Legal Terms Starting with U
Unclean Hands
An equitable defense preventing a party who acted unethically from obtaining relief in court.
Equity LawUnconscionable
Contract terms so unfair or one-sided that they shock the conscience, potentially making the agreement unenforceable.
Contract LawUndue Influence
Improper pressure or manipulation causing someone to act against their will, potentially invalidating contracts or wills.
Contract LawUniform Commercial Code
A comprehensive set of laws governing commercial transactions adopted with variations by all states.
Commercial LawUnilateral Contract
An agreement where one party makes a promise in exchange for the other party's performance, not another promise.
Contract LawUnjust Enrichment
Unfair benefit received at another's expense without legal justification, creating obligation to make restitution.
Equity LawUnlawful Detainer
A legal proceeding to evict a tenant who wrongfully remains in possession of property after lease termination.
Real EstateUsury
Charging interest rates on loans that exceed legal limits, potentially voiding the interest or entire agreement.
Banking LawUltra Vires
Latin for "beyond powers" - actions exceeding legal authority granted to a corporation or official.
Corporate LawUnanimous Verdict
A jury decision requiring all members to agree, typically required in criminal cases and some civil matters.
Trial PracticeUnderwriter
An entity that evaluates and assumes risk in insurance or securities offerings for a fee.
Securities LawUnfit Parent
A parent whose behavior or condition endangers a child's welfare, potentially losing custody rights.
Family LawUnliquidated Damages
Compensation for harm that must be determined by the court or jury rather than specified in contract.
Contract LawUnreasonable Search
A search conducted without warrant or probable cause, violating Fourth Amendment protections.
Constitutional LawUsufruct
The right to use and enjoy property owned by another, including deriving profit, without damaging it.
Property LawUtility Patent
A patent protecting new and useful processes, machines, manufactured items, or compositions of matter.
Intellectual PropertyUncontested Divorce
A divorce where both spouses agree on all terms, allowing faster and less expensive resolution.
Family LawUndertaking
A formal promise or pledge to perform a specific act, often in the context of legal proceedings.
General Legal TermsUnenumerated Rights
Fundamental rights not specifically listed in the Constitution but protected under the Ninth Amendment.
Constitutional LawUse Tax
A tax on goods purchased outside one's state for use within the state, complementing sales tax.
Tax Law