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Most Popular Legal Definitions

parens patriae

Latin, inherent jurisdiction of the courts to make decisions concerning people who are not able to take care of themselves.

driving while intoxicated (DWI)

the offense of operating a motor vehicle under the influence of drugs or alcohol beyond a state determined level

acquiescence

neglect to entice legal proceedings for a duration of time that implies the abandonment of the specified right

cause of action

The basis of a lawsuit founded on legal grounds and alleged facts which, if proved, would constitute all the "elements" required by statute.

writ

An official court document, signed by a judge or bearing an official court seal, which commands the person to whom it is addressed to do something specific.

interlocutory

Proceedings taken during the course of a trial.

district court

the location, pertaining to a specific legal district, where federal cases are initially heard

adopt

1) to take on a particular relationship of parent to child of another person by official legal action 2) to accept or make use of, such as to adopt another party's argument in a lawsuit

subrogation

 Assuming the legal rights of a person for whom expenses or a debt has been paid. Typically, subrogation occurs when an insurance company which pays its insured client for injuries and losses then sues the party which the injured person contends caused he damages to him/her.

ways and means

committee found in the US house of representatives and some states that determines many--if not all--aspects of funding and fiscal decision-making