Glossary Results - G

General Jurisdiction - Refers to courts that have no limit on the types of criminal and civil cases they may hear.

general partner - The person who is personally liable for all the debts of a business which is operated as a limited partnership. This person is also responsible for the management of the business.  

gift taxes - Federal taxes that assessed on certain gifts. The donor is responsible for the tax assessment.  

Good time - A reduction in sentenced time in prison as a reward for good behavior. It usually is one third to one held of the maximum sentence.

Government Printing Office - The federal agency in charge of printing, binding , and selling of all government communications.

grace period - The time period where payment is not required on a debt.  

grand jury - A group of citizens that is charged with the decision of whether there is enough evidence to justify a criminal suit.  

grandfather clause - The provision of an exemption in a new law for those who are already a part of the system so that its application is limited to people who are new to the system.  

grant deed - A deed which connotes that the person transferring the property in fact owns the title and that it is unencumbered, except as described in the deed.  

grantor - The trustor or settler of a trust.  

gravamen - The material aspect of a complaint.  

greenmail - A situation in which a person or entity owns enough stock in a company to threaten a hostile takeover and is therefore able to demand a price higher than the market value from the company to repurchase the stock and avoid the takeover  

Grievance - In labor law a complaint filed by and employee regarding working conditions to be resolved by procedural machinery provided in the union contract. An injury, injustice, or wrong which gives ground for complaint.

gross estate - For federal estate tax filing purposes, the total of all property owned at death, exclusive of any deductions.  

gross income - Income from whatever source before any deductions  

grounds for divorce - The legal reasons stated for requesting a divorce.  

group life or group health insurance - A single policy under which individuals in a group may subscribe.  

guarantor - A person who gives a legally binding promise to pay another person's debt if that person defaults.  

guaranty - The legally binding promise to pay another person's debt if that person defaults.  

guardian - An adult who has been appointed by a court to control and care for a minor and his property.  

guardian ad litem - A person appointed by a court to represent and protect the interests of a child or an incapacitated adult during a lawsuit.  

guardian of the estate - A person appointed by a court to care for the property of a minor child.  

guardianship - A legal relationship created by a court where an adult is appointed as the guardian of a minor child or an incapacitated adult.  

Grant Deed - A deed containing an implied promise that the person transfering the property actually owns the title and that it is not encumbered in any way, except as described in the deed. This is the most commonly used type of deed.

Green Card - The well-known term for an Alien Registration Receipt Card. This plastic photo identification card is given to individuals who are legal permanent residents of the United States. It serves as a U.S. entry document in place of a visa, enabling permanent residents to return to the United States after temporary absences. The key characteristic of a green card is that it allows the holder to live permanently in the United States. Unless you abandon your residence or violate certain criminal or immigration laws, your green card can never be taken away. Possession of a green card also allows you to work in the United States legally. Those who hold green cards for a certain length of time may eventually apply for U.S. citizenship. Green cards have an expiration date of ten years from issuance. This does not mean that your permanent resident status expires. You must simply apply for a new card.

Glossary Of Legal Terms This is a Legal glossary/dictionary for visitor reference. Please click on the letter below to search by alphabet to find the term you are looking for. 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