Sniadach v. Family Finance Corporation - Supreme Court Case Summary

These flashcards cover the key concepts, terms, and definitions related to the Sniadach v. Family Finance Corporation, discussing garnishment, due process, and legal principles involved in the Supreme Court ruling.

Garnishment

A legal procedure whereby a portion of a debtor's wages are withheld for payment of a debt.

Due Process

Legal requirement that the state must respect all legal rights owed to a person, ensuring fair treatment.

Fourteenth Amendment

Amendment to the U.S. Constitution that provides for equal protection under the law and due process.

In Rem Seizure

A legal term referring to actions taken against property rather than against a person.

Promissory Note

A financial instrument wherein one party makes an unconditional promise to pay a sum of money to another party at a specified time.

Wage Garnishment

A court-ordered deduction from an employee's wages to pay a debt.

Prejudgment Garnishment

The process of garnishing a debtor’s wages before a court judgment has been made.

Wisconsin Statute

State legislation governing procedures related to garnishment in Wisconsin.

Procedural Due Process

A constitutional requirement that legal proceedings be conducted fairly and that individuals receive an opportunity to be heard.

Judicial Usurpation

When a court takes over powers or authority that properly belong to another branch of government.

Creditor

An individual or institution to whom money is owed.

Debtor

An individual or entity that owes money to another.

Collection Fees

Charges incurred by creditors for the collection of debts.

Statutory Exemption

An amount of income that is protected from garnishment by law.

Natural Law

Philosophical belief in inherent rights that individuals have, which governments cannot infringe upon.

Legislative Power

The authority granted to legislative bodies to make laws.

Economic System

The organized way in which a country or community distributes resources and trade goods and services.