TL;DR
This glossary clarifies common legal terms, empowering you to navigate legal discussions with greater confidence. Understanding these terms is key for anyone involved in legal processes, contracts, or general business matters.
Glossary of Common Legal Terms
- Affidavit: A sworn written statement made under oath, used as evidence in court. Think of it like a formal, signed promise that what you’re saying is true. It’s often used to support motions or other legal documents.
- Breach of Contract: Failure to perform a contractual obligation. This happens when one party doesn’t hold up their end of the bargain. It can lead to legal action and remedies like damages or specific performance.
- Consideration: Something of value exchanged between parties to a contract. This is the ‘quid pro quo’ – what each party gives up or receives in the agreement. It can be money, goods, services, or even a promise to do or not do something.
- Damages: Monetary compensation awarded for a loss or injury. If someone breaches a contract or commits a tort, damages can help compensate the injured party for their financial losses, pain, and suffering.
- Due Process: Fair treatment through the normal judicial system, especially as a citizen’s entitlement. This ensures a fair legal process, including the right to notice, a hearing, and legal representation.
- Injunction: A court order requiring a party to do or refrain from doing something. It’s a way for the court to intervene and prevent or stop certain actions, often to prevent further harm or damage.
- Jurisdiction: The official power to make legal decisions and judgments. This determines which court has the authority to hear a particular case, depending on factors like geography, subject matter, or amount in controversy.
- Liability: Legal responsibility for one’s actions or omissions. Being liable means you can be held legally responsible for damages or other consequences. This often comes up in personal injury cases, contract disputes, and other legal matters.
- Negligence: Failure to exercise reasonable care, resulting in harm. This involves not meeting a standard of care that a reasonable person would in similar circumstances, leading to injury or damage to another person.
- Statute of Limitations: A time limit for filing a lawsuit. This sets a deadline for bringing legal action, varying depending on the type of claim. After the statute of limitations expires, the right to sue is generally lost.
People Also Ask
- What is the difference between a plaintiff and a defendant?
The plaintiff is the party who initiates a lawsuit, while the defendant is the party being sued. - What is discovery in a legal case?
Discovery is the process of exchanging information between parties before trial, including documents, interrogatories, and depositions. - What is arbitration?
Arbitration is a form of alternative dispute resolution where a neutral third party hears evidence and makes a binding decision.
FAQ
Q: What is an affidavit?
A: An affidavit is a sworn written statement made under oath.
Q: What is a breach of contract?
A: A breach of contract is a failure to perform a contractual obligation.
Q: What is consideration?
A: Consideration is something of value exchanged between parties to a contract.