Legal Terms: H

A nonimmigrant work visa for foreign workers in specialty occupations requiring a bachelor's degree or equivalent in a specific field.

A writ requiring a person to be brought before a court, used to challenge the legality of their imprisonment or detention. A fundamental safeguard against unlawful confinement.

A person who has been convicted of multiple crimes, often subject to enhanced sentencing under three-strikes laws.

An error during trial that did not affect the outcome and therefore does not warrant reversal of the judgment on appeal.

A federal law governing the approval of generic drugs and patent dispute procedures, balancing incentives for pharmaceutical innovation with generic drug availability.

Waste posing a substantial present or potential hazard to human health or the environment, regulated under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act.

The electronic sharing of health-related information among organizations according to nationally recognized standards, facilitating coordinated patient care.

An out-of-court statement offered in court to prove the truth of the matter asserted. Generally inadmissible, with numerous exceptions.

Any property that can be inherited, including real property, personal property, and intangible rights.

A detailed written document signed by a patient giving a covered entity permission to use or disclose protected health information for purposes not otherwise permitted under HIPAA.

The federal regulation establishing standards for the protection of individually identifiable health information by covered entities and business associates.

The federal regulation requiring covered entities and business associates to implement safeguards to ensure the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of electronic protected health information.

The Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health Act, which strengthened HIPAA enforcement, expanded breach notification requirements, and promoted electronic health record adoption.

An IRS rule disallowing deductions from an activity not engaged in for profit, limiting deductions to the amount of income generated by the activity.

The court's determination of a legal question; the rule or principle established by a court decision. Distinguished from dictum.

A will that is entirely handwritten and signed by the testator, without witnesses. Recognized in some states.

A legal provision that protects a portion of a homeowner's equity in their primary residence from creditors, particularly in bankruptcy.

A legal provision protecting a specified amount of equity in a homeowner's primary residence from creditors or reducing property tax obligations.

The killing of one person by another, which may be criminal (murder, manslaughter) or justifiable (self-defense).

A form of harassment where unwelcome conduct based on a protected characteristic is severe or pervasive enough to create an abusive or intimidating work environment.

A form of harassment in which unwelcome conduct based on a protected characteristic is so severe or pervasive that it alters the conditions of employment and creates an abusive working atmosphere.

Discretionary authority allowing the government to permit entry of a foreign national into the United States temporarily for urgent humanitarian reasons.

A jury that is unable to reach a unanimous verdict, resulting in a mistrial. The case may be retried.