Legal Glossary

An action brought to recover possession of goods unlawfully taken.

Published judicial cases arranged according to jurisdiction, court, period of time, subject matter or case significance.

Latin: “A thing.” The thing over which a court exercises in rem jurisdiction.

Latin: “The thing speaks for itself.”

Latin: “A thing adjudicated.” A doctrine that precludes parties from relitigating the same controversy.

To abrogate, annul, or cancel, especially as to contracts.

The place where one presently lives. Compare, DOMICILE.

Latin: “Let the master answer.” A doctrine holding employers liable for the negligence of its employees.

The party against whom a petition is filed.

An advanced payment to an attorney for legal representation.

Documentation delivered to the court showing execution of process.

To carefully consider a legal or factual issue.

A common law rule that invalidates interests in real estate that vest too remotely in time.

The practice of excluding witnesses from the courtroom prior to the time for them to testify.

A judicial disciplinary action.

Latin: “Knowingly.”

Latin: “Cause it to be known.” A writ requiring the surety to show cause why a judgment nisi should not be made final.

An order issued by a judge upon probable cause directing an officer to search a specified place for a specified thing.

Justifiably protecting oneself or others against an assault.

Punishment imposed by the court upon a criminal defendant who has been convicted.

Decree granting an allowance for the support of the spouse and any children during a period of separation.

1. The isolation of the jury or witnesses during a trial. 2. Authorized seizure of property pertinent to a lawsuit to prevent its removal, concealment, or transfer.

The delivery of a summons, subpoena, etc., by an authorized person; official notification of a legal action or proceeding.

See, COUNTERCLAIM.

An agreement that resolves the claims and issues between the parties.

An agreement where one agrees to pay sums of money to another over a specified period of time.

Procedure that affords a person the opportunity to give a satisfactory reason why the court should not make final a particular judgment, e.g. a show cause hearing on a judgment nisi.

A police identification procedure in which the suspect is presented alone. Compare, LINEUP.

Latin: “Without date.”

Latin: “That without which the thing cannot be.” An indispensable thing or condition.

Latin: “Place.”

A spoken defamatory statement. Compare, DEFAMATION.

One who goes onto and remains on another’s property at the property owner’s invitation to enjoy hospitality or an event.

Formats for users to communicate electronically.

Computer programs such as operating systems and applications.

An English legal practitioner. Compare, BARRISTER.

A non-lawyer appointed by the court to conduct a judicially ordered sale or partition of real or personal property.

A qualified person appointed, upon written consent of the parties or a showing that an exceptional condition requires it, to perform a specified act. Such would include a referee, an auditor, an examiner, a commissioner, or a special commissioner.

The list of jurors summoned for a capital case.

A verdict requiring a special written finding upon each issue of fact.

A deed where grantor specially warrants to defend title only to those claims of grantor and those claiming through grantor. Compare, QUITCLAIM DEED.

An equitable remedy for a breach of contract compelling the performance of the terms of the contract.

Any person who willfully, maliciously and repeatedly follows or harasses another person, or who makes a credible threat, with the intent to place that person in reasonable fear of death or great bodily injury.

Latin: “To stand by the thing decided.” Doctrine that a settled principal of law should be followed by the courts to preserve continuity in the rule of law.

Conduct subject to adjudication by the youth court that would not be a crime if committed by an adult.

Latin: “The situation that currently exists.”

A law enacted by the legislature or Congress.

Statutory requirement that certain contracts be in writing and signed, e.g., the sale of lands.

See, LIMITATION OF ACTIONS.

The halting of a judicial process by court order.