The Law Dictionary for Everyone
The legal term gross negligence refers to an act showing a severe and reckless disregard for the lives or safety of another person. While ordinary negligence involves the failure to provide an adequate level of care or caution, gross negligence is far more severe in its level of apathy or indifference. Even in cases where a victim cannot bring sue […]
Read moreInjunctive relief, also known as an “injunction,” is a legal remedy that may be sought in a civil lawsuit, in addition to, or in place of, monetary damages. Rather than offering money as payment for a wrong in a civil action, injunctive relief is a court order for the defendant to stop a specified act or behavior. To explore this […]
Read moreTo indemnify means to compensate another party for losses or damages that have occurred, or which may occur in the future. It is a common practice for one party to guarantee it will compensate another party for any loss that may occur due to a contractual obligation. To explore this concept, consider the indemnify definition. Definition of Indemnify Verb […]
Read moreThe legal term demurrer refers to a written response to a civil lawsuit which asks the judge to dismiss the case as, even if the facts complained of by the Plaintiff in the lawsuit were true, there is no legal basis for a lawsuit. A demurrer requires that a hearing be held so that both sides to the dispute may […]
Read moreInvasion of privacy is a legal concept dealing with intrusion into an individual’s private life. It is a tort that allows the person whose privacy was invaded to file a lawsuit against the person intruding upon his or her privacy. Laws governing the right to privacy do not treat all people the same, however, as public figures, such as politicians, […]
Read moreThe Latin term arguendo is a legal term that means “for the sake of argument.” When arguing a point in court, or in an academic setting, using the phrase “assuming, arguendo, that …” allows the individual to examine certain conclusions based on disputed facts, without making an admission that those facts are true. This might occur, for example, when an […]
Read moreThe term bailment refers to the transfer of personal property to another person for safekeeping, or for the other person to control or use temporarily. A bailment is a form of contractual relationship, even if no contract has been signed. The person receiving the property (the “bailee”) has possession and control over the property for a specific period of time, […]
Read moreA grandfather clause is a provision in a new statute or zoning ordinance that exempts certain previously existing business, enterprise, or class of persons from the new rules or regulations. Grandfather clauses are a common way to enact new rules, regulations, and laws that affect such enterprises and situations going forward, while factoring in logistical or cost problems that would […]
Read moreJuvenile delinquency is the participation by a minor child, usually between the ages of 10 and 17, in illegal behavior or activities. Juvenile delinquency is also used to refer to children who exhibit a persistent behavior of mischievousness or disobedience, so as to be considered out of parental control, becoming subject to legal action by the court system. Juvenile delinquency […]
Read moreThe term sex offender refers to an individual who has committed a sex-related crime. While each jurisdiction has different statutes concerning what is considered a sex crime, certain crimes, such as rape, sexual abuse, prostitution, and sex trafficking, are widely accepted as sex crimes. In some jurisdictions, however, people may be charged with a crime simply for engaging in sexual […]
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