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Common Legal Terms Defined

Indictment. Summons. Affidavit. Racketeering.



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Common Legal Terms Defined

Common Legal Terms Defined

By 
"We The People (Ken)"

Simple Legal Terms Defined

How many times have you heard a legal term on the news and can only guess at the meaning.
Here's some simple definitions of common legal terms.

TERMS IN THE NEWS

Indict
"To indict" means to officially accuse someone of doing something very wrong, like breaking a serious law.

Racketeering
"Racketeering" is when a group of people work together to do illegal things over and over again, usually to make money.

Subpoenaed
If an individual is subpoenaed they are legally compelled to appear in court.

Discovery
Discovery is an important legal process that allows all parties to request and gather information on a case through depositions and exchange of documents.

Adjourned
When a court case is adjourned, it has been temporarily postponed.

GENERAL

Plaintiff
Someone who says that something unfair happened to them and asks a judge to make it right.

Defendant
The person who has been said to do something wrong and needs to explain their side of the story to a judge.

Notary
When people need to make sure that something is true, like signing an important paper, a notary watches and makes sure it's done properly.

DIVORCE TERMS

Summons
A document that tells someone they need to come to a meeting at court or respond to something like a divorce.

Affidavit
A promise that someone writes down and signs to say that what they're saying is true.

Stipulation
An agreement between people. It's when they talk and decide on certain things they both promise to do or not do.

Alimony
Alimony is like a special kind of money that one person might have to give to another person after they were married, but then they decided to live apart.

Process Server
A process server is like a messenger who delivers important papers to people involved in a court case.

We The People of NY has been helping New Yorkers prepare their legal documents for almost a quarter century. Whether you're writing a will or filing for divorce, we can help ensure that your documentation is prepared up to the standards required by the court. To learn more, visit our website, call (212) 633-2200 with any questions, or drop by our storefront office today, no appointment required.