Plaintiff – the person who brings a legal action or lawsuit against another party
Defendant – the person against whom a legal action or lawsuit is brought
Jurisdiction – the legal authority of a court to hear and decide a case
Complaint – a legal document that outlines the plaintiff’s allegations against the defendant in a civil lawsuit
Summons – a legal document that notifies the defendant of the lawsuit and the need to appear in court
Pleadings – the formal written statements filed with a court by both the plaintiff and defendant in a lawsuit
Discovery – the process by which both parties in a lawsuit obtain information from each other to build their case
Motion – a formal request made to a court for a ruling or order
Evidence – the facts or information presented in court to support a party’s case
Testimony – evidence presented by witnesses under oath
Deposition – sworn testimony given outside of court, usually taken in a lawyer’s office
Subpoena – a legal document that requires a person to appear in court or to produce documents or other evidence
Trial – a formal hearing in court where evidence is presented and a judge or jury decides the outcome of a case
Verdict – the decision or finding of a judge or jury in a case
Appeal – a request made to a higher court to review a lower court’s decision
Settlement – an agreement between parties to resolve a legal dispute outside of court
Damages – monetary compensation awarded to a plaintiff in a civil lawsuit
Breach of contract – a failure to fulfill the terms of a legally binding agreement
Negligence – failure to exercise reasonable care resulting in injury or harm to another party
Tort – a civil wrong that causes harm or injury to another party
Liability – legal responsibility for one’s actions or conduct
Statute of limitations – a time limit within which a lawsuit must be filed
Injunction – a court order that requires a party to do or refrain from doing a specific action
Lien – a legal claim against property to secure payment of a debt or obligation
Bankruptcy – a legal process for individuals or businesses to discharge debts and reorganize their finances
Mediation – a process of resolving a legal dispute through the assistance of a neutral third party mediator
Arbitration – a process of resolving a legal dispute through a decision made by a neutral third party arbitrator
Class action – a legal action brought by a group of people collectively on behalf of themselves and others with similar claims
Contingency fee – a fee paid to a lawyer only if they are successful in obtaining a favorable outcome in a case
Pro bono – legal services provided free of charge to individuals or groups who cannot afford to pay for them
Attorney-client privilege – the legal right of a client to keep communication with their attorney confidential
Habeas corpus – a legal action that requires a person who is being detained to be brought before a court or judge
Impeachment – the process of charging a public official with misconduct or illegal activity
Indictment – a formal accusation of a crime made by a grand jury
Miranda warning – a statement that must be read to a suspect in custody, informing them of their legal rights
Plea bargain – an agreement between the prosecution and defense in which the defendant agrees to plead guilty in exchange for a reduced sentence or other concession
Probation – a period of court-ordered supervision following a criminal conviction
Restitution – payment made by a defendant to a victim as compensation for their losses or damages
Contempt of court – willful disobedience or disregard for the authority of a court, resulting in punishment
Discovery rule – a legal doctrine that delays the start of the statute of limitations until a plaintiff knew or should have known of their injury or harm
Writ of certiorari – a legal order by a higher court to review a lower court’s decision
Statute – a written law passed by a legislative body
Stare decisis – the legal principle of following precedent or past court decisions in similar cases
Deposition transcript – a written record of a witness’s sworn testimony given outside of court, usually taken in a lawyer’s office
Personal injury – physical or emotional harm caused to a person as a result of someone else’s negligence or intentional action
Criminal law – the area of law that deals with crimes and their punishment
Civil law – the area of law that deals with disputes between individuals or organizations, often involving compensation for damages
Motion to dismiss – a request made by a defendant to dismiss a case for lack of merit or legal grounds
Warrant – a legal document authorizing law enforcement to perform a specific action, such as arrest or search and seizure
Affidavit – a written statement made under oath and signed in front of a notary public or other authorized official.