LegalTerms.net Editorial Staff

In the legal system, both subpoenas and summonses serve as official documents issued by a court, yet they fulfill very…

An alibi is one of the most common and important defenses in criminal law. It is used when a defendant…

Many people assume that only written contracts are enforceable in court, but that isn’t always true. In fact, verbal agreements…

A plea bargain is one of the most common practices in criminal law. It allows defendants and prosecutors to reach…

An indictment is a formal legal document that officially charges someone with a serious crime. It is issued by a…

A motion to dismiss is a powerful legal tool that allows a defendant to challenge a lawsuit before it ever…

Legal malpractice happens when an attorney fails to perform their professional duties to the standard expected of a reasonably competent…

Meaning of Precedent Legal precedent is a cornerstone of the common law system, referring to the judicial principle where past…

A fiduciary duty is one of the highest standards of care recognized in law. It arises when one party is…

Filing a civil lawsuit without a lawyer—also called going “pro se”—can feel overwhelming, but it’s possible if you understand the…