Legal glossary
Plain-English definitions of the legal terms that show up in demand letters, small claims court, and consumer disputes.
A
A private process where a neutral decides the dispute, often binding and required by contract.
A written statement made under oath before a notary.
The federal law requiring reasonable accommodation and access for people with disabilities.
The default rule that either side may end employment at any time for any lawful reason.
Legal fees, sometimes shifted to the losing party by statute or contract.
B
Failure to perform a promise in a valid agreement without a legal excuse.
The criminal standard of proof, far higher than the civil standard.
The obligation to prove a disputed fact, normally carried by the party asserting it.
A private organization that mediates consumer complaints and publishes business ratings.
C
A USPS service that produces a mailing receipt and delivery record, creating proof the other side received your letter.
A claim the defendant files back against the plaintiff in the same case.
A formal demand that specific conduct stop immediately, often before litigation.
An attorney fee paid only as a percentage of what is recovered.
Law developed through written court decisions rather than statutes.
Judge-made law inherited from the English legal tradition.
The body of law governing private disputes between people or organizations.
The body of law dealing with offenses prosecuted by the government.
A lawsuit brought by representatives on behalf of a larger group of similarly harmed people.
California's law giving residents rights to know, delete, and opt out of the sale of personal data.
The federal agency handling complaints about banks, lenders, collectors, and credit bureaus.
Conditions so bad that a tenant is effectively forced out and may terminate the lease.
Protection for original works of authorship from the moment they are fixed in tangible form.
Damages that make you whole for actual losses.
Filing, service, and related charges of bringing a case.
D
A written notice that states what you are owed, why, and by when — usually the last step before a lawsuit.
The money a court awards to compensate a loss.
The party a lawsuit is filed against.
A win entered because the other side failed to respond or appear.
Sworn out-of-court testimony recorded by a court reporter.
The pretrial exchange of evidence and information between parties.
The constitutional requirement of fair notice and an opportunity to be heard.
The federal law providing a takedown process for infringing online content.
A false statement of fact that damages someone's reputation.
E
F
The court charge to open a case; often recoverable from the losing party.
The federal law governing accuracy, access, and disputes in consumer credit reports.
The federal law limiting how third-party debt collectors may contact and pressure you.
The federal law setting minimum wage, overtime, and recordkeeping requirements.
The federal law giving the public a right to request agency records.
The federal law prohibiting housing discrimination and requiring reasonable accommodation.
The federal agency policing unfair and deceptive business practices.
An intentional misstatement of fact relied on to someone's detriment.
A clause excusing performance due to extraordinary events beyond either side's control.
G
H
The federal law protecting the privacy and security of health information.
The implied requirement that a rental be safe, sanitary, and fit to live in.
A clause releasing a party from responsibility for certain claims.
I
A court order requiring a party to do or stop doing something.
Legally protected creations: copyrights, trademarks, patents, and trade secrets.
Intruding on someone's private affairs or publicizing private facts.
A promise to cover another party's losses or liability.
J
L
Legal responsibility for harm or a debt.
State laws requiring a refund or replacement for vehicles with repeated unfixable defects.
The contract setting the terms of a tenancy.
Written or published defamation.
A pre-agreed damages amount written into a contract.
A legal claim against property securing a debt.
M
A voluntary process where a neutral third party helps the sides reach their own agreement.
Professional negligence that falls below the accepted standard of care.
The federal warranty law that bars deceptive warranty terms and tie-in repair requirements.
A false statement that induces someone to enter a contract.
N
Failing to use reasonable care, causing foreseeable harm to someone else.
A notary's certification that a signature is authentic and made willingly.
A contract restricting where an employee may work after leaving; increasingly limited by state law.
A contract restricting the sharing of confidential information.
O
P
The party who starts a lawsuit.
A document authorizing someone to act legally on your behalf.
Representing yourself in a legal matter without an attorney.
A prior decision that guides how later similar cases are decided.
The civil standard of proof: more likely than not, above 50%.
A time-limited exclusive right to an invention.
Damages meant to punish especially bad conduct, not just compensate loss.
Q
R
S
A simplified civil court for lower-dollar disputes where parties usually represent themselves.
The legal deadline for filing a lawsuit; miss it and the claim is barred no matter how strong it is.
The formal delivery of court papers that gives the court power over the defendant.
An agreement resolving a dispute, usually with payment in exchange for a release of claims.
A court order compelling testimony or the production of documents.
A written law enacted by a legislature.
The state's chief legal officer, with a consumer protection division that takes complaints.
Money held by a landlord against damage or unpaid rent, subject to strict return deadlines.
Spoken defamation.
T
A civil wrong, other than breach of contract, that causes harm.
The federal law restricting automated calls and texts without consent.
The federal law requiring clear disclosure of credit terms and costs.
Protection for brand names, logos, and other source identifiers.
Commercially valuable information protected by reasonable secrecy measures.
Triple damages available under some consumer protection statutes.
U
V
W
Firing an employee for an illegal reason, such as retaliation or discrimination.
Laws shielding employees who report illegal conduct from retaliation.
The no-fault insurance system covering workplace injuries.
The voluntary surrender of a known right.
AI Dispute Engine is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice. Documents are for informational and self-help purposes only. This does not create an attorney-client relationship. For legal advice specific to your situation, consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction.