Legal Terms: V

To set aside or annul a court order, judgment, or conviction.

The setting aside of an arbitration award under 9 USC 10 on narrow grounds such as corruption, fraud, evident partiality, or manifest disregard of the law.

The willful destruction or defacement of another person's property. A criminal offense that may also give rise to civil liability.

In zoning law, an exception allowing a property owner to use land in a way not otherwise permitted by zoning regulations, based on undue hardship.

An immigration benefit under the Violence Against Women Act allowing abused spouses, children, and parents of U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents to petition for status without the abuser's knowledge or cooperation.

The pool of potential jurors summoned to the courthouse from which a jury will be selected.

The geographic location where a court with jurisdiction may hear a case. Proper venue is typically where the events occurred or where the defendant resides.

Rules under 28 USC 1391 specifying which judicial district is a proper place to bring an action, based on residence, events, or fallback provisions.

The relocation of a trial from one geographic location to another, typically because of prejudice or convenience.

The formal decision or finding of a judge or jury on the matters submitted during a trial.

To give an immediate, fixed right of present or future enjoyment. Vested rights cannot be taken away without due process.

A future interest that is created in an ascertained person and is not subject to any condition precedent other than the natural termination of the prior estate.

Contractual provisions causing equity awards to vest earlier than scheduled upon specified triggers such as termination, change of control, or a combination (double-trigger).

The point at which a third-party beneficiary's rights become enforceable and protected from modification or rescission by the original contracting parties.

A timetable that determines when an employee, founder, or service provider earns the right to retain shares or options, commonly four years with a one-year cliff in startups.

A non-hearsay statement under FRE 801(d)(2)(D) made by a party's agent or employee on a matter within the scope of the relationship.

Secondary copyright liability imposed on a defendant who has the right and ability to supervise infringing activity and a direct financial interest in it, regardless of knowledge.

A legal doctrine imposing liability on one party for the actions of another, such as an employer being liable for the negligent acts of an employee.

A person who has suffered harm, injury, or loss as the result of a crime or tort.

Compensation ordered to be paid by the defendant directly to the victim for measurable losses such as medical expenses, lost income, and property damage.

Parent-child contact through video calls, messaging, or other electronic means, often included in parenting plans to supplement in-person time, especially across long distances.

A monthly publication by the State Department indicating which priority dates are currently eligible for immigrant visa processing.

A backward movement in visa bulletin priority dates caused by high demand relative to annual visa quotas, delaying the availability of immigrant visas.

Having no legal force or effect; null. A void contract is one that was never valid from the beginning.

A judgment that is legally a nullity from inception due to lack of subject matter or personal jurisdiction, or denial of due process, and may be attacked at any time.

A contract or agreement that is valid but may be legally voided at the option of one party due to a defect such as fraud, duress, or incapacity.

A judgment that is valid until successfully challenged, typically through a Rule 60(b) motion within the time limits, in contrast to a void judgment.

The process of questioning prospective jurors to determine their suitability for serving on a jury, including identifying potential biases.

The process of questioning prospective jurors to identify bias and select an impartial jury, also used for examining the qualifications of expert witnesses.

A signed statement by an unmarried mother and the alleged father establishing paternity without litigation, which becomes a legal finding of paternity after a brief rescission period.

An alternative to formal removal allowing a foreign national to leave the United States at their own expense within a specified period, avoiding a formal removal order.

A form of relief allowing a noncitizen to leave the United States at their own expense within a specified period in lieu of receiving a removal order, preserving future eligibility for benefits.

The intentional killing of a person in the heat of passion or upon sudden provocation, without premeditation.

A bankruptcy case initiated by the debtor filing a petition with the bankruptcy court, along with schedules of assets, liabilities, income, and expenses.

A termination of parental rights initiated by the parent's own consent, typically in connection with a planned adoption and subject to statutory waiting and revocation periods.