Legal Term Shorts

Short, practical explanations that break down complex legal terms for everyone. Perfect for quick learning and boosting your legal vocabulary.

What Is a Legal Pretrial Conference?

Before a trial officially begins, courts often require the parties to meet and discuss the case in a structured setting….

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What Is the Exclusionary Rule?

In criminal law, protecting individual rights is just as important as prosecuting crime. To ensure fairness, courts in the United…

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What Is a Quid Pro Quo Arrangement?

In law and business, deals often involve an exchange of value between two parties. This type of exchange is known…

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What Is Vicarious Liability?

In law, people and organizations are not always liable only for their own actions. Sometimes, they can also be held…

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What Is a Nolo Contendere Plea?

In criminal law, defendants may respond to charges in different ways: guilty, not guilty, or, in some cases, nolo contendere….

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What Is a Legal Cause of Action?

In civil law, disputes move forward in court only if the plaintiff has a recognized legal basis for the claim….

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What Is Actus Reus?

In criminal law, guilt is usually established by proving two essential elements: actus reus (the guilty act) and mens rea…

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What Is Legal Mens Rea?

In criminal law, proving that someone committed an act is not always enough to establish guilt. Courts also examine the…

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What Is a Tortfeasor?

In tort law, individuals or entities can be held liable for causing harm to others through wrongful acts. The party…

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What Is a Legal Motion?

In court proceedings, parties often need to ask the judge for specific decisions before or during a trial. The tool…

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