Legal Terms: S

A penalty or punitive measure imposed by a court for violations of rules, orders, or standards of conduct.

The examination of a person's property by law enforcement and the taking of evidence. The Fourth Amendment protects against unreasonable searches and seizures.

A court order authorizing law enforcement to search a specific location for specific evidence of a crime, based on probable cause.

The constitutional amendment protecting the right of individuals to keep and bear arms.

A debt backed by collateral (property) that the creditor can seize if the debtor defaults.

The act of providing testimony or evidence that exposes oneself to criminal prosecution. The Fifth Amendment protects against compelled self-incrimination.

The punishment imposed by a court on a person convicted of a crime, which may include imprisonment, fines, probation, or community service.

The isolation of a jury from outside contact during deliberation, or the court-ordered seizure of property to preserve it during litigation.

The formal delivery of legal documents (summons, complaint) to a defendant or party, notifying them of legal proceedings and establishing the court's jurisdiction.

A defendant's right to reduce the plaintiff's claim by an amount the plaintiff owes the defendant, arising from a different transaction.

An agreement between parties to resolve a dispute without a full trial, often involving the payment of money in exchange for dismissal of claims.

The constitutional amendment preserving the right to a jury trial in civil cases where the amount in controversy exceeds twenty dollars.

An owner of shares (stock) in a corporation, entitled to dividends and voting rights proportional to their ownership stake.

Latin for 'without which not.' An essential condition or element without which something cannot exist or occur.

The constitutional amendment guaranteeing criminal defendants the right to a speedy and public trial, an impartial jury, notice of charges, confrontation of witnesses, and counsel.

A form of defamation involving false spoken statements that harm a person's reputation. Distinguished from libel, which involves written statements.

A legal principle preventing a person who intentionally kills another from inheriting from or benefiting from the victim's estate.

A court with simplified procedures and low filing fees that handles minor civil disputes, typically involving amounts below $5,000-$10,000.

A business owned and operated by a single individual, with no legal separation between the owner and the business.

The supreme authority within a territory; in the U.S., sovereignty resides in the people and is exercised through federal and state governments.

The legal doctrine that the government cannot be sued without its consent, derived from the principle that the sovereign is immune from legal action.

An equitable remedy requiring a party to fulfill their contractual obligations, typically ordered when monetary damages are inadequate (e.g., unique property sales).

Financial payments made by one spouse to the other during or after a divorce to maintain their standard of living. Also called alimony or maintenance.

A person or entity with an interest in or affected by a course of action, transaction, or legal proceeding.

The legal requirement that a party bringing a lawsuit must have a sufficient connection to and harm from the issue, demonstrating a personal stake in the outcome.

Latin for 'to stand by things decided.' The legal principle obligating courts to follow precedent established by prior decisions on similar issues.

A law enacted by a legislative body (Congress, state legislature, or local council).

A legal principle requiring certain types of contracts to be in writing to be enforceable, including contracts for the sale of land and agreements lasting more than one year.

A law prescribing the maximum time period within which a legal action must be filed. The period varies by type of claim and jurisdiction.

A court order suspending or halting legal proceedings or the enforcement of a judgment. In bankruptcy, the automatic stay stops creditor collection actions.

Legal responsibility for damages or injury without proof of negligence or intent. Applied in product liability cases and abnormally dangerous activities.

An agreement placing one creditor's claim or lien behind another's in priority.

A court order requiring a person to appear as a witness or produce documents. A subpoena duces tecum specifically requires the production of documents.

The substitution of one party for another regarding a legal claim or right, allowing the substituting party to pursue the claim.

The constitutional doctrine protecting fundamental rights from government interference, regardless of the procedures used.

Law that defines rights, duties, and obligations, as distinguished from procedural law, which governs the process of enforcing those rights.

A person or entity that takes over the rights, obligations, or property of another, such as a corporate successor or heir.

A court decision made without a full trial when the judge determines there is no genuine dispute of material fact and one party is entitled to judgment as a matter of law.

A notice served on a defendant informing them that a lawsuit has been filed and requiring them to appear in court or respond within a specified time.

A bond posted by the appellant to stay (delay) the execution of a judgment during the appeal process.

Article VI of the Constitution establishing that federal law is the supreme law of the land and takes precedence over conflicting state laws.

The highest court in the United States (and in most state judicial systems), serving as the final arbiter of constitutional and federal legal questions.

A person or entity that assumes responsibility for the debt, obligation, or performance of another party. A surety bond guarantees performance.

When a judge agrees with an objection during trial, preventing the challenged evidence or question from being presented.