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Most Popular Legal Definitions

vassal

an individual who submits to serve another usually for a return; a dependent; servant

vigilante

Someone who takes the law into his/her own hands by trying or punishing another person without any legal authority.

adeem

to revoke a gift made in a will by destroying, selling or giving away the gift item during the lifetime of the testator, for example; a person writes in their will "I will leave my son my 1968 Mustang," but then dad totals or sells the car--Saying, "I give my son my family car," would be better language.

seal

 A device which creates an impression upon paper or melted wax.

bar

1)  collectively all attorneys, as "the bar," which comes from the bar or railing which separates the general spectator area of the courtroom from the area reserved for judges, attorneys, parties and court officials 2) to prevent some legal maneuver, as in "barring" a lawsuit due to the running out of the time to file 3) to prohibit and keep someone from entering a room, building or real property

ancillary jurisdiction

term used in federal courts when the court decides matters not normally under federal jurisdiction so that it can give a judgment on the entire controversy, the main issue at hand is a federal matter which it is authorized by law to determine

Inchmaree Clause

A standard clause in maritime insurance contracts covering risks of events not directly related to perils at sea such as loading accidents.

bond

1) Written evidence of debt issued by a company with the terms of payment spelled out. A bond differs from corporate shares of stock since bond payments are pre-determined and provide a final pay off date, while stock dividends vary depending on profitability and corporate decisions to distribute. 2) Written guarantee or pledge which is purchased from a bonding company, or by an individual as security to guarantee some form of performance, including showing up in court .

attachment

the seizing of money or property prior to getting a judgment in court, in contemplation that the plaintiff will win at trial and will require the money or property to cover the judgment; a temporary attachment may be allowed by court order without both parties being present based on a declaration of the party wanting the attachment that there is clear proof that the defendant is going to flee

pension

A private or government fund, from which regular benefits and stipends are paid to a person upon their retirement or disability.