Legal Terms Starting with Z
Z-words in legal English cluster around two areas: land-use regulation (zoning, variances, ordinances) and constitutional doctrine ("zone of privacy," "zone of danger"). The most common entries are listed below.
Zoning
Government regulation dividing land into districts with specific permitted uses, such as residential, commercial, or industrial.
Real EstateZoning Variance
Permission to use property in a manner not allowed by current zoning regulations due to hardship or unique circumstances.
Real EstateZero Tolerance
A policy imposing automatic punishment for specific offenses without exception or consideration of circumstances.
Criminal LawZone of Danger
The area within which a person is at risk of physical harm, relevant in negligence and emotional distress claims.
Tort LawZone of Privacy
Constitutional concept protecting certain personal decisions and information from government interference.
Constitutional LawZoning Ordinance
Local laws establishing regulations for land use, building heights, setbacks, and permitted activities in different areas.
Municipal LawZealous Advocacy
An attorney's ethical duty to vigorously represent their client's interests within the bounds of law and professional conduct.
Professional EthicsZero-Sum Game
A situation where one party's gain equals another's loss, often contrasted with mutually beneficial negotiations.
Dispute ResolutionZoning Board of Appeals
A municipal body that hears requests for variances, special permits, and appeals from zoning enforcement decisions. Procedures and standards are set by the local zoning code.
Municipal LawZoning Estoppel
An equitable doctrine preventing a municipality from revoking a permit or use after the property owner has materially relied on it in good faith. Application varies among states.
Real EstateZ-bond
A type of mortgage-backed bond on which interest accrues but is not paid until earlier tranches are retired. Comes up in securities-fraud and trust-administration cases involving structured products.
Securities