Introduction to Legal Concepts and Business Law

Vocabulary terms and definitions derived from the introduction to business law and civil process lecture notes.

Common Law

A source of law developed on a case-by-case basis through judicial decisions rather than written statutes.

Michigan Constitution

A state constitution that can provide greater legal protections to citizens than those established by the US Constitution.

Legislature

The branch of government responsible for creating statutes and authorizing administrative agencies.

Stare Decisis

A legal principle meaning 'let the decision stand,' which requires courts to follow precedent to maintain consistency in judicial decisions.

Injunction

A court order that prohibits or prevents a party from engaging in a specific activity, such as violating zoning laws.

Tribal Court

A court system that resolves civil disputes between tribal members and handles misdemeanor criminal cases occurring on tribal land.

Criminal Law

A body of law established to prohibit actions harmful to society and prosecute statutory offenses, brought by the state or federal government against an individual or corporation.

Civil Law

Legal actions dealing with rights, duties, and disputes between private individuals, corporations, or entities seeking financial damages or performance remedies.

Order of Eviction

A court judgment allowing a landlord to legally remove a tenant from a property after a specified timeframe for failure to pay rent.

Jurisprudence

The theoretical study and philosophy of law, examining the attitudes and reasons behind why laws are created.

Plaintiff

The party who files and brings a lawsuit into court against another entity.

Non-compete Agreement

A clause in an employment agreement restricting an employee from entering into direct competition with their employer.

Nondisclosure Agreement

A contractual agreement preventing an employee or party from sharing proprietary or confidential information.