Legal terms starting with P

A rule preventing outside evidence from changing the meaning of a written contract.

A promise made in exchange for something already done, which generally does not create a binding contract.

A sum of money a contract requires as punishment for breach, often unrelated to actual damages.

A contract provision imposing a fixed monetary punishment for breach, regardless of actual damages.

A way of dividing an inheritance equally among all living beneficiaries at the same level, regardless of family branches.

A way of dividing an inheritance by family branch, where each branch gets an equal share regardless of how many people are in it.

A seller must deliver goods that exactly match the contract terms or the buyer may reject them.

The act of doing what a contract requires, such as delivering goods or paying money.

Deliberately lying under oath in a legal proceeding.

When contract language is clear, courts interpret it by its ordinary meaning without looking elsewhere.

A negotiated agreement where a defendant pleads guilty in exchange for reduced charges or sentencing.

A legal document authorizing someone to act on your behalf in financial or medical decisions.

An obligation a party already has that cannot serve as new consideration.

A principle that performing an obligation you already owe is not valid consideration for a new promise.

The legal relationship between parties who directly made a contract, limiting who can sue on it.

Legal work performed without charge for the public good or those who cannot afford it.

Representing yourself in court without a lawyer.

Reasonable grounds to believe a person committed a crime or evidence exists.

The court process of validating a will and distributing a deceased person's estate.

The court that oversees the validation and execution of wills and estate administration.

Property owned by a deceased person that passes through the court-supervised probate process.

A doctrine that enforces a promise even without a formal contract if someone relied on it.

The government's legal action to charge and try someone for a crime.

Contracts that violate society's fundamental interests or values are unenforceable.

Extra money awarded to punish wrongful conduct and deter future misconduct.