English Language Legal Term

A English Language Legal Term is an legal term that is used in a Legal-English Language.

• Context:
  • It can (typically) be part of the English Legal Vocabulary.
  • It can (typically) have a specific Legal Definition in a Legal Jurisdiction.
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• Examples:
• Examples:
  • Latin-Origin English-Language Legal Terms, such as:
    • "Actus Reus" and "Mens Rea": Respectively meaning "guilty act" and "guilty mind." These are elements of a crime in many legal systems.
    • "Affidavit": A written statement used as evidence in court, which the person has sworn to be true.
    • "Amicus Curiae": Literally translated as "friend of the court." It refers to a person who is not a party to a lawsuit but provides expert or insightful information or advice that could influence the outcome of the case.
    • "Bona Fide": Refers to actions done in good faith without fraud or deceit.
    • "Caveat Emptor": Literally means "let the buyer beware." This principle of law puts the onus on the buyer to perform due diligence before making a purchase.
    • "Habeas Corpus": This phrase literally translates as "you may have the body." It refers to a legal action through which a prisoner can be released from unlawful detention.
    • "In Loco Parentis": This term refers to a person who assumes parental status and responsibilities for another individual, usually a young person, without formally adopting that individual.
    • "Nolo Contendere": Literally means "I do not wish to contend." It's a plea in court that has the effect of a guilty plea, although it doesn’t admit guilt.
    • "Per Stirpes": This term refers to a method for distributing an individual's estate that allows the children of a beneficiary to inherit their parent's share.
    • "Prima Facie": Literally means "at first sight." It refers to evidence that is sufficient to prove a particular fact unless it is contradicted.
    • "Pro Bono": Refers to work done without charge to help people who cannot afford to pay for legal services.
    • "Stare Decisis": The doctrine that obliges courts to look to precedent when making their decisions.
    • "Subpoena": A writ ordering a person to attend a court.
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  • French-Origin English-Language Legal Terms, such as:
    • "Force Majeure": A clause included in contracts to remove liability for natural and unavoidable catastrophes.
    • "Raison d'Être": This term refers to the most important reason or purpose for someone or something's existence.
    • "Bail": A set of pre-trial restrictions that are imposed on a suspect to ensure that they comply with the judicial process.
    • "Bailment": A legal relationship in which physical possession of personal property is transferred from one person (the 'bailor') to another person (the 'bailee') who subsequently holds the property for a certain purpose under an express or implied-in-fact contract.
    • "Demurrer": A formal response to a complaint filed in a lawsuit which does not contest the facts alleged, but rather asserts that those allegations fail to sustain a cause of action upon which relief can be granted.
    • "Embezzlement": The act of withholding assets for the purpose of conversion (theft) of such assets, by one or more persons to whom the assets were entrusted, either to be held or to be used for specific purposes.
    • "Estoppel": A legal principle that bars a party from denying or alleging a certain fact owing to that party's previous conduct, allegation, or denial.
    • "Garnishment": A legal process by which a creditor can collect what a debtor owes by reaching the debtor's property when it is in the hands of someone other than the debtor.
    • "Larceny": The unlawful taking of personal property with intent to deprive the rightful owner of it permanently.
    • "Oyez": Traditionally said by a court official to indicate that a court of law is in session and to command attention and silence.
    • "Plea Bargain": An agreement in a criminal case where the defendant agrees to plead guilty to a particular charge in return for some concession from the prosecutor.
    • "Tort": A civil wrong which unfairly causes someone else to suffer loss or harm.
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  • Greek-Origin English-Language Legal Terms, such as:
    • "Autopsy": A post-mortem examination to discover the cause of death or the extent of disease.
    • "Euthanasia": Literally means "good death". In legal and ethical discussions, it often refers to the practice of intentionally ending a life to relieve pain and suffering.
    • "Synopsis": A brief summary or overview of something, often used in the context of case summaries or legal briefs.
    • "Syndic": It refers to a person chosen to represent and act for a body of people or a corporation.
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  • Spanish-Origin English-Language Legal Terms, such as:
    • "Contraband": Goods that are illegal to import or export.
    • "Embargo": A legal prohibition or restriction, often related to goods or personal property.
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• Counter-Examples:
  • Everyday English Terms, such as "table" or "chair."
  • Scientific English Term.
  • Medical English Term.
  • Japanese-Language Legal Term, French-Language Legal Term, Spanish-Language Legal Term, Arabic-Language Legal Term.
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• See: English Legal Vocabulary, Legal English-Language Community, Legal Writing, Legal English Document, Legal Definition.

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