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Most Popular Legal Definitions

equity

A branch of English law which developed hundreds of years ago when litigants would go to the King and complain of harsh or inflexible rules of common law which prevented justice from prevailing

directed verdict

When the Court stops a trial determining that an essential fact has not been proven.

fourteenth amendment

An amendment to the U.S. Constitution as a part of the Civil War amendments designed to give full civil and legal rights to slaves, incorporated the Bill of Rights into state law, created the due process clause, and is known as the greatest expansion of individual rights since the Bill of Rights

onus

Latin, the burden. It is usually used in the context of evidence.

informed consent

generally refers to medical practice, the requirement in non-emergency situations for a patient to accept medical or surgical procedures

grand jury

An American criminal justice system procedure wherein a group of 16-23 citizens hold an inquiry on criminal complaints brought by the prosecutor in order to decide if a trial is 
warranted.

militia

a military body composed of normal citizens called upon in emergencies or to protect specific interests 

bail

1) money or bond put up to secure the release of a person who has been charged with a crime 2) to post money or bond to secure an accused defendant's release

act

statutory plan passed by Congress or any legislature which is a bill until enacted and becomes law 2) (v.) a court offering a decision or ruling on a motion or petition

indefeasible

Not to be annulled or made void; not forfeitable.