Glossary

At-will employment

An employment relationship that either the employer or the employee can end at any time, for any reason, with no notice required.

Burden of proof

The obligation to prove a disputed fact. In most civil cases the plaintiff must show it is more likely true than not.

Consideration

Something of value each side gives up in a contract. Without consideration on both sides, a promise is usually not legally enforceable.

Due diligence

The investigation a party does before a deal or decision, such as reviewing a company’s finances and legal risks before an acquisition.

Due process

The constitutional guarantee of fair procedure, including notice and a chance to be heard, before the government takes your life, liberty, or property.

EEOC

The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the federal agency that enforces workplace anti-discrimination laws.

Fiduciary duty

A legal obligation to act in someone else’s best interest, such as a company director toward shareholders or a trustee toward a beneficiary.

Jurisdiction

A court’s authority to hear a particular case, based on the subject matter and on the people or property involved.

Prima facie case

Latin for ‘at first look.’ The minimum showing a plaintiff must make to require the defendant to respond.

Section 1983

A federal statute (42 U.S.C. § 1983) that lets individuals sue state and local government officials who violate their constitutional rights.

Stare decisis

Latin for ‘to stand by things decided.’ The principle that courts follow rules set in earlier decisions so the law stays consistent.

Statute of limitations

The deadline for filing a lawsuit. Once it passes, the claim is usually barred no matter how strong it is.

Title VII

A federal civil rights law (42 U.S.C. § 2000e et seq.) that prohibits employment discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin.