LEGAL GLOSSARY · 111 TERMS

Plain-English definitions for legal terms

Every entry links to the governing rule, shows how the term is used in practice, and cites real cases where it mattered. Built for people who got served, lawyers explaining to clients, and curious readers.

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Category: All Civil Procedure Criminal Procedure Evidence Constitutional Law Torts Contracts Property Appellate Practice Equitable Remedies Professional Responsibility Latin / Legal Maxim Other

D

Due Process

A constitutional guarantee that government must use fair procedures and respect certain protected rights before depriving life, liberty, or property.

Constitutional Law

E

Equal Protection

The constitutional principle that government must treat similarly situated people alike unless it has a sufficient justification.

Constitutional Law

F

Fourth Amendment

The constitutional protection against unreasonable searches and seizures.

Constitutional Law

Q

Qualified Immunity

A defense shielding government officials from damages unless they violated clearly established federal law.

Constitutional Law

S

Section 1983

The federal statute allowing lawsuits against state or local actors for constitutional and federal-rights violations.

Constitutional Law

Standing

The constitutional requirement that a plaintiff have a sufficient personal stake in the controversy to invoke federal court jurisdiction.

Constitutional Law

State Action

The requirement that many constitutional claims involve government action rather than purely private conduct.

Constitutional Law