Glossary Results - W

Waiver - Intentionally give up a right.

Waiver of Immunity - A means authorized by statute by which a witness, before testifying or production evidence, may relinquish the right to refuse to testify against himself or herself, thereby making it possible for his or her testimony to be used against him or her in future proceedings.

warrant - Written order authorizing official action by law enforcement officials, usually directing them to arrest the person in the warrant.  

Warranty - A promise that a proposition of fact is true.

warranty deed - Deed that contains all assurances about the legal validity of the title being transferred.  

Water Rights - The right to use water.

will - Document in which a person specifies what is to be done with his property when deceased. Must usually be signed by the deceased and witnessed by two other witnesses.  

with prejudice - A final decision by the court that prevents the matter from arising in any other court.  

Withholding - A tax deducted from a salary, wage, or other income on behalf of the government at the time of payment of wages to the person who pays it.

Without Prejudice - A declaration that no rights or privileges of the party concerned are waived or lost. In a dismissal these words maintain the right to bring a subsequent suit on the same claim.

witness - Person called upon by either side in a lawsuit to give testimony before the court or jury.  

workers compensation - Government program that shields employers from personal liability if an employee is injured on the job. The program pays the injured employees medical expenses and a small stipend while the worker is recovering from injuries.  

writ - Formal written command or order issued by the court requiring performance of a specified act.  

Writ of certiorari - An order issued by the Supreme Court directing the lower court to transmit records for a case for which it will hear on appeal.

Writ of execution - An order of the court evidencing debt of one party to another and commanding the court officer to take property in satisfaction of the debt.

Writ of garnishment - An order of the court whereby property, money, or credits in the possession of another person may be seized and applied to pay a debtor's debt. It is used as an incident to or auxiliary of a judgment rendered in a principal action.

wrongful death - Death caused by someone else's fault.

Warranty Deed - A seldom-used type of deed that contains express assurances about the legal validity of the title being transferred.

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