Glossary of Legal Terms

Independent Medical Exam (IME)

A physical examination by a doctor hired by an insurance company.

Indictment

A charge which must be proved at trial beyond a reasonable doubt before defendant may be convicted.

Informed Consent

A person’s agreement to allow something to happen (such as surgery) that is based on a full disclosure of facts needed to make the decision intelligently.

Injunction

See Restraining Order

See: Domestic Violence Restraining Orders

In Loco Parentis

In the place of a parent; instead of a parent; charged, factitiously, with a parent's rights, duties and responsibilities.

Insurance Adjuster

A person, employed either by an insurance company or an insured entity, who investigates and settles claims.

Interrogatories

A set or series of written questions submitted by one party to the other party or witness.

Inter Vivos

Between the living; from one living person to another. For example, a transfer of property that occurs while both parties are still living, to be distinguished from a testamentary gift, which takes effect upon death.

Intestate

A person is said to die intestate when he or she dies without making a will. This term is also used to signify the person himself or herself.

Issue

A specific point in a lawsuit that is affirmed by one side and denied by the other.