process.
What are the 4 types of law?
There are four types of law in the United States: criminal law, civil law, administrative law, and constitutional law.
Criminal law is the body of law that prohibits certain actions and punishes people who commit those actions. Civil law is a system of law that deals with disputes between private parties. Administrative law is the body of law that governs the activities of government agencies. Constitutional law is the body of law that governs the relationship between the government and the people.
What does P mean in law?
What does P mean in law? In general, P refers to a party to a legal proceeding. For example, in a case before a court, the plaintiff (P1) is the party who initiates the proceeding, and the defendant (P2) is the party who responds to the complaint.
What are some words lawyers use?
Lawyers use a number of specific words and phrases in order to discuss legal matters. Here are some of the most common:
Affidavit: A written statement sworn to be true before a notary public.
Amicus curiae: A friend of the court, someone who offers information or opinion on a legal matter to the court.
Appeal: To ask a higher court to review and overturn a lower court’s decision.
Bail: Money or other security posted to guarantee that a defendant will appear in court.
Comment: A brief explanation of a legal ruling.
Complaint: A legal document that starts a civil lawsuit.
Conviction: A judgment that a defendant is guilty of a crime.
Cross examination: Questioning of a witness by the opposing lawyer.
Discovery: The process of exchanging information and documents between the parties in a lawsuit.
Exhibit: A document or object introduced as evidence in a trial.
Hearsay: Testimony or evidence that is not based on the personal knowledge of the witness.
Indictment: A formal accusation by a grand jury that a person has committed a crime.
Jurisdiction: The authority of a court to hear a particular case.
Lawsuit: A legal proceeding in which one party sues another party.
Liability: The legal responsibility for damages caused by someone’s actions.
Misdemeanor: A crime that is less serious than a felony.
Parole: The conditional release of a prisoner before the expiration of his or her sentence.
Plea: The defendant’s formal answer to a charge in a criminal case.
Pleadings: The formal documents filed by the parties in a lawsuit.
Preliminary hearing: A hearing to determine whether there is enough evidence to proceed with a trial.
Probable cause: A reasonable suspicion that a crime has been committed.
Prosecutor: The lawyer who represents the government in a criminal case.
Recuse: To step down from a case due to a conflict of interest.
Sentence: The punishment imposed on a defendant convicted of a crime.
Slander: The intentional publication of false information that damages a person’s reputation.
Statute: A law passed by a legislative body.
Trial: A judicial proceeding in which the facts of a case are examined by a judge or jury.
Verdict: The decision of a jury or judge in a trial.
Witness: A person who testifies in court about what he or she knows.
