The Law Dictionary for Everyone
The 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 moreThe legal term venue refers to the location where a trial will be heard, and is most commonly the most convenient court location to where the crime was committed, or where the civil legal action began. If an individual files a lawsuit at a location that is not the proper venue, the other party may object and request a change […]
Read moreA judge is an individual either elected or appointed as a judicial officer to preside over court proceedings. During both civil and legal proceedings, the judge makes decisions about questions of law, acts as a referee between the parties, rules on admissibility of testimony and evidence, and instructs the jury on how to deliberate the case. To explore this concept, […]
Read moreA restraining order is issued by a court to protect a person from physical abuse, threats, or harassment by another specific person. A restraining order is obtained after the court determines that the applicant has a reasonable belief that he or she is in imminent danger, or may be in danger due to the actions of another. In some jurisdictions, […]
Read moreUnder the system of ethics described by German philosopher Immanuel Kant, a categorical imperative is an absolute moral obligation to do or not do something that applies to all rational beings, with no consideration for personal desires, motives, or inclinations. To explore this concept, consider the following categorical imperative definition. Definition of Categorical Imperative Noun A moral obligation or duty […]
Read moreAs it deals with the study, theory, and understanding of the law, American jurisprudence refers to the act of scrutinizing, classifying, and explaining the law. Such information may be found in law textbooks, legal encyclopedias, law reviews, and other publications containing “jurisprudential” information. Those who study jurisprudence, also referred to as “legal theorists,” “legal Philosophers,” and “social theorists of law,” […]
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