Legal Terms

By giving advice before the crime or helping to conceal the evidence or the perpetrator

A decision that a defendant in a criminal case is not guilty of a crime

Alos assists the jury. Usually classified as a peace officer and usually wearing a uniform. Sometimes as a deputy sheriff or marshal

For example " I bequeath my garden tools to my brother-in-law, Robert Jenkins"

Anything but real estate

They govern the internal affairs or actions of the corporation or organisation

Before the insurance benefits become payable

A bond is an interest-bearing document that serves as evidence of a debt

And exposes them to public contempt, hatred, ridicule or condemnation

In files, computers and other depositories

Legal grasping at straws

Includes lies and half-truths such as selling a lemon and claiming "She runs like a dream".

For example a person who owes money to a creditor may have her wages garnished if she loses a lawsuit filed by the creditor.

Costs such as maintenance, taxes or insurance

Latin for "You have the body". Most commonly, a writ of habeas corpus is a legal document that forces law enforcement authorities to produce a prisoner they are holding and to legally justify his or her confinement. A prisoner files a petition to challenge the authority of the prison or jail warden to continue to hold him.

To impeach a witness' credibility for example is to show that the witness is not believable.

As determined by a court

And determining the rights and obligations of the opposing parties

Latin for "natural law."

Under some state's probate code

Although the definition of this term differs from state to state, it typically means taking property belonging to another with intent to permanently deprive the owner of the property.

Today the term is often used when referring to pornography, prostitution and indecent exposure.

Including life-prolonging procedures. The document takes effect if you can't communicate your own health care decisions

This term is often used when a professional or public official commits an illegal act that interferes with the performance of his or her duties.

Designed to help warring parties resolve their own dispute without going to court

Nolo is Latin for "I choose not to. In some states, this plea means the charges are not contested but also not admitted. In other states, it is the equivalent of a guilty plea.

A novation may change one of the parties to the contract or the duties that must be performed by the original parties

Latin for "no goods." This is what the sheriff writes when she can find no property to seize in order to pay off a court judgment

Made before evidence is introduced. Can also be made by a self-represented party

E.g. by a town or city council, county board of supervisors or other municipal governing board

Latin for "while the action is pending."

The defendant typically pleads guilty to a lesser crime in exchange for a guaranteed sentence that is shorter than what the defendant could face if convicted at tria.

Latin for 'As much as is deserved'

This often happens when the judge or prosecutor has a conflict of interest. For example a prior relationship with one of the parties

Latin for "a new thing,"

It acts as a down payment ensuring that the lawyer won't get stiffed and that the client will be represented

Or harms their standing in the community. A type of defamation.

Latin for "on its own will or motion."

A person who dies with a will is said to have died "testate"

To distinguish it from its competitors. Could also be a symbol, sound or smell

Latin for "beyond powers."

Or income from property -- that is owned by another.

Often based on the convenience of the defendant.

A person who knowingly & willingly puts himself in a dangerous situation cannot sue for any resulting injuries

Examples of wrongful conduct that may lead to death include drinking and driving