The Law Dictionary for Everyone
Judicial notice is a rule that permits a fact to be accepted as evidence without further proof – if it is so well known that no one could reasonably doubt or debate it. An example of judicial notice being granted would be a day of the week that corresponded to a specific calendar date being accepted as true, without the […]
Read moreThe term “long arm statute” refers to the jurisdiction that one court can have over a defendant corporation that operates outside of the state. Any company that is located in one state, but does business in another, and hires people in yet another, can fall under the long arm statute. For example, the long arm statute would apply to corporations […]
Read moreThe term “mental anguish” is used to refer to the psychological suffering that someone experiences as a result of, most commonly, a personal injury or other injury caused by another’s actions. Mental anguish, also called and “emotional distress,” can include anxiety, depression, trauma, or grief. Post-traumatic stress disorder, a form of mental anguish, can develop into serious problems if left […]
Read moreThe term “natural person” refers to a living human being, with certain rights and responsibilities under the law. By contrast, a “legal person,” or an “artificial person,” is a group of people that is considered by law to be acting as a single individual. Both natural and legal persons are entitled to sue other parties and sign contracts. They can […]
Read moreThe Latin term malum in se translates roughly to “wrong in itself,” or “evil in itself.” In the law, the phrase is used to refer to someone’s actions that are inherently wrong, or sinful by nature, regardless of regulations of laws. This is different from malum prohibitum, which refers to an act that is only wrong because it is prohibited […]
Read moreUnjust enrichment is a term used to describe a situation wherein one party benefits at the other party’s expense, in a situation the law considers to be unjust. Unjust enrichment is usually used to describe benefits that are received either accidentally or in error, but which have not been earned, and ethically should not be kept. Unjust enrichment is typically […]
Read moreLegal age is defined as the age at which a person is legally allowed to participate in adult activities, and becomes responsible for his affairs. Examples of legal age include the legal age of consent, the legal age for sex, and legal drinking age. There is also the legal working age, which is the minimum age someone must be to […]
Read moreAn appellant is someone who applies to a higher court to ask that court to review a decision that is made by a lower court. An appellant must show that he has sufficient grounds for an appeal, which are usually defined by the statute, in order to challenge a judgment. A plaintiff or a defendant in a lower court action […]
Read moreA legal brief is a document that makes an argument as to why the person filing the brief should win the case or otherwise see his motion granted. This document contains the issues in dispute, the facts of the matter, and arguments in support of the party’s position. A legal brief that is submitted with a motion can also be […]
Read moreQuid pro quo harassment is a workplace situation wherein a manager promises an employee, or potential employee, something in exchange for a sexual favor. Examples of quid pro quo harassment situations involve a manager promising an employee a job, a raise, or a promotion in exchange for a sexual favor. Managers may also promise the employee that he or she […]
Read more