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Most Popular Legal Definitions

damages

cash compensation ordered by a court to offset losses or suffering caused by another's fault or negligence

society

A group of people formed as a separate organization and which has as a stated purpose some charitable or benevolent purpose.

authorities

1) previous decisions by courts of appeal which provide legal guidance to a court on questions in a current lawsuit, which are called "precedents;" legal briefs (written arguments) are often called "points and authorities; thus, a lawyer "cites" the previously decided cases as "authorities" for his/her legal positions 2) a common term for law enforcement, as in "I'm going to call the authorities" (i.e. police)

appreciation

the increase in value through the natural course of events as distinguished from improvements or additions

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

puisne

Junior or lower in rank.

pro bono

Done or donated without charge.

discharge

A sentence of a person found guilty of a crime in which that person does not receive a criminal record of conviction, either absolutely or conditionally.

counterclaim

a defendant's claim against a plaintiff

trademark

A word, name, logo or slogan used by a person selling goods or services to distinguish and identify their goods or services from those of another.