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Most Popular Legal Definitions

diversity jurisdiction

Jurisdiction of a US federal court to dispose of a matter meeting a monetary threshold even though it involves residents of different states.

twinkie defense

a claim by a criminal defendant that at the time of the crime he/she was of diminished mental capacity due to intake of too much sugar.

homicide

The world includes all occasions where one human being, by commission or omission of an act, takes away the life of another.

ecclesiastical law

Synonymous to canon law

dominant tenement

Used when referring to easements to specify that property (i.e. tenement) or piece of land that benefits from, or has the advantage of, an easement.

mortgagor

The person who borrows money secured by conceding a mortgage against his interest in real property.

natural justice

Basic or fundamental judicial rights extended to a person with rights at issue.

eighth amendment

US constitutional amendment that prohibits excessive bail or fines and cruel and unusual punishment

surrender

1) To turn over possession of real property, either voluntarily or upon demand, by tenant to landlord. 2) to give oneself up to law enforcement officials.

ad hoc

From Latin, meaning "for this purpose only;" thus, an ad hoc committee is formed to serve a specific purpose; an ad hoc attorney is hired to handle one problem and often is a specialist in a particular area.