How an individual walks. Normal gait requires the proper functioning of the nervous system and the musculoskeletal system.

A legal proceeding in which a debtor´s money, in the possession of another (called the garnishee), is applied to the debts of the debtor, such as when an employer garnishes a debtor´s wages.

A wooden mallet used by a judge to bring proceedings to a start or end or to command attention in court.

Multilateral international treaty first created in 1947 and frequently amended (most recently in 1994) providing for fair trade rules and the gradual reduction of tariffs, duties and other trade barriers. The 1994 amendment created a World Trade Organization, which oversees the implementation of the GATT. 125 countries subscribe to the treaty at this time.

The senior lawyer of a corporation, normally a full-time employee of the corporation. Some corporations contract this position out to a lawyer with a private firm.

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

A device used in wills and trusts providing for the gift of property to a second recipient if a certain event occurs, such as the death of the first recipient. For example, a testator leaves rental property to an individual but that individual must give the property to his child upon his own death. That is a gift over to the benefit of the child.

A reduction in sentenced time in prison as a reward for good behavior. It usually is one third to one half off the maximum sentence.

An intangible business asset which includes a cultivated reputation and therefore the attraction and confidence of repeat customers and connections. Sales of businesses often include a section of the purchase price for "goodwill".

A body of persons sworn to inquire into crime and if appropriate, bring accusations (indictments) against the suspected criminals.

The person who sets up a trust.

Intentional failure to perform a manifest duty in reckless disregard of the consequences to another person´s life or property. There is no clear distinction between gross negligence and willful negligence.

A person who pledges collateral for the contract of another, but separately, as part of an independently contract with the obligee of the original contract. Compare with "surety."

A person appointed by will or by law to assume responsibility for incompetent adults or minor children. If a parent dies, this will usually be the other parent. If both die, it probably will be a close relative.

A guardian appointed to assist an infant or other mentally incapable defendant or plaintiff, or any such incapacitated person that may be a party in a legal action.

Legal right given to a person to be responsible for the food, housing, health care, and other necessities of a person deemed incapable of providing these necessities for himself or herself. A guardian also may be given responsibility for the person´s financial affairs, and thus perform additionally as a conservator. (See also conservatorship.)