A
Attorney
A licensed professional who represents clients in legal matters and provides legal advice.
Affidavit
A written statement of facts confirmed by oath or affirmation, used as evidence in court.
B
Bail
Money or property deposited to secure the release of a defendant from custody pending trial.
C
Contingency Fee
A payment arrangement where the attorney's fee is a percentage of the client's recovery. No recovery, no fee.
Complaint
The initial document filed to begin a civil lawsuit, stating the plaintiff's claims.
D
Defendant
The person or entity being sued or charged with a crime.
Deposition
Out-of-court testimony given under oath, used in the discovery process.
F
Felony
A serious crime punishable by imprisonment for more than one year or death.
L
Liability
Legal responsibility for one's acts or omissions, including the obligation to pay damages.
Litigation
The process of taking legal action through the court system.
M
Misdemeanor
A minor crime punishable by fines or imprisonment for less than one year.
P
Plaintiff
The person or entity who initiates a lawsuit.
Power of Attorney
A legal document giving one person the authority to act on behalf of another.
S
Settlement
An agreement reached between parties to resolve a dispute without going to trial.
Statute of Limitations
The time limit within which legal proceedings must be initiated.
T
Tort
A civil wrong that causes harm or loss, resulting in legal liability.
W
Warrant
A court order authorizing law enforcement to make an arrest or conduct a search.
Witness
A person who has knowledge of facts relevant to a legal case and testifies in court.