Understanding Legal Terms

Front

Person who brings a case against another in a court of law

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Plaintiff

Front

Individual, company, or institution sued or accused in a court of law

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Defendant

Front

Process of taking legal action

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Litigation

Front

Authority of a court to hear a case

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Jurisdiction

Front

Legal principle established in earlier cases

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Precedent

Front

Civil wrong causing harm or loss

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Tort

Front

Legally binding agreement

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Contract

Front

Written law passed by a legislative body

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Statute

Front

Law derived from judicial decisions

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Common Law

Front

Fairness in legal proceedings

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Equity