Glossary of Legal Terms

Law

That which must be obeyed and followed by citizens subject to sanctions or legal consequences.

Law Against Discrimination

New Jersey law outlawing discrimination by an employer based upon an employee's sex, age, race, national origin, religion, handicap, marital status, and sexual orientation.

Lawful

Legal; warranted or authorized by the law.

Lawful Age

Generally, 18 years of age; legal age.

Lawsuit

A suit, action or cause between two private parties in the courts of law.

Lawyer

A person learned in the law; as an attorney, counsel or solicitor; a person licensed to practice law.

Legal

Conforming to the law; required or permitted by law.

Lien

A charge against or interest in property to secure payment of a debt or performance of an obligation.

Limitation on Lawsuit Option

Also known as the verbal threshold, a provision in an automobile insurance policy that limits an injured person's right to sue for non-economic loss to those cases where there are specific types of injuries.

Litigation

A Lawsuit or challenge in a court of law.

Living Will

Also known as an Advanced Medical Directive. A short document that basically states: “If the situation should arise in which there is not reasonable expectation of my recovery from physical or mental disability, I request that I be allowed to die and not be kept alive by artificial means or heroic measures.” A living will is not considered a legal document in the majority of states.