Glossary

Navigate legal language with ease using our detailed glossary.  Our legal glossary provided clear definitions for a wide range of legal terms.

Jurisdiction given to federal courts in cases involving the interpretation and application of the U.S. Constitution, acts of Congress, and treaties. In some cases, state courts can decide these issues, too, but the cases can always be brought in federal courts.

A crime carrying a penalty of more than a year in prison.

To place a paper in the official custody of the clerk of court to enter into the files or records of a case. Lawyers must file a variety of documents throughout the life of a case.