AffidavitA written statement of facts confirmed under oath, used as evidence in court.
AppealA request to a higher court to review and change the decision of a lower court.
ArraignmentA court hearing where a criminal defendant is formally charged and enters a plea.
BankruptcyA legal process that helps people or businesses who cannot pay their debts get relief, under federal law.
Breach of contractFailing to perform a duty or promise set out in a legally binding agreement.
Civil lawThe area of law dealing with disputes between individuals or organizations, as opposed to criminal matters.
Class actionA lawsuit brought by one or more people on behalf of a larger group with similar claims.
DamagesMoney a court orders one party to pay another as compensation for loss or injury.
DefendantThe person or party being sued or accused in a legal case.
DepositionSworn, out-of-court testimony taken before trial as part of the discovery process.
DiscoveryThe pre-trial phase where each side exchanges relevant information and evidence.
Due processThe constitutional guarantee of fair legal procedures before the government takes life, liberty, or property.
EstateAll the money, property, and assets a person owns, especially considered after death.
FelonyA serious crime, typically punishable by more than a year of imprisonment.
InjunctionA court order requiring a party to do, or stop doing, a specific act.
JurisdictionA court's authority to hear and decide a particular type of case or matter.
LiabilityLegal responsibility for one's acts or omissions, often resulting in an obligation to pay.
LitigationThe process of taking a dispute through the court system.
MisdemeanorA less serious crime, usually punishable by a fine or less than a year in jail.
NegligenceA failure to take reasonable care that results in harm to another person.
PlaintiffThe person or party who starts a lawsuit by filing a claim.
Power of attorneyA legal document letting one person act on another's behalf in financial or legal matters.
ProbateThe court-supervised process of validating a will and distributing a deceased person's estate.
SettlementAn agreement that resolves a dispute without a full trial.
Statute of limitationsA law setting the deadline by which a lawsuit or charge must be filed.
SubpoenaA legal order requiring a person to testify or produce documents.
TortA wrongful act (other than a breach of contract) that causes harm and can lead to civil liability.
VerdictThe formal decision made by a jury or judge at the end of a trial.