Legal Terms Starting with L
Larceny
The unlawful taking and carrying away of another's personal property with intent to permanently deprive the owner.
Criminal LawLandlord
The owner of property who leases or rents it to another party (tenant) in exchange for payment.
Real EstateLawsuit
A legal action or proceeding brought in court by one party against another to enforce or protect legal rights.
Civil LitigationLease
A contract granting use or occupation of property for a specified time in exchange for rent or other consideration.
Real EstateLegal Malpractice
Professional negligence by an attorney failing to provide competent representation, causing harm to the client.
Professional LiabilityLemon Law
Consumer protection statutes providing remedies for purchasers of defective vehicles that fail to meet quality standards.
Consumer LawLiability
Legal responsibility or obligation to another party, or the state of being legally accountable for damages or debts.
General Legal TermsLibel
Written or published defamatory statements that harm another person's reputation without legal justification.
Tort LawLicense
Permission granted by competent authority to engage in an activity or use property that would otherwise be unlawful.
Administrative LawLien
A legal claim or encumbrance on property as security for payment of a debt or obligation.
Property LawLife Estate
Ownership of property for the duration of a person's life, after which it passes to designated remaindermen.
Property LawLimited Liability Company
A business structure combining corporation liability protection with partnership tax treatment and operational flexibility.
Business LawLiquidated Damages
A predetermined amount of compensation specified in a contract for breach, agreed upon when actual damages are difficult to calculate.
Contract LawLitigation
The process of taking legal action through the court system to resolve disputes or enforce rights.
Civil LitigationLiving Trust
A trust created during the grantor's lifetime to manage assets and avoid probate upon death.
Estate PlanningLiving Will
An advance directive specifying desired medical treatment if one becomes unable to communicate healthcare wishes.
Healthcare LawLobbying
Efforts to influence government officials and legislators on policy matters, subject to registration and disclosure requirements.
Administrative LawLoitering
Standing or waiting in a public place without apparent purpose, sometimes prohibited by local ordinances.
Criminal LawLynching
An illegal mob killing without legal authority, historically targeting minorities and now subject to federal hate crime prosecution.
Criminal LawLaches
Unreasonable delay in asserting a legal right that prejudices the opposing party, potentially barring a claim in equity.
Civil Procedure