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Most Popular Legal Definitions
affix
1) to attach something to real estate in a permanent way, including planting
trees and shrubs, constructing a building, or adding to existing improvements;
affixed items are permanent and cannot be picked up and moved away 2) to sign or
seal, "affix a signature or a seal"
defamation
an attack on the good reputation of a person, by slander or libel
maintenance
Refers to the obligation of one person to contribute, in part or in whole, to
the cost of living of another person.
accident
a sudden or unexpected event that occurs without foresight. For example, a car
accident
parens patriae
Latin, inherent jurisdiction of the courts to make decisions concerning people
who are not able to take care of themselves.
jury
A group of citizens randomly selected from the
population and brought together to assist justice by deciding which version
constitutes 'the truth' given different evidence by both parties.
council
a formal group of experts brought together on a regular basis to debate matters
within that sphere of expertise, and with advisory powers to government
basis
the original cost of an asset to be used to determine the amount of capital gain
tax upon its sale; an "adjusted basis" includes improvements, expenses, and
damages between the time the original basis (price) is established and transfer
of the asset; "stepped up basis" means that the original basis of an asset will
be stepped up to current value at the time of the death of the owner, and thus
keep down capital gain taxes if the beneficiary of the dead person sells the
asset
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.
case
Short for a cause of action, lawsuit, or the right to sue. It is also shorthand
for the reported decisions which can be cited as precedents.