Legal Terms: T

A claim imposed by the government on property for unpaid taxes, giving the government priority over other creditors.

A situation where a tenant remains on the property after the lease has expired without the landlord's consent.

A rental arrangement that either the landlord or tenant can terminate at any time with proper notice.

A form of co-ownership where each owner holds a separate, divisible interest that can be freely transferred. No right of survivorship.

A person who rents or leases property from a landlord under a lease agreement.

An unconditional offer to perform an obligation, such as payment of a debt. Legal tender is currency that must be accepted for payment.

Relating to or provided for by a will. A testamentary trust is created by the terms of a deceased person's will.

A person who has made a valid will. The female form is testatrix.

Statements made by a witness under oath in a legal proceeding, whether at trial, in a deposition, or before a grand jury.

A person or entity not directly involved in a legal proceeding or transaction but who may be affected by or have an interest in the outcome.

Legal ownership of property. Also, the document (deed) that serves as evidence of ownership.

The suspension or pausing of a statute of limitations period, effectively extending the time to file a legal action.

A wrongful act (other than a breach of contract) that results in injury or harm to another person, giving rise to a civil cause of action for damages.

Legislative changes aimed at reducing the ability to bring tort lawsuits or limiting the amount of damages recoverable.

A person who commits a tort (a wrongful act causing harm to another).

Confidential business information that provides a competitive advantage, such as formulas, processes, designs, or customer lists, protected by law from misappropriation.

A word, phrase, symbol, design, or combination that identifies and distinguishes the source of goods or services from those of others.

A statutory provision allowing courts to triple the amount of actual damages as a penalty, common in antitrust and RICO cases.

The unauthorized entry onto another person's property. Can be criminal (a misdemeanor) or civil (a tort actionable for damages).

A formal judicial proceeding in which evidence is presented to a judge or jury to determine the facts and reach a verdict.

A legal arrangement in which one party (trustee) holds and manages property for the benefit of another party (beneficiary), according to the terms set by the creator (grantor).

A person or institution that holds and manages property or assets for the benefit of another, owing a fiduciary duty to act in the beneficiary's best interest.