Legal Terms: V

To set aside or annul a court order, judgment, or conviction.

The willful destruction or defacement of another person's property. A criminal offense that may also give rise to civil liability.

In zoning law, an exception allowing a property owner to use land in a way not otherwise permitted by zoning regulations, based on undue hardship.

The pool of potential jurors summoned to the courthouse from which a jury will be selected.

The geographic location where a court with jurisdiction may hear a case. Proper venue is typically where the events occurred or where the defendant resides.

The relocation of a trial from one geographic location to another, typically because of prejudice or convenience.

The formal decision or finding of a judge or jury on the matters submitted during a trial.

To give an immediate, fixed right of present or future enjoyment. Vested rights cannot be taken away without due process.

A legal doctrine imposing liability on one party for the actions of another, such as an employer being liable for the negligent acts of an employee.

A person who has suffered harm, injury, or loss as the result of a crime or tort.

A monthly publication by the State Department indicating which priority dates are currently eligible for immigrant visa processing.

A backward movement in visa bulletin priority dates caused by high demand relative to annual visa quotas, delaying the availability of immigrant visas.

Having no legal force or effect; null. A void contract is one that was never valid from the beginning.

A contract or agreement that is valid but may be legally voided at the option of one party due to a defect such as fraud, duress, or incapacity.

The process of questioning prospective jurors to determine their suitability for serving on a jury, including identifying potential biases.

An alternative to formal removal allowing a foreign national to leave the United States at their own expense within a specified period, avoiding a formal removal order.

The intentional killing of a person in the heat of passion or upon sudden provocation, without premeditation.

A bankruptcy case initiated by the debtor filing a petition with the bankruptcy court, along with schedules of assets, liabilities, income, and expenses.