Legal Vocabulary

General Legal Terms

• Affidavit: A written statement confirmed by oath or affirmation, used as evidence in court.
• Allegation: A claim or assertion that someone has done something illegal or wrong.
• Appeal: A request to a higher court to review a lower court’s decision.
• Arbitration: A method of resolving disputes outside the courts, where an arbitrator’s decision is legally binding.
• Attorney: A legal professional authorized to represent clients in legal matters.
• Bail: A sum of money or property used to release a defendant from custody while ensuring their appearance at trial.
• Case Law: Law established by previous court decisions.
• Civil Law: Law dealing with disputes between individuals or organizations.
• Class Action: A lawsuit filed by one or more individuals on behalf of a larger group.
• Complaint: A formal legal document that initiates a lawsuit.
• Contract: A legally enforceable agreement between parties.
• Lawyer: A professional who provides legal advice and represents clients in legal matters (interchangeable with “Attorney” in some regions).

Court and Trial Terms

• Defendant: The person or entity being sued or accused in court.
• Plaintiff: The person or entity who initiates a lawsuit.
• Deposition: The process of giving sworn evidence.
• Discovery: The pre-trial process where parties exchange evidence and information.
• Evidence: Information presented in court to support or refute a claim.
• Hearing: A session in court where legal arguments are presented.
• Judgment: The final decision made by a court.
• Jury: A group of individuals selected to determine the facts of a case and deliver a verdict.
• Litigation: The process of taking legal action.
• Verdict: The formal decision made by a jury or judge.

Criminal Law Terms

• Acquittal: A judgment that a person is not guilty of the crime charged.
• Conviction: A formal declaration that someone is guilty of a criminal offense.
• Felony: A serious crime, typically punishable by more than one year in prison.
• Misdemeanor: A less serious crime, punishable by fines or imprisonment for less than a year.
• Probation: A court-ordered period of supervision instead of jail time.
• Prosecution: The legal team representing the state or government in a criminal case.
• Sentence: The punishment assigned to a defendant found guilty.
• Subpoena: A document ordering someone to attend court or produce evidence.
• Testimony: Evidence given by a witness under oath.
• Warrant: A legal document authorizing law enforcement to take action, such as an arrest or search.

Contract Law Terms

• Breach: Failure to fulfill a contractual obligation.
• Consideration: Something of value exchanged between parties in a contract.
• Indemnity: Compensation for loss or damage.
• Liability: Legal responsibility for one’s actions or inactions.
• Mutual Assent: Agreement by all parties to the terms of a contract.

Property Law Terms

• Deed: A legal document transferring ownership of property.
• Easement: A right to use another’s property for a specific purpose.
• Foreclosure: The process of taking possession of a property due to the owner’s failure to pay a mortgage.
• Lease: A contract granting use of property for a specified time.
• Lien: A legal claim against a property as security for a debt.

Family Law Terms

• Alimony: Financial support paid to an ex-spouse after divorce.
• Custody: The legal right to care for a child.
• Divorce: The legal dissolution of a marriage.
• Guardianship: Legal responsibility for a minor or incapacitated individual.
• Prenuptial Agreement: A contract signed before marriage outlining asset division in case of divorce.

Other Legal Terms

• Amendment: A change or addition to a legal document.
• Jurisdiction: The authority of a court to hear a case.
• Mediation: A process where a neutral third party assists in resolving disputes.
• Precedent: A legal decision that serves as a rule for future cases.
• Statute: A written law passed by a legislative body.