The Law Dictionary for Everyone
Counterfeiting is a criminal offense that involves fraudulently manufacturing and distributing an item of lesser value than the genuine product, usually for the purpose of monetary gain. Counterfeiting is commonly seen in the form of counterfeiting money, including currency and coins, but also involves the fraudulent production of copies of valuable digital media, such as CDs and DVDs, as well […]
Read moreThe legal term dismissal refers to a ruling by a judge that the plaintiff’s lawsuit is thrown out. A dismissal is effective immediately on pronouncement by the judge, and no further evidence, testimony, or imploring will be heard. The judge has the power to dismiss a case at any point during the proceedings, before, during, or after a trial, if […]
Read moreThe legal term assault refers to an attempt by one person to cause serious bodily harm to another person. This may be through a deliberate act, or through irresponsible actions that show a deliberate lack of respect for the victim’s safety. Assault is also defined as carrying out threat of bodily harm, or having the ability to carry out the […]
Read moreIn general terms, an incompetent individual lacks the qualifications or ability to do something successfully. In regards to the law, however, the term incompetent refers to a person’s inability to understand legal proceedings or transactions, or lack of metal capacity to understand the consequences of his actions. Incompetence can be caused by a variety of factors including mental illness, trauma, […]
Read moreIn the legal system, a stipulation is an agreement made between two or more parties to a legal proceeding. Stipulations may be made prior to trial, or during a trial, as these agreements are made to regulate certain matters related to the proceeding, and are entered as part of the official court record. Often times, stipulations are used to assist […]
Read moreIn the legal system, an Order to Show Cause is a court order requiring an individual or entity to explain, justify, or prove something. In the U.S., courts frequently use orders to show cause to initiate a court proceeding that needs to be heard outside the usual schedule, such as when a temporary order is being sought. In these cases, […]
Read moreThe Latin term “status quo” refers to the existing state of circumstances. In the legal system, a judge has the authority to issue a status quo order to prevent anyone from taking any action until the matter can be heard and resolved by the court. A status quo order preserves the existing situation, so that no party’s position can be […]
Read moreInsurance fraud occurs when a person or entity makes false insurance claims in order to obtain compensation or benefits to which they are not entitled. Insurance fraud is committed in many forms, but regardless of the type, it is considered a serious crime in all jurisdictions. To explore this concept, consider the following insurance fraud definition. Definition of Insurance Fraud […]
Read moreA subpoena is a court-ordered demand that a person appear in court or other legal proceeding, or that specific documents be produced and presented at a specified date, time, and location. The Latin word subpoena means “under penalty,” and if a person refuses, or fails to comply with a subpoena, he is subject to civil or criminal penalties. To explore […]
Read moreA summons is a legal document that is issued by a court in a civil lawsuit, or by a government agency in an administrative action. The document notifies the defendant he is being sued, or that there is an administrative action against him, as well as the date and time of the first hearing. A summons also provides the defendant […]
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