The Law Dictionary for Everyone
In the U.S., the term dram shop refers to bars, taverns, and other businesses that sell alcoholic beverages. A Dram Shop Act holds such businesses liable if they serve liquor to a person who is obviously intoxicated, or to a minor, who then causes injuries to another person. To explore this concept, consider the Dram Shop Act definition. Definition of […]
Read moreThe legal term punitive damages refers to a monetary award ordered by the court to be paid by a defendant to the plaintiff in a civil lawsuit. While it is common for a plaintiff to be awarded money to pay for a wrong committed by the defendant, such as money to pay medical bills, or for property damage, punitive damages […]
Read moreWhen an individual files a lawsuit against another person or entity, he must prove to the judge or jury that his claims are true. The phrase preponderance of evidence refers to the level of proof the plaintiff must provide. In simple terms, the plaintiff must prove that it is more likely than not that the facts presented are true. To […]
Read moreThe Latin term lis pendens translates as “suit pending.” This legal term refers to a written notice of a civil lawsuit concerning the title to, or an ownership interest in, a specific real property has been recorded on the property. This notice serves as a constructive notice to anyone interested in purchasing the property, that there is a lawsuit pending […]
Read moreDismissed with prejudice means that a civil lawsuit has been dismissed based on merits of the case after a judgement has been issued. When a case is dismissed with prejudice, the plaintiff is barred from filing a lawsuit on the same issue at a later date. To explore this concept, consider the dismissed with prejudice definition. Definition of Dismissed with […]
Read moreCircumstantial evidence is any evidence that requires some reasoning or inference in order to prove a fact. This type of evidence is sometimes referred to as “indirect evidence,” and it may have more than one explanation or lead to more than one conclusion. In many situations, more than one piece of circumstantial evidence may be used to draw the judge […]
Read moreContributory negligence is a rule of law that has been largely abolished in the U.S., as it deemed that a plaintiff who was even partially at fault for the incident, due to his own negligence, could not recover any damages from the defendant, who supposedly caused the incident. Contributory negligence refers to some amount of negligence on the part of […]
Read moreThe 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 […]
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