Key Legal Definitions Every Beginner Should Know

Published by:
Keisha Johnson

Reviewed by:
Alistair Vigier
Last Modified: 2024-07-23
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Legal definitions are the meanings assigned to legal terms and concepts in the context of law. They are used to clarify and interpret laws, regulations, and court decisions and to help ensure consistent application of the law. Examples of legal definitions include the definition of a “contract,” “criminal intent,” or “property.” These definitions are typically established through statutes and case law and may be subject to interpretation and evolution over time.

Legal Definitions
Legalese refers to the specialized language and terminology used in legal documents, such as contracts, statutes, and court decisions. Its formal and complex structure, use of Latin phrases, and precise legal terminology characterize it. Legalese can be difficult for non-lawyers to understand and interpret, making legal documents challenging to read and comprehend. This is why legal documents are usually translated into plain language for the general public.
Why do lawyers speak funny?
Lawyers may speak formally, precisely, and sometimes complexly, which can be perceived as “funny” to some people. This is because the legal profession requires a specialized knowledge of the law and its terminology, which can be difficult for non-lawyers to understand. Legal language is often used to convey complex ideas and concepts precisely and accurately, and this can lead to the use of complex sentence structures and formal language.
It’s worth noting that “legalese,” or the specialized language used by lawyers, is not the same as “speaking funny,” it’s not unique to lawyers; other professional fields also use specialized languages.
Can legal English be considered a separate language altogether?
Legal English is a specialized form of English used in the legal profession. It is characterized by its use of specific legal terminology and concepts and its formal and precise structure. While legal English is not considered a separate language altogether, it is distinct from everyday or everyday English in its use of specialized vocabulary and grammar.
It’s worth noting that, unlike natural languages, legal languages are not spoken but written. They are constructed with a specific purpose in mind: to convey legal meaning in a precise and accurate way. Therefore, they are a specialized form of language used for a specific purpose, not a separate language altogether.
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