Legal Terms: R

Engaging in a pattern of criminal activity as part of an organized enterprise. Prosecuted under federal RICO statutes.

The formal approval of an agreement, amendment, or treaty. In contract law, the acceptance of a previously unauthorized act.

Land and anything permanently attached to it, including buildings, trees, and fixtures. Distinguished from personal property.

The standard of proof in criminal cases; the level of certainty a juror must have to find a defendant guilty. Not merely possible doubt but doubt based on reason.

The tendency of a convicted criminal to reoffend after serving their sentence.

A person who repeatedly commits crimes and returns to criminal behavior after being punished.

A bond or obligation recorded before a court whereby a person promises to appear in court or meet a specified condition.

A defendant's right to reduce the plaintiff's claim by the amount the plaintiff owes the defendant arising from the same transaction.

The act of a judge withdrawing from hearing a case due to a potential conflict of interest or appearance of bias.

The process of editing or obscuring portions of a document to remove sensitive, privileged, or classified information.

An equitable remedy correcting a written instrument (such as a contract or deed) to reflect the parties' true intentions.

A rule or order issued by a government agency that has the force of law, created through the administrative rulemaking process.

Dependence on another party's representations or promises, which may give rise to legal rights under estoppel or contract law.

When an appellate court sends a case back to a lower court for further proceedings consistent with the appellate court's decision.

The means by which a court enforces a right or prevents or compensates for a wrong. Includes damages, injunctions, and specific performance.

A court order reducing a jury's damage award when the judge finds it excessive.

The transfer of a case from state court to federal court by the defendant when federal jurisdiction exists. In immigration law, the deportation of a foreign national.

A legal action to recover personal property that has been wrongfully taken or detained.

The act of a creditor taking back property (usually personal property like a vehicle) from a debtor who has defaulted on payments.

Latin for 'a matter judged.' The principle that a final judgment on the merits bars the same parties from relitigating the same claim.

The cancellation of a contract, restoring the parties to their positions before the contract was formed.

Latin for 'let the master answer.' The legal doctrine holding employers vicariously liable for the negligent acts of employees performed within the scope of employment.

The restoration of property or money to its rightful owner. In criminal law, a court-ordered payment by a convicted person to compensate the victim.

A court order prohibiting a person from engaging in certain conduct, such as contacting or approaching another person. Can be temporary or permanent.

A fee paid to an attorney in advance to secure their services. Also, the agreement establishing the attorney-client relationship.

An appellate court's decision to overturn or set aside a lower court's judgment.

The Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act, a federal law providing extended penalties for criminal acts performed as part of an ongoing criminal enterprise.

A feature of joint tenancy where, upon the death of one owner, the deceased's share automatically passes to the surviving owner(s) rather than through the estate.

The legal right to pass through property owned by another. Also, the right of a vehicle or pedestrian to proceed first in a traffic situation.

The crime of taking property from a person by force, threat, or intimidation. Distinguished from larceny by the use or threat of force.

The process by which administrative agencies create regulations that have the force of law, typically through notice-and-comment procedures under the APA.