Legal Terms: P

An executive act forgiving a person for a crime and releasing them from punishment. The President can pardon federal crimes; governors can pardon state crimes.

A legal principle that prevents parties to a written contract from introducing prior or contemporaneous oral agreements that contradict or modify the written terms.

The supervised release of a prisoner before the completion of their sentence, subject to conditions and monitoring.

The division of jointly owned property into separate portions so each owner may take individual possession of their share.

A business arrangement where two or more persons agree to share profits and losses. Can be general, limited, or limited liability.

A government-granted exclusive right to an inventor, allowing them to prevent others from making, using, or selling the invention for a limited period (typically 20 years).

Latin for 'by the court.' A judicial opinion issued by the court as a whole rather than authored by a single judge.

A method of distributing an estate where each branch of a family receives an equal share, regardless of the number of members in each branch.

The right of an attorney to reject a prospective juror without stating a reason, limited in number and cannot be based on race or gender.

The crime of willfully making a false statement under oath in a judicial or official proceeding.

A court's authority over the parties in a lawsuit, based on their presence, domicile, consent, or minimum contacts with the forum state.

A trial jury, typically consisting of 6 to 12 members, that hears evidence and renders a verdict in a case.

The party who initiates a civil lawsuit by filing a complaint against the defendant.

A defendant's formal response to criminal charges — typically guilty, not guilty, or no contest (nolo contendere).

An agreement between the prosecution and defendant where the defendant pleads guilty to a lesser charge or receives a lighter sentence in exchange for cooperation.

A formal written document filed with the court that sets forth the claims or defenses of a party in a lawsuit.

A legal document authorizing one person (the agent or attorney-in-fact) to act on behalf of another (the principal) in financial, legal, or medical matters.

A court decision that establishes a rule or principle to be followed in future cases with similar facts or issues. The foundation of the common law system.

A proceeding held to determine whether there is enough evidence (probable cause) to proceed with a criminal trial.

The standard of proof in most civil cases, requiring the plaintiff to show that their version of events is more likely true than not.

The fundamental principle that a person accused of a crime is considered innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

A child born after the execution of a will who is unintentionally omitted. Most states provide such children with a share of the estate.

Latin for 'on its face.' Evidence sufficient to establish a fact or raise a presumption unless rebutted by contradictory evidence.

Law governing relationships between private individuals and organizations, including contracts, torts, property, and family law.

A legal right to refuse to disclose certain information, such as attorney-client communications, doctor-patient communications, or spousal communications.

A close and direct relationship between parties, such as parties to a contract, that allows one to enforce rights against the other.

Legal services provided free of charge, typically to indigent clients or nonprofit organizations, as a professional obligation or public service.

Latin for 'for oneself.' Representing oneself in a legal proceeding without an attorney.

A reasonable belief, based on facts and circumstances, that a crime has been committed or that evidence of a crime will be found. Required for arrests and search warrants.

The legal process of administering a deceased person's estate, including validating the will, paying debts, and distributing assets to beneficiaries.

A sentence allowing a convicted person to remain in the community under supervision instead of serving time in prison, subject to conditions.

The constitutional requirement that the government follow fair procedures before depriving a person of life, liberty, or property.

The legal responsibility of manufacturers, distributors, and retailers for injuries caused by defective products.

A legal doctrine preventing a party from reneging on a promise if another party relied on that promise to their detriment.

A written promise by one party to pay a specified sum of money to another party at a definite time or on demand.

The process of initiating and pursuing criminal charges against a defendant. Also refers to the government attorney (prosecutor) who brings the case.

A court order that protects a person from harm or harassment, often used in domestic violence cases. Also, an order limiting the disclosure of sensitive information during discovery.

The primary cause of an injury or harm that is legally sufficient to result in liability. The cause without which the injury would not have occurred.

The direct outcome of an action that was foreseeable and contributed to the harm or injury in question.

An attorney appointed by the court to represent defendants who cannot afford to hire a private attorney.

Law governing the relationship between individuals and the government, including constitutional law, criminal law, and administrative law.

Monetary damages awarded in addition to compensatory damages to punish the defendant for particularly egregious conduct and deter similar behavior.