Glossary on ExcellentWiki - Legal Encyclopedia

Glossary of US Legal Terms A-D

Sun, 05 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0000

A

Abatement: The suspension or termination of legal proceedings due to the death of a party, procedural defect, or other event occurring before trial or judgment. In tort law, abatement may also refer to the reduction of a nuisance. The abatement of an action does not necessarily extinguish the underlying claim, which may be revived by a successor or personal representative depending on the nature of the claim and applicable survival statutes.

Glossary of US Legal Terms E-H

Sun, 05 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0000

E

Easement: A legal right to use another person’s land for a specific purpose, such as a right of way. Easements are nonpossessory interests in land, meaning the easement holder does not own the land but has the right to use it. Easements may be created by express grant, prescription through adverse use, necessity, implication, or dedication. The dominant estate benefits from the easement, while the servient estate bears the burden.

Glossary of US Legal Terms I-L

Sun, 05 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0000

I

Impeachment: The process of charging a public official with misconduct, potentially leading to removal from office, or the act of attacking a witness’s credibility. The House of Representatives has the sole power to impeach, and the Senate conducts the trial. In evidence, impeachment may be through prior inconsistent statements, bias, character for untruthfulness, or contradiction.

Implied contract: A contract created by the parties’ conduct rather than express words, showing mutual assent to be bound. Implied in fact contracts arise from circumstances indicating agreement, while quasi-contracts (implied in law) are imposed to prevent unjust enrichment.

Glossary of US Legal Terms M-P

Sun, 05 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0000

M

Magistrate judge: A federal judicial officer who assists district judges with pretrial matters, motions, and other specified duties. Magistrate judges are appointed by district judges and serve eight-year terms. They conduct initial appearances, issue warrants, hear discovery disputes, and may preside over civil trials with the parties’ consent.

Malfeasance: The commission of an unlawful act by a public official. Malfeasance is more serious than nonfeasance (failure to act) or misfeasance (improper performance). Public officials may be removed or criminally prosecuted for malfeasance in office.

Glossary of US Legal Terms Q-T

Sun, 05 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Q

Quantum meruit: A Latin term meaning “as much as he deserves,” a quasi-contractual remedy for the reasonable value of services rendered when no express contract exists. Quantum meruit prevents unjust enrichment by compensating the provider for the benefit conferred. The plaintiff must show that services were provided, the defendant accepted them, and it would be inequitable not to pay.

Quasi-contract: An obligation imposed by law to prevent unjust enrichment, not based on actual agreement between parties. Quasi-contracts are implied in law and provide a remedy when no contract exists but fairness requires compensation. They are distinct from implied in fact contracts, which are based on actual agreement inferred from conduct.

Glossary of US Legal Terms U-Z

Sun, 05 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0000

U

Ultra vires: A Latin term meaning “beyond the powers,” referring to acts that exceed legal authority. Ultra vires acts by corporations are void and unenforceable. The doctrine limits the authority of corporations and government entities to actions within their granted powers.

Unconscionability: A contract defense based on grossly unfair terms or procedural unfairness in contract formation. Procedural unconscionability involves unfairness in the bargaining process, such as high-pressure tactics or hidden terms. Substantive unconscionability involves contract terms that are one-sided, oppressive, or shock the conscience.