Legal jargon can be overwhelming and confusing for those unfamiliar with the legal system. Using complex legal terms and phrases can make it difficult for people to understand their legal rights and obligations. Here is a guide to standard legal terms to help you make sense of legal jargon.
- Plaintiff: A plaintiff is a person who brings a legal action or lawsuit against another person or entity.
- Defendant: This is a person or entity being sued or accused of wrongdoing in a legal action or lawsuit.
- Tort: This would be considered a civil wrong that has caused harm or injury to another person or their property. Examples of torts include negligence, defamation, and assault.
- Jurisdiction: Jurisdiction refers to the authority of a court to hear and decide a particular legal case.
- Discovery: This process is gathering evidence in a legal case. This can include depositions, interrogatories, and requests for documents.
- Statute of limitations: The statute of limitations is a legal deadline for filing a lawsuit. This deadline varies depending on the type of case and the jurisdiction.
- Injunction: This is a court order that requires a person to stop doing something or to take a specific action.
- Appellate court: An appellate court is a higher court that reviews lower courts’ decisions. Appellate courts do not hear new evidence or testimony but rather examine the legal issues and arguments presented in the lower court.
- Precedent refers to a legal decision establishing a rule or principle for future cases. Judges and lawyers often cite the precedent to support their legal arguments.
- Pro bono: Pro bono refers to legal work that is done for free or at a reduced rate for those who cannot afford to pay for legal services.
Understanding these standard legal terms can help you navigate the legal system and make informed decisions about your legal rights and obligations. A good lawyer can help you make sense of legal jargon and ensure that your legal rights are protected.