When you are involved in a legal case, whether it be against another person or a company, you might start hearing a lot of different legal terms. When you are going through the process, your attorney will of course explain everything to you but knowing a few legal terms and what they mean can be helpful. Here are some common legal terms that you might hear and their meanings:
· Plaintiff: person who brings a case against another to court.
· Defendant: an individual or company that is being taken to court.
· Complaint: formal legal document that lays out all the facts and reasons why the plaintiff is bringing a case against the defendant.
· Compensatory damages: given in civil court cases where loss has happened because of negligence or unlawful conduct of the other party.
· Contract: a written or verbal agreement that is enforceable by law.
· Depose: to testify or give evidence.
· Malfeasance: illegal or dishonest activity, usually used when referring to a public official or corporation.
· Punitive damages: damages awarded above and beyond compensatory damages to further punish the defendant to deter from repeating whatever act caused the case to be brought forward against them.
· Affidavit: a written sworn statement of fact voluntarily made under oath.
· Statute of limitations: laws passed to set the maximum time after an event when legal proceedings may be start.
Contact ESR Law Group, a personal injury lawyer in Chicago, for a free case consultation.