Legal Terms Starting with C
Case Law
Law established by judicial decisions in previous cases rather than by legislative statutes, also known as common law or precedent.
Legal ResearchCausation
The relationship between an action and its result, establishing that a defendant's conduct directly caused the plaintiff's injury.
Tort LawCease and Desist
A legal order or letter demanding that an individual or entity stop allegedly illegal activity and not resume it.
Civil LawCertiorari
A writ issued by a higher court to review the decision of a lower court, commonly used by the Supreme Court.
Appellate LawChain of Custody
The documented chronological record of evidence handling to establish integrity and authenticity in legal proceedings.
Evidence LawChild Support
Court-ordered financial payments from one parent to another for the care and upbringing of their children after separation or divorce.
Family LawCircumstantial Evidence
Indirect evidence that implies a fact but does not directly prove it, requiring inference to establish connection.
Evidence LawCivil Procedure
The body of law governing the process and methods used in civil litigation from filing to appeal.
Civil ProcedureClass Action
A lawsuit filed by one or more plaintiffs on behalf of a larger group sharing common claims against the same defendant.
Civil LitigationClosing Argument
The final statement made by attorneys to the jury summarizing evidence and advocating for their client's position.
Trial PracticeCodicil
A legal document that amends, modifies, or supplements a previously executed will without replacing it entirely.
Estate PlanningCommon Law
Law developed through court decisions and customs rather than legislative statutes, based on precedent and tradition.
Legal SystemsComparative Negligence
A system that reduces a plaintiff's recovery based on their percentage of fault in causing their own injuries.
Tort LawComplaint
The initial pleading that starts a civil lawsuit, stating the plaintiff's claims and demanded relief.
Civil ProcedureConsideration
Something of value exchanged between parties to a contract, essential for making an agreement legally binding.
Contract LawConspiracy
An agreement between two or more people to commit an illegal act, followed by some action toward completing the crime.
Criminal LawContempt of Court
Conduct that defies or disrespects the authority, justice, or dignity of a court, punishable by fine or imprisonment.
Court ProcedureContingency Fee
A fee arrangement where an attorney receives payment only if the case is won, typically a percentage of the recovery.
Legal PracticeContract
A legally enforceable agreement between two or more parties creating mutual obligations and rights.
Contract LawCopyright
Exclusive legal rights granted to creators for their original works of authorship, including reproduction and distribution.
Intellectual PropertyCorporation
A legal entity separate from its owners, created under state law with rights to conduct business and incur liabilities.
Business LawCross-Examination
The questioning of a witness by the opposing party's attorney to test credibility and elicit favorable testimony.
Trial PracticeCustody
The legal right and responsibility to care for a child, including physical custody (residence) and legal custody (decision-making).
Family LawCybercrime
Criminal activity carried out using computers, networks, or internet technology, including hacking, fraud, and identity theft.
Criminal LawCompensatory Damages
Monetary awards intended to compensate a plaintiff for actual losses, injuries, or harm suffered due to defendant's actions.
Civil LitigationCar Accident
A car accident is a collision involving one or more motor vehicles that results in property damage, bodily injury, or death.
Personal InjuryChapter 11 Bankruptcy
Chapter 11 bankruptcy is a form of federal bankruptcy, most often used by businesses, in which the debtor reorganizes its debts and operations under a court-approved plan while…
Bankruptcy LawChapter 13 Bankruptcy
Chapter 13 bankruptcy is a form of federal bankruptcy in which an individual with regular income proposes a court-approved plan to repay some or all of their debts over three to…
Bankruptcy LawChapter 7 Bankruptcy
Chapter 7 bankruptcy is a form of federal bankruptcy, often called "liquidation," in which a court-appointed trustee may sell a debtor's non-exempt property to repay creditors,…
Bankruptcy LawChild Custody
Child custody is the legal right and responsibility to care for a minor child, including the authority to make important decisions about the child's life and to provide for the…
Family LawContributory Negligence
Contributory negligence is a strict legal rule under which an injured person who is even slightly at fault for their own injury can be barred from recovering any compensation at…
Tort LawCommunity Property
Community property is a marital property system, used in a minority of U.S.
Family Law