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Most Popular Legal Definitions

dicta or dictum

Latin, an observation by a judge on a matter not specifically before the court or not necessary in determining the issue before the court.

peremptory

Final or absolute. Not open to challenge.

suit

Generic term for any filing of a complaint (or petition) asking for legal redress by judicial action.

annuity

1) an annual sum paid from a policy or gift 2) short for a purchased annuity policy which will pay dividends to the owner regularly for years or for life

acknowledge

1) to admit or concede 2) a notary public or other officer (such as a county clerk) verifying an individual's completion of a document, such as for the power of attorney, to make it certified as legal and suitable for recording

precatory words

Words that express a wish or a desire rather than a clear command.

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.)

auditor

accountant who conducts an audit to verify the accuracy of the financial records and accounting practices of a business or government

occupancy

the act of holding or taking possession

conscientious objector

an individual following religious or moral law that disallow them from entering armed services