Legal Glossary

ADMINISTRATIVE LAW

Agency - a relation between two people in which one person, the agent, acts on behalf of or represents another, the principle.
Hearing - a moderately formal public proceeding where witnesses testify and evidence is presented in order to determine issue of fact and render a decision based on the evidence.
Regulation - a rule ordered by the government pertaining to the action of those it controls.

BANKRUPTCY LAW

Chapter 7 Bankruptcy (Individual or Straight Bankruptcy) - a proceeding, either voluntary or involuntary, in which the debtor’s property is liquidated in order to pay off creditors and discharge him or her from other debts.
Chapter 11 Bankruptcy (Business Reorganization) - if a business entity is unable to pay its debts, it can petition for reorganization under Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code. Normally, the business is able to continue operations under court supervision until the reorganization plan is approved by two-thirds of its creditors. 
Chapter 13 Bankruptcy (Wage Earner’s Plan) - when an insolvent debtor, who is a wage earner, files a plan that allows them additional time to pay off a creditor.
Discharge - when a debtor is released from all debts except those excepted by the Bankruptcy Code. Thereafter, the debtor may engage in business practices and acquire property without being liable to satisfy former debts.
Insolvent - when a person or firm is unable to meet financial obligations throughout the usual course of business because their debts are greater than their assets.

EMPLOYMENT LAW – EMPLOYEE

OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) - federal agency that establishes occupational safety and health standards, making sure, through investigations and inspections, that these standards are upheld.
Wrongful Discharge - when an at-will employee alleges that his former employer has terminated him in violation of state or federal anti-discrimination laws.

FAMILY LAW

Alimony - court order for husband or wife to provide financial support to their spouse during separation or after divorce.
Annulment - a legal procedure deeming a marriage null and void, as if it never existed.
Community Property -  one half of the property acquired and wages earned during the term of the marriage, or until date of separation, is considered to be owned by the other spouse.
Guardianship - the legal obligation of one person (the guardian) to care for and protect another person (the ward) and their property.
Legal Separation- a court ordered determination of the terms under which a married couple will live  separately.

CRIMINAL LAW

Reasonable Doubt - the standard by which a criminally charged person is deemed innocent or guilty. It is doubt that a reasonable person would have and is based on evidence or lack thereof.
Felony - a very serious crime that is punishable by a prison sentence of at least one year or even by death.
Misdemeanor - a less offensive crime than a felony. It is typically punishable by fines, probation, community service or 12 months maximum jail time.
Search and seizure - the searching and confiscation of a criminal suspect’s property by the police or other authority. The Constitution entitles the public with the right against unreasonable search and seizure.

ESTATE PLANNING

Estate Planning - a field of law that deals with an individual’s wills, property, insurance, taxes and investments so as to maximize the benefit of the law, and minimize taxes and fees, while still considering the person’s wishes upon death.
Personal Property - all property that is tangible (i.e. money, furniture, goods) and intangible (i.e. stocks, annuities, patents) that is  not real estate.
Probate - legal process carried out by the executor of the decedent’s  estate wherein assets are collected, taxes and debts are paid, liabilities are liquidated and property is distributed to heirs.
Real Property - land and all that is erected upon or affixed to it.