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Most Popular Legal Definitions

general average

A principle of maritime law where in the event of emergency, if cargo is jettisoned, the loss is shared proportionately by all parties with a financial interest in the voyage.

proprietor

Owner

first amendment

The amendment to the U.S. Constitution which sets out freedom of speech, right to petition, free practice of religion, freedom of assembly, and freedom of the press; continues to be the subject of court cases on both the State and Federal level 

advance

payment which is made before it is legally due, such as before shipment is made or a sale is completed

duress

where a person is prevented from acting, or not acting, according to their free will by threat or force of another

lease

A special kind of contract between a property owner and a person wanting temporary enjoyment and exclusive use of the property, in exchange for rent paid.

Hatch Act

In the U.S., a statute which controls political activity of government employees.

certiorari

A writ of a higher court to a lower court to send all the documents in a case to it so the higher court can review the lower court's decision. Certiorari is most commonly used by the U.S. Supreme Court, which is selective about which cases it will hear on appeal.

bar examination

examination given in each state by either the highest court or, if an "integrated" bar, by the state bar association (subject to appeal to the State Supreme Court) for admission as an attorney

novation

Agreement of parties to a contract to substitute a new contract for the old one.