Facing legal action can be a stressful experience. Your lawyer is there to help and advise you, but they may occasionally employ legal phrases you don’t understand. As you move through the court and litigation procedures, this article will be a helpful resource for defining the terminology and basic legal concepts you are most likely to encounter.
1. Plaintiff
Someone who initiates legal action is called a plaintiff or claimant. In legal terms, a plaintiff is a party seeking restitution from a defendant.
2. Liability
Filing a lawsuit is to have the guilty party held liable for the plaintiff’s monetary damages and other losses. Damages for which a defendant is legally liable in the case.
3. Defendant
The term defendant describes the party taking the legal offense in a court of law.
4. Damages
Due to successful litigation, lawyers often use the term damages to refer to their client’s compensation. Damages might be either economic or non-economic.
5. Litigation
Litigation is a catch-all term for resolving a dispute through the legal system. Conflicts in court can stem from civil lawsuits, criminal probes, or administrative hearings. It’s best to consult a personal injury or civil litigation attorney for proper legal advice. If you’re filing a claim or lawsuit because of car defects, you should speak with an attorney who specializes in lemon law.
6. Affidavit
An affidavit is a written declaration made under oath. You must sign an affidavit in the presence of an authorized oath taker for it to be acceptable in court. If found guilty of perjury, the witness faces five years in prison.
7. Felony
A crime is so serious that the minimum term is one year. Rape, lying to the police, or killing people are all serious crimes. The magnitude of the crime determines whether it is a misdemeanor or felony.
8. The burden of proof
When making a claim, you must provide evidence supporting your assertion. You must back up the allegation with evidence.
9. Tort
Any wrongdoing that does not rise to the level of a crime is considered a tort. It involves acts such as carelessness, slander, and wrongful death. Tort law governs many illegal actions that fall short of criminal offenses.
10. Complaint
Your lawyer will file paperwork with the court called a complaint to initiate the lawsuit. The complaint details each claim on which you are relying to obtain compensation.
The only method to guarantee the protection of your rights once a wronged is to file a lawsuit. You can use it to fight for your rights and get compensated if necessary. A lawyer can represent your legal matters, representing your interests in negotiations with insurance companies and court if necessary.
