Escheat

  The process by which a deceased person’s property goes to the state if no heir can be found.  A periodic listing of general definitions of commonly used legal terms (not intended as legal advice but useful to better understand frequently used legal phrases).

Eminent Domain

The power of the government to take private property for public use through condemnation. A periodic listing of general definitions of commonly used legal terms (not intended as legal advice but useful to better understand frequently used legal phrases).  

Domicile

The place where a person has a permanent home to which he/she intends to return. A periodic listing of general definitions of commonly used legal terms (not intended as legal advice but useful to better understand frequently used legal phrases).

Discovery

The name given pretrial devices for obtaining facts and information about the case. A periodic listing of general definitions of commonly used legal terms (not intended as legal advice but useful to better understand frequently used legal phrases.

Deposition

Testimony of a witness taken, under oath, in response to another party’s questions given outside the courtroom, usually in an attorney’s office. A word for word transcript is made of the testimony.

A periodic listing of general definitions of commonly used legal terms (not intended as legal advice but useful to better understand frequently used legal phrases) Damages: Money a party receives as compensation for a legal wrong. There are many different types of damages, including direct, indirect, special and punitive.

A periodic listing of general definitions of commonly used legal terms (not intended as legal advice but useful to better understand frequently used legal phrases) Complaint: A legal document that outlines the alleged facts of the case and the basis for which a legal remedy is sought from the court.

A periodic listing of general definitions of commonly used legal terms (not intended as legal advice but useful to better understand frequently used legal phrases) Common Law: Laws that develop through case decisions by judges and are not enacted by legislative bodies or embodied in statutes or regulations.

A periodic listing of general definitions of commonly used legal terms (not intended as legal advice but useful to better understand frequently used legal phrases) Brief: A written document prepared by an attorney or party on each side of a dispute and filed with the court in support of their arguments.

A periodic listing of general definitions of commonly used legal terms (not intended as legal advice but useful to better understand frequently used legal phrases) Attachment: A lien on property or assets to pay or satisfy a final judgment.