Legal Terms: I

A statement that appears to be a promise but actually commits the promisor to nothing, making any resulting contract unenforceable.

Protection from legal liability or prosecution granted by law. Types include sovereign immunity (government), diplomatic immunity, and witness immunity.

To select and seat a jury for a trial.

The process of formally accusing a public official of misconduct. In evidence law, the process of attacking a witness's credibility.

Consent inferred from a person's actions or circumstances rather than explicit agreement. In DUI law, driving implies consent to breathalyzer testing.

Latin for 'in chambers.' A legal proceeding or review conducted privately by a judge, typically to review sensitive evidence.

Latin for 'in the manner of a pauper.' A status allowing a person who cannot afford court fees to proceed without paying them.

Latin for 'in the place of a parent.' Refers to a person or institution acting in a parental capacity.

A legal action directed against property rather than against a specific person.

Rights that cannot be surrendered, sold, or transferred to another person, such as life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

The confinement of a person in a jail or prison as punishment for a crime or while awaiting trial.

Incomplete or not fully formed. An inchoate crime is one that has been begun but not completed, such as attempt or conspiracy.

A claim or liability that is attached to property, potentially diminishing its value. Alternative spelling of encumbrance.

A contractual obligation of one party to compensate another for losses or damages. Common in business contracts and insurance policies.

A formal written accusation issued by a grand jury charging a person with a crime, based on a finding of probable cause.

A minor violation of a law or rule, less serious than a misdemeanor, typically punishable only by a fine.

The unauthorized use of a protected intellectual property right, such as a patent, copyright, or trademark.

Property or assets received from a deceased person through a will or intestate succession.

A court order requiring a party to do or refrain from doing a specific act. Types include temporary restraining orders, preliminary injunctions, and permanent injunctions.

The condition of being unable to pay debts as they become due. A prerequisite for many bankruptcy filings.

Legal rights protecting creations of the mind, including patents, copyrights, trademarks, and trade secrets.

The state of mind accompanying an act. In criminal law, intent (mens rea) is a key element in determining culpability.

A temporary or provisional court order that is not a final judgment, such as a preliminary injunction.

A set of written questions sent by one party to another during the discovery phase of litigation, which must be answered under oath.

Commercial activity that crosses state borders, which Congress has the power to regulate under the Commerce Clause of the Constitution.

Dying without a valid will. The deceased person's property is distributed according to state intestacy laws.

The unintentional killing of a person through criminal negligence or during the commission of a non-felony crime.