Legal Terms Starting with T

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

Tenant

A person who rents or leases property from a landlord, with rights and obligations defined by the lease agreement.

Real Estate

Testify

To give sworn oral evidence as a witness in a legal proceeding.

Trial Practice

Testimony

Sworn statements made by a witness under oath during legal proceedings to establish facts.

Evidence Law

Third Party

A person or entity not directly involved in an agreement or proceeding but affected by or having rights in it.

General Legal Terms

Title

Legal ownership and rights to property, evidenced by documentation showing chain of ownership.

Property Law

Tort

A civil wrong causing harm to another person or property, allowing the injured party to seek compensation.

Tort Law

Trademark

A distinctive sign, symbol, or phrase legally registered to represent a company or product.

Intellectual Property

Transcript

The official written record of court proceedings, including testimony, objections, and rulings.

Court Procedure

Trespass

Unlawful entry onto another person's property without permission or legal right.

Property Law

Trial

A formal court proceeding where evidence and arguments are presented to determine the outcome of a legal dispute.

Trial Practice

Trust

A legal arrangement where a trustee holds and manages property for the benefit of designated beneficiaries.

Estate Planning

Trustee

A person or entity appointed to manage trust property and act in the best interests of beneficiaries.

Estate Planning

Tenancy in Common

Property ownership by multiple parties with separate shares that can be individually transferred, without survivorship rights.

Property Law

Testamentary

Relating to or provided by a will, taking effect only upon the testator's death.

Estate Planning

Testator

A person who creates a valid will designating how their property should be distributed after death.

Estate Planning

Theft

The unlawful taking of another's property with intent to permanently deprive the owner of it.

Criminal Law

Tortfeasor

A person who commits a tort, causing harm or injury to another through wrongful conduct.

Tort Law

Treble Damages

Triple the amount of actual damages awarded by law in certain cases to punish and deter wrongful conduct.

Civil Litigation

Trier of Fact

The jury or judge responsible for determining factual issues in a case based on presented evidence.

Trial Practice

Title Insurance

Insurance protecting property owners and lenders against losses from title defects or ownership disputes.

Real Estate

Takings Clause

Constitutional provision requiring just compensation when government takes private property for public use.

Constitutional Law

Tax Lien

A legal claim by government against property for unpaid taxes, taking priority over other creditors.

Tax Law

Tenancy by the Entirety

Property ownership by married couples with equal rights and survivorship, requiring joint action for transfer.

Property Law

Tender Offer

A public offer to purchase stock shares from existing shareholders, often in corporate takeover attempts.

Corporate Law

Time is of the Essence

A contract clause making timely performance a material condition, allowing termination for late performance.

Contract Law