Legal Terms Starting with M
Malpractice
Professional negligence or misconduct by a licensed professional, such as a doctor, lawyer, or accountant, causing harm.
Professional LiabilityMandamus
A court order compelling a government official or entity to perform a mandatory or purely ministerial duty.
Administrative LawManslaughter
The unlawful killing of another person without malice aforethought, either voluntary or involuntary.
Criminal LawMaterial Breach
A substantial failure to perform contractual obligations that excuses the other party from further performance.
Contract LawMediation
Alternative dispute resolution where a neutral third party facilitates negotiation to help parties reach voluntary settlement.
Dispute ResolutionMens Rea
Latin for "guilty mind" - the mental state or criminal intent required to establish criminal liability.
Criminal LawMerger
The combination of two or more companies into a single entity through agreement or acquisition.
Corporate LawMiranda Rights
Constitutional warnings police must give before custodial interrogation, including right to silence and counsel.
Criminal ProcedureMisdemeanor
A less serious crime punishable by fine or imprisonment for less than one year, typically in county jail.
Criminal LawMistrial
A trial terminated without verdict due to fundamental error, prejudice, or hung jury, potentially allowing retrial.
Trial PracticeMitigation
Reducing the severity of damages or punishment through circumstances that lessen culpability or harm.
General Legal TermsMonopoly
Exclusive control over a market or commodity, potentially violating antitrust laws if obtained or maintained improperly.
Antitrust LawMortgage
A loan secured by real property where the lender holds a lien until the debt is repaid in full.
Real EstateMotion
A formal request to the court for a ruling, order, or other judicial action during litigation.
Civil ProcedureMurder
The unlawful killing of another human being with malice aforethought, the most serious homicide offense.
Criminal LawMutual Assent
Agreement by all parties to the terms of a contract, typically shown through offer and acceptance.
Contract LawMoot
A legal issue that has become academic or hypothetical, lacking practical significance for court resolution.
Court ProcedureMalice
Intent to commit a wrongful act or cause harm without legal justification or excuse.
Criminal LawMalfeasance
Wrongdoing or misconduct, especially by a public official performing an unlawful act in official capacity.
Government LawMechanic's Lien
A claim against property by contractors or suppliers who provided labor or materials for improvements.
Construction Law