Legal Terms Starting with N

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

Negligence

Failure to exercise reasonable care, resulting in harm to another person or their property.

Tort Law

Next of Kin

The closest living blood relatives of a deceased person, entitled to inherit under intestacy laws.

Estate Planning

No Contest Clause

A provision in a will penalizing beneficiaries who challenge the document's validity, forfeiting their inheritance.

Estate Planning

Nolo Contendere

A plea of "no contest" where defendant doesn't admit guilt but accepts conviction, avoiding civil liability admission.

Criminal Procedure

Non-Compete Agreement

A contract restricting an employee or business partner from competing in the same industry for a specified time and area.

Employment Law

Non-Disclosure Agreement

A contract requiring parties to maintain confidentiality of proprietary information shared during business relationships.

Business Law

Notary Public

An official authorized to witness signatures, administer oaths, and certify documents to prevent fraud.

Administrative Law

Notice

Formal notification of legal proceedings, rights, or information required to be communicated to parties.

Civil Procedure

Nuisance

Unreasonable interference with another's use and enjoyment of property, either public or private.

Property Law

Nuncupative Will

An oral will made in contemplation of imminent death, valid only in limited circumstances in some jurisdictions.

Estate Planning

Nullify

To make legally void or invalid, rendering an act, contract, or law without legal force or effect.

General Legal Terms

Nominal Damages

A small monetary award acknowledging a legal wrong occurred but no substantial harm was proven.

Civil Litigation

Negligent Homicide

Causing another's death through criminal negligence or recklessness without intent to kill.

Criminal Law

Net Worth

The total value of assets minus liabilities, used to determine financial standing in various legal contexts.

Financial Law

Non-Profit Organization

An entity organized for charitable, educational, or social purposes, exempt from certain taxes under specific conditions.

Tax Law

Notarize

To have a document officially certified by a notary public, verifying the identity and signature of signatories.

Administrative Law

Natural Law

Universal moral principles believed to be inherent in human nature and discoverable through reason.

Legal Theory

Negotiable Instrument

A signed document guaranteeing payment to a specified person or bearer, such as checks or promissory notes.

Commercial Law

Net Income

Total earnings minus expenses, taxes, and deductions, relevant for support obligations and tax calculations.

Tax Law

No-Fault Divorce

Dissolution of marriage without requiring proof of wrongdoing, based on irreconcilable differences or separation.

Family Law