Legal Terms: N

The legal process by which a foreign national becomes a U.S. citizen after meeting eligibility requirements and passing required tests.

Goods and services essential for a person's basic needs, such as food, clothing, shelter, and medical care. Contracts for necessaries by minors may be enforceable.

The failure to exercise the standard of care that a reasonably prudent person would exercise under similar circumstances, resulting in harm to another.

The process of discussion and bargaining between parties to reach a mutually acceptable agreement or settlement.

A trial court, as distinguished from an appellate court. The term refers to the court where a case is first tried.

A plea (nolo contendere) in which the defendant does not admit guilt but accepts punishment. It cannot be used as an admission of liability in a civil case.

Latin for 'I do not wish to contend.' A plea in criminal court similar to guilty but cannot be used as an admission in civil proceedings.

A contractual clause restricting an employee from working for competitors or starting a competing business for a specified period and geographic area after leaving employment.

A contract creating a confidential relationship between parties, obligating one or both to keep certain information secret.

A land use that was lawful before a zoning change but no longer complies with current zoning regulations. Generally allowed to continue but not expand.

A person authorized by the state to witness the signing of documents, administer oaths, and certify the authenticity of signatures.

Formal notification to a party of a legal action, proceeding, or right. Due process requires adequate notice before the government deprives a person of rights.

An unreasonable interference with the use and enjoyment of another person's property. Can be private (affecting one party) or public (affecting the community).

An oral will made during the last illness or in imminent peril of death, valid only in limited circumstances in some states.