Legal Terms Starting with E

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Easement

A legal right to use another person's property for a specific purpose, such as access or utility lines.

Property Law

Embezzlement

The fraudulent taking of property or money by someone entrusted with its possession or management.

Criminal Law

Eminent Domain

The government's power to take private property for public use with payment of just compensation to the owner.

Constitutional Law

Employee

A person hired to work for another under their direction and control in exchange for compensation.

Employment Law

Encumbrance

A claim, lien, or liability attached to property that may affect its transfer or decrease its value.

Real Estate

Enjoin

To prohibit or require someone to do something through a court order or injunction.

Civil Procedure

Equal Protection

Constitutional guarantee that government must treat similarly situated individuals in a similar manner without discrimination.

Constitutional Law

Equity

A system of law based on fairness and justice principles, providing remedies when legal remedies are inadequate.

Legal Systems

Escrow

Property or funds held by a neutral third party until specified conditions are met in a transaction.

Real Estate

Estate

All property and assets owned by a person, particularly referring to assets left after death.

Estate Planning

Estoppel

A legal principle preventing someone from asserting a claim inconsistent with their previous statements or actions.

Civil Law

Evidence

Information presented in court to prove or disprove facts, including testimony, documents, and physical objects.

Evidence Law

Exclusionary Rule

A rule preventing illegally obtained evidence from being used in criminal prosecutions to deter unlawful police conduct.

Criminal Procedure

Executor

A person appointed in a will to manage the estate, pay debts, and distribute assets according to the testator's wishes.

Estate Planning

Exempt Property

Assets protected from creditors or bankruptcy seizure under federal or state law, such as homesteads or tools of trade.

Bankruptcy Law

Expert Witness

A witness with specialized knowledge, training, or experience who provides professional opinions to assist the court.

Trial Practice

Express Contract

An agreement where terms are explicitly stated orally or in writing by the parties at the time of formation.

Contract Law

Extradition

The legal process of transferring a person accused or convicted of a crime from one jurisdiction to another for prosecution or punishment.

Criminal Law

Emancipation

Legal process freeing a minor from parental control and granting adult legal rights and responsibilities.

Family Law

Employment at Will

A doctrine allowing either employer or employee to terminate employment at any time without cause, subject to legal exceptions.

Employment Law