10 Legal Terms Everyone Should Know

When it comes to the legal system, understanding the terminology is crucial. Without a basic understanding of legal terms, it can be difficult to communicate with lawyers, understand legal documents, and navigate the legal process. In this article, we will provide a list of 10 key legal terms that everyone should know. Whether you’re dealing with a legal issue or just want to be more informed about the legal system, understanding these terms will give you a better foundation.

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Understanding Legal Terms

Having a basic understanding of legal terms is an important part of surviving in the real world. Here’s a list of 10 legal terms that everyone should know:

1. Affidavit

An affidavit is a written statement that is sworn to be true. It is used in court for legal matters when someone needs to swear to a statement without having their word alone be accepted as evidence.

2. Breach

A breach of contract occurs when one of the parties involved in a legal agreement fails to fulfil their obligation.

3. Civil Law

Civil law involves disputes between two parties that may or may not end in a court ruling. In civil law matters, the focus is usually on determining the rights of the parties in a legal agreement.

4. Criminal Law

Criminal law refers to any legal process involving a prosecution by a public prosecutor against an alleged criminal.

5. Damages

Damages are an award ordered by a court to be paid by one party to another in a civil lawsuit. They are intended to compensate for loss or injury suffered by the other party as a result of the legal dispute.

6. Judge

A judge is a person who presides over a court of law and determines the outcome of a legal process.

7. Jurisdiction

Jurisdiction is the legal power of a court to hear and decide the matters that come before it.

8. Plea Bargain

A plea bargain is an agreement between an accused person and the prosecution where the accused person pleads guilty in exchange for a reduced penalty.

9. Statute of Limitations

The statute of limitations is a time limit within which a lawsuit must be filed or it will no longer be valid.

10. Verdict

The verdict is a court’s decision in a civil or criminal case. It is the outcome of a trial and can either be for the plaintiff or the defendant.

By familiarizing yourself with these 10 key legal terms, you’ll be better equipped to communicate with lawyers and other legal professionals, understand legal documents, and navigate the legal process with confidence. Whether you’re dealing with a legal issue or just want to be more knowledgeable about the legal system, understanding these terms is an important step. Don’t let legal terminology hold you back – arm yourself with knowledge and you’ll be better equipped to handle any legal matters that may come your way.