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Most Popular Legal Definitions
a priori
From Latin, an assumption based on theory not experiment. For example, an a
priori assumption would be that the sun will come up tomorrow. (as opposed to a
posteriori)
inscrutable fault
A judicial finding that a fault has occurred but the court is unable to locate
the source, to pinpoint a tortfeasor.
habeas corpus
Latin, a court petition which orders that a person being detained be presented
before a judge for a hearing to decide whether the detention is lawful. (A writ
of habeas corpus.)
case law
Reported decisions of appeals courts and other courts which make new
interpretations of the law and, therefore, can be cited as precedents. These
interpretations are distinguished from "statutory law," which is the statutes
and codes (laws) enacted by legislative bodies.
arm's length
the description of an agreement made by two parties freely and independently of
each other, and without having some special relationship; such as being a
relative, having another deal on the side or one party having complete control
of the other
disbar
to revoke an attorney's right to practice law due to some malfeasance
polygraph
A lie-detector machine which records even the slightest variation in blood
pressure, body temperature and respiration as questions are asked and answers
elicited from a subject.
binder
written statement of the key terms of an agreement, in particular insurance
policies, so that the insured as well as lenders can be assured there is valid
and adequate insurance coverage.
fungibles
Goods which are comprised of many identical
parts, such as a bushel of grain, and which can be easily replaced by identical
goods.
buy-sell agreement
contract among owners of a business which provides terms for their purchase of a
withdrawing partner's or stockholder's interest in the enterprise