The Law Dictionary for Everyone
The Latin term sua sponte, which translates as “of one’s own accord,” is used to describe an act of authority made without prompting, or without a request having been made. In the U.S. legal system, sua sponte generally refers to a decision made, or action taken, by a judge of his own accord, with no motion or request having been […]
Read moreContract law is a body of law that governs, enforces, and interprets agreements related to an exchange of goods, services, properties, or money. According to contract law, an agreement made between two or more people or business entities, in which there is a promise to do something in return for a gain or advantage, is legally binding. Contract law is […]
Read moreDeportation is a legal term that refers to the process of removing a non-citizen from the United States. Deportation occurs based on an order from the federal government when a non-citizen, also referred to as an “immigrant,” or “alien,” commits a serious crime or violates immigration laws. Deportation must follow a specific legal process in which the alien has certain […]
Read moreCross-examination is the legal process of interrogating a witness that has been called to testify by the opposing party in a legal proceeding. When a party calls a witness to testify in court, he must follow certain rules in questioning the witness. This is called “direct examination.” Once this questioning is finished, the opposing party is given an opportunity to […]
Read moreThe term strict constructionism refers to a philosophy of law that would restrict judicial interpretation of the law, as well as of the U.S. Constitution, to apply the text of the law, exactly as written, in making judgements and rulings. In other words, under strict constructionist principles, judges would not be allowed to consider the intent of the law, but […]
Read moreArticles of Incorporation are a document that, when filed with the secretary of state, establish the existence of a new corporation. The articles outline basic information about the corporation, including the type of business, and a description of the business’ operational characteristics. The state must approve the Articles of Incorporation before the business can be legally established. To explore this […]
Read moreA car accident, also referred to as a “traffic collision,” or a “motor vehicle accident,” occurs when a motor vehicle strikes or collides another vehicle, a stationary object, a pedestrian, or an animal. While some car accidents result only in property damage, others result in severe injuries or death. There are many factors that can contribute to car accidents, and […]
Read moreThe Latin term stare decisis refers to the doctrine of precedent, which obliges judges to make certain court decisions according to previous rulings made by a higher court in the same type of case. The purpose of stare decisis is to promote consistent, predictable rulings on cases of similar nature. While prior decisions often become precedent in the U.S., adherence […]
Read moreA tax deduction is an amount subtracted from an individual’s or entity’s total income, thereby reducing the taxable income for that year. In the United States, the tax code allows certain specific expenses to be legally deducted from gross income, in order to decrease the tax burden on both individuals and businesses. To explore this concept, consider the following deduction […]
Read moreA civil lawsuit is a legal process by which a person or entity can hold another person or entity liable for some wrong, injury, or damage. If the party who filed the lawsuit is successful in court, the other party may be ordered to pay monetary damages, or he may gain some other advantage. There are many reasons for, and […]
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