Legal Terms: G

A court-ordered process that directs a third party (typically an employer or bank) to withhold money from a debtor's wages or accounts to pay a creditor.

The authority of a court to hear any type of case, unless specifically excluded by law.

An honest and sincere intention to deal fairly and without taking unfair advantage. A legal concept applied in contracts, negotiations, and insurance.

A law protecting people who voluntarily provide emergency assistance to an injured person from liability for unintentional harm.

A panel of citizens that examines evidence presented by a prosecutor and decides whether there is sufficient probable cause to indict a person for a crime.

Theft of property above a certain monetary threshold, classified as a felony. The threshold varies by state.

A person who receives property or rights through a deed or other legal instrument.

A person who transfers property or rights to another party. In trusts, the grantor creates the trust and transfers assets into it.

Informal term for a Permanent Resident Card (Form I-551), which evidences lawful permanent resident status in the United States.

A conscious and voluntary disregard of the need to use reasonable care, involving a greater degree of carelessness than ordinary negligence.

The legal basis or foundation for a lawsuit, motion, or argument.

A person appointed by a court to make decisions on behalf of someone who is unable to do so themselves, such as a minor or incapacitated adult.

A person appointed by a court to represent the best interests of a child or incapacitated adult during legal proceedings.

A verdict finding that the defendant committed the crime charged. Also, the plea a defendant may enter acknowledging guilt.