The Law Dictionary for Everyone
A judgment is the official decision made by the court at the end of a lawsuit, criminal trial, or other legal proceeding. In certain cases, a party to the proceeding may make a “motion for judgment, requesting that the court make a decision. After issuing a judgment, the judge may impose a sentence on a guilty defendant, award damages to […]
Read moreAn appeal is a request to a higher court to review a decision made by a lower court. The higher court can review the entire case, certain aspects of the case, or the sentence imposed by the lower court. The appellant, who may be the plaintiff or the defendant in the lower court case, must show the higher court that […]
Read moreThe term “hearsay” refers to an out-of-court statement made by someone other than the witness reporting it. For example, while testifying in John’s murder trial, Anthony states that John’s best friend told him that John had killed the victim. Anthony did not hear John make the admission firsthand, making testimony of this statement “hearsay.” To explore this concept, consider the […]
Read moreIntellectual property refers to creations of the human mind, whether creative or intellectual, such as art and designs, literary works, music, and the names, symbols, and images used in business. The ownership of intellectual property is categorized into four groups: copyright, trademark, patent, and trade secrets. Ownership of such property provides exclusive rights, providing the owner protection against unauthorized use […]
Read moreA French term that literally means a superior or irresistible power, “force majeur” is used in the legal system to refer to natural and unavoidable catastrophes that interrupt the expected course of events. Force majeure clauses are often found in contracts and insurance policies to protect the parties in the event duties cannot be performed due to causes outside the […]
Read moreAccredited investor is a term used to define certain individuals and entities that are allowed to engage in higher risk investments, or to invest on a large-scale basis. Such investments may include seed money, hedge funds, private placements, and angel investor networks. Accredited investors are generally wealth individuals and such organizations as banks, insurance companies, large charities, and some retirement […]
Read moreEthical reasoning pertains to the rights and wrongs of human conduct. Each person has standards that are defined by their personal values which come into play when the person faces certain dilemmas or decisions. Commonly, ethical differences occur as a result of individual interpretation of a subject or event, or may be political or religious in nature. To explore this […]
Read moreThe Federal Rules of Civil Procedure (FRCP) is a set of rules laying out the specific procedures to be followed for civil lawsuits within the United States federal court system. The specific rules under the FRCP are established and modified by the U.S. Supreme Court, and approved by Congress. The Federal Rules of Civil Procedure are found in title 28 […]
Read moreMost trials begin with an attorney for each side making statements directly to the jury, or judge in a bench trial, explaining what each intends to prove during the trial proceedings. The trial then ends with the attorneys addressing the judge or jury in a “closing argument,” which has the larger goal of swaying the jury to their side. Trials […]
Read moreAn official order handed down by a government agency or court directing a person or entity to stop doing something immediately is called a “cease and desist order.” Such an order effectively places an injunction on the person or entity that prohibits the named activity as suspicious or illegal. Cease and desist orders may also be issued to force a […]
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