Legal Terms: U

Latin for 'beyond the powers.' An act performed by a corporation or government body that exceeds its legal authority.

A contract defense where the terms are so one-sided and unfair that no reasonable person would agree to them. Courts may refuse to enforce unconscionable contracts.

Excessive pressure or manipulation exerted over a person, impairing their free will and inducing them to act in the influencer's favor, often in contracts or wills.

A comprehensive set of laws governing commercial transactions in the United States, including the sale of goods, negotiable instruments, and secured transactions.

A legal principle preventing one party from benefiting at another's expense without justification, giving rise to a claim for restitution.

Debt not backed by collateral, such as credit card debt and medical bills. In bankruptcy, unsecured creditors are paid after secured creditors.

The practice of charging an illegally high rate of interest on a loan, prohibited by state usury laws.