10 Essential Legal Terms Explained in Plain Language

When it comes to understanding legal documents, it can be overwhelming to navigate through complex jargon and technical terms. That's why we've compiled a list of 10 essential legal terms explained in plain language. From 'adjudicate' to 'writ', we'll break down the meaning of these key terms and provide examples to help you better understand their usage.

• 1. Adjudicate

  Adjudicate means to make a formal decision or ruling on a matter. For example, a judge may adjudicate a case by ruling in favor of one party or the other.

• 2. Arbitration

  Arbitration is a process where a neutral third party, known as an arbitrator, makes a decision on a dispute. This can be used to resolve disputes outside of the court system.

• 3. Breach of Contract

  A breach of contract occurs when one party fails to fulfill their obligations under a contract. This can result in legal action being taken against the breaching party.

• 4. Civil Law

  Civil law refers to the body of law that deals with private disputes between individuals or organizations. This includes areas such as contract law, tort law, and property law.

• 5. Common Law

  Common law refers to the body of law that has been developed through court decisions and precedents. This is in contrast to statutory law, which is enacted by legislative bodies.

• 6. Contingency Fee

  A contingency fee is a type of fee arrangement where a lawyer only gets paid if they win the case. This can be a popular option for individuals who cannot afford to pay upfront legal fees.

• 7. Dispute Resolution

  Dispute resolution refers to the process of resolving conflicts or disputes between parties. This can include negotiation, mediation, arbitration, or litigation.

• 8. Jurisdiction

  Jurisdiction refers to the power of a court to hear and decide a case. This can be based on factors such as the location of the parties, the type of case, or the specific laws involved.

• 9. Writ

  A writ is a formal written order issued by a court or other authority. This can be used to compel a person or entity to take a specific action or to prevent them from taking a specific action.

• 10. Zoning Ordinance

  A zoning ordinance is a law that regulates the use of land and buildings within a specific area. This can include restrictions on the type of businesses that can operate, the height of buildings, or the density of development.