Glossary of Legal Terms Find definitions of legal terms to help understand the federal court system.

TORT A civil, not criminal, wrong. A negligent or intentional injury against a person or property, with the exception of a breach of contract. Check out uscourts.gov for the full glossary of court …

To read or refer to legal authorities in an argument or submission to a court. For example, to cite a case is to refer to a particular case in an attempt to persuade the Court to be guided by the …

For definitions of more terms you may hear during your case and in court, visit the United States Courts Glossary. The Court neither endorses nor verifies the accuracy of any content in these …

A legal procedure for dealing with debt problems of individuals and businesses; specifically, a case filed under one of the chapters of title 11 of the United States Code (the Bankruptcy Code).

To read or refer to legal authorities in an argument or submission to a court. For example, to cite a case is to refer to a particular case in an attempt to persuade the Court to be guided by the …

To familiarize you with words you will see and hear frequently, the list below includes legal terms and their definitions. An extensive guide of legal terms for additional definitions is available at …

Home Representing Yourself Glossary of Legal Terms For a glossary of legal terms, click here.

Civil case/civil suit: A civil case begins when a person or corporation (known as the "plaintiff") files a complaint that another person or corporation (known as the "defendant") failed to carry out a …

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