Prospectus

A document in which a corporation sets out the material details of a share or bond issue and invites the public to invest by purchasing them.

Prostitution

the offering of sexual activity for hire where an exchange of value occurs 

Protest

1) to demonstrate; make a declaration, possibly in opposition 2) a formal statement made to dispute another statement or action

Proxy

1) The person authorized for a given task. 2) A written authorization empowering another person to vote or act for the signer.

Public Defender

An attorney in the U.S.A. paid for by the state but representing an indigent individual in a criminal matter.

Public Domain

American copyright law term: works that are not copyright protected, free for all to use without permission.

Public Law

Laws which regulate the structure and administration of the government, the conduct of the government in its relations with its citizens, the responsibilities of government employees and the relationships with foreign governments.

Public Policy

The principle that injury to the public good or public order constitutes a basis for setting aside acts or transactions.

Puisne

Junior or lower in rank.

Punitive Damages

Special and highly exceptional damages ordered by a court against a defendant where the act or omission which caused the suit was particularly heinous or malicious.