Legal Terms: F

The person or body (judge or jury) responsible for determining the facts in a legal proceeding.

A legal doctrine allowing limited use of copyrighted material without permission for purposes such as criticism, commentary, news reporting, teaching, and research.

The unlawful restraint of a person's freedom of movement without their consent and without legal authority.

A court established under the U.S. Constitution to hear cases involving federal law, constitutional issues, and disputes between citizens of different states.

A case arising under the Constitution, federal statutes, or treaties, giving federal courts subject-matter jurisdiction.

A serious crime typically punishable by imprisonment for more than one year or death. Examples include murder, robbery, and burglary.

A legal rule holding a participant in a felony criminally liable for any death that occurs during the commission of the felony.

A person or entity that holds a position of trust and has a legal obligation to act in the best interest of another party.

A legal obligation of one party to act in the best interest of another, requiring utmost good faith, trust, and loyalty.

The constitutional amendment providing protections against double jeopardy, self-incrimination, and deprivation of life, liberty, or property without due process.

The formal submission of legal documents to a court to initiate or continue a legal proceeding.

A court's last action that fully resolves all issues in a case, making it eligible for appeal.

The constitutional amendment protecting freedom of speech, religion, press, assembly, and the right to petition the government.

Personal property that has been attached to real property in such a way that it becomes part of the real property.

A clause in a contract that frees parties from liability when extraordinary events beyond their control prevent performance, such as natural disasters or wars.

The legal process by which a lender seizes and sells property when the borrower fails to make mortgage payments.

The crime of making, altering, or possessing a false document with the intent to defraud.

The court or jurisdiction where a case is heard.

The practice of choosing a court or jurisdiction that is most likely to provide a favorable outcome.

The constitutional amendment guaranteeing citizenship to all persons born in the U.S., due process of law, and equal protection of the laws.

A license granted by a company (franchisor) to an individual or group (franchisee) to operate a business using the company's brand, products, and systems.

Intentional deception or misrepresentation made with the intent to deprive another person of property or a legal right.

The First Amendment right protecting individuals from government censorship of their expression, subject to certain limited exceptions.

Lacking any legal merit or factual basis. Courts may impose sanctions for filing frivolous claims.

The constitutional requirement that each state honor the legislative acts, public records, and judicial decisions of every other state.