Legal Terms: E

A legal right to use another person's land for a specific purpose without owning it.

The constitutional amendment prohibiting excessive bail, excessive fines, and cruel and unusual punishment.

A legal action to recover possession of real property from someone who is unlawfully occupying it.

The legal process by which a minor is freed from parental control and granted the legal rights and responsibilities of an adult.

The fraudulent taking of personal property by someone to whom it was entrusted, such as an employee stealing company funds.

The government's power to take private property for public use, provided it pays just compensation to the owner. Derived from the Fifth Amendment.

Payment or compensation for employment or services. The Emoluments Clause of the Constitution prohibits federal officials from receiving gifts from foreign governments.

An agreement between an employer and employee that specifies the terms of employment, including duties, compensation, and termination conditions.

A law that grants authority to a government agency or official to take certain actions, such as creating regulations.

An intrusion upon the property or rights of another, such as a building or fence extending onto a neighbor's land.

A claim, lien, or liability attached to real property that may diminish its value or restrict its use, such as a mortgage, easement, or tax lien.

To issue a court order (injunction) requiring or prohibiting a specific action.

A defense in criminal law claiming that law enforcement induced a person to commit a crime they would not otherwise have committed.

The principle that all people should be treated fairly and given the same chances for employment, education, and other benefits regardless of protected characteristics.

The Fourteenth Amendment guarantee that all persons shall receive equal treatment under the law and that no state shall deny equal protection of the laws.

A method of dividing marital property in a divorce based on fairness rather than an equal split, considering various factors.

A branch of law providing remedies beyond monetary damages, such as injunctions and specific performance. Also refers to ownership value in an asset.

The right of a mortgagor to reclaim property by paying the full mortgage debt before or after foreclosure, depending on state law.

The reversion of property to the state when a person dies without a will and without legal heirs.

An arrangement in which money, property, or documents are held by a neutral third party until specified conditions are met.

All of the property and assets owned by a person, especially at the time of death. Also refers to an ownership interest in land.

The process of arranging for the management and distribution of a person's assets during their lifetime and after death.

A legal principle that prevents a person from asserting a position inconsistent with their previous conduct or representations if another party relied on those representations.

A doctrine preventing a grantor who conveys property by warranty deed from later claiming they did not have title at the time of conveyance.

The legal process of removing a tenant from a rental property, typically for nonpayment of rent or lease violations.

Any form of proof presented in court to establish or disprove facts in a case, including testimony, documents, physical objects, and digital records.

A legal proceeding or order involving only one party, without notice to or participation by the opposing party.

A legal principle that prohibits evidence obtained in violation of the defendant's constitutional rights from being used at trial.

A contract provision that releases one party from liability for damages caused by their own negligence.

Evidence tending to establish a criminal defendant's innocence. Prosecutors must disclose exculpatory evidence under the Brady rule.

A person named in a will to manage the deceased person's estate, including distributing assets and paying debts.

Property or income that is protected from seizure by creditors or from taxation. In bankruptcy, exemptions determine what property the debtor may keep.

The requirement that a party pursue all available administrative remedies before seeking judicial review.

A person with specialized knowledge, training, or experience who is qualified to provide an opinion on technical or scientific matters in a legal proceeding.

The legal process of sealing or destroying a criminal record so that it is no longer accessible to the public.

The crime of obtaining money, property, or services through coercion, threats, or intimidation.

The formal process of surrendering a person accused or convicted of a crime from one jurisdiction (state or country) to another.