Legal Basics

A cause of action is the legally recognized basis for suing and asking a court for relief.

Jurisdiction is the legal power of a court or government to hear a matter, regulate conduct, or bind the parties involved.

Law is the body of binding rules and enforceable standards that governs conduct, resolves disputes, and structures legal rights and duties.

Core legal terms that explain what law is, where legal authority comes from, and how rights, duties, liability, and remedies fit together.

A legal duty is an obligation the law requires a person or organization to perform or avoid breaching.

A legal right is an interest or entitlement that the law recognizes and protects.

Liability is legal responsibility for a debt, duty, loss, or wrongful act that can lead to legal consequences.

Precedent is a prior judicial decision used as authority in later cases with similar legal issues.

A regulation is a binding rule issued by a government agency under authority granted by a statute.

A remedy is the legal relief a court or legal system provides after a right is violated or liability is established.

A statute is a written law enacted by a legislature and used as a primary source of legal authority.