31/08/2024
Common Legal Terms
1: Plaintiff
• Definition: The party who initiates a lawsuit.
• Example: In a personal injury case, the injured person is the plaintiff.
2: Defendant
• Definition: The party against whom a lawsuit is filed.
• Example: In a criminal case, the person accused of the crime is the defendant.
3: Contract
• Definition: A legally binding agreement between two or more parties.
• Example: A lease agreement for renting an apartment.
4: Tort
• Definition: A civil wrong that causes harm or loss to another person.
• Example: Negligence leading to a car accident.
5: Subpoena
• Definition: A legal document ordering someone to attend court.
• Example: A witness receiving a subpoena to testify in a trial.
6: Affidavit
• Definition: A written statement confirmed by oath or affirmation, used as evidence in court.
• Example: An affidavit of support in immigration cases.
7: Jurisdiction
• Definition: The authority of a court to hear and decide a case.
• Example: A family court has jurisdiction over divorce cases.
8: Arbitration
• Definition: A method of dispute resolution outside the courts, where an arbitrator makes a binding decision.
• Example: Resolving a business contract dispute through arbitration.
9: Litigation
• Definition: The process of taking legal action.
• Example: Filing a lawsuit for breach of contract.
10: Settlement
• Definition: An agreement reached between parties to resolve a dispute without going to trial.
• Example: Settling a personal injury claim out of court.
