Legal Terms: N

EPA standards establishing permissible levels of criteria pollutants in outdoor air to protect public health and welfare under the Clean Air Act.

An exemption from the labor certification requirement for employment-based immigrants whose work is deemed to be in the national interest of the United States.

A federal law protecting the rights of employees to organize, form labor unions, bargain collectively, and engage in concerted activity for mutual aid or protection.

The permitting program under the Clean Water Act that regulates point source discharges of pollutants into waters of the United States.

Monetary compensation for injury to, destruction of, or loss of natural resources caused by a release of hazardous substances, recoverable under CERCLA and the Oil Pollution Act.

The legal process by which a foreign national becomes a U.S. citizen after meeting eligibility requirements and passing required tests.

The process by which a lawful permanent resident becomes a U.S. citizen after meeting residency, language, civics, and good moral character requirements.

Goods and services essential for a person's basic needs, such as food, clothing, shelter, and medical care. Contracts for necessaries by minors may be enforceable.

The failure to exercise the standard of care that a reasonably prudent person would exercise under similar circumstances, resulting in harm to another.

The process of discussion and bargaining between parties to reach a mutually acceptable agreement or settlement.

The National Environmental Policy Act, requiring federal agencies to assess the environmental effects of proposed actions before making decisions.

A loss that occurs when a taxpayer's allowable tax deductions exceed their taxable income in a given year, which may be carried forward to offset future income.

EPA regulations establishing emission limitations for new or modified stationary sources of air pollution in specific industrial categories.

A trial court, as distinguished from an appellate court. The term refers to the court where a case is first tried.

A plea (nolo contendere) in which the defendant does not admit guilt but accepts punishment. It cannot be used as an admission of liability in a civil case.

Latin for 'I do not wish to contend.' A plea in criminal court similar to guilty but cannot be used as an admission in civil proceedings.

A contractual clause restricting an employee from working for competitors or starting a competing business for a specified period and geographic area after leaving employment.

A contractual restriction preventing an employee or business seller from competing with the other party for a specified time and geographic area.

A contract creating a confidential relationship between parties, obligating one or both to keep certain information secret.

A contract requiring a party to keep certain information confidential, commonly used to protect trade secrets and proprietary business information.

A geographic area where the concentration of a criteria pollutant exceeds the National Ambient Air Quality Standards.

A land use that was lawful before a zoning change but no longer complies with current zoning regulations. Generally allowed to continue but not expand.

A debt that cannot be eliminated in bankruptcy, including student loans (absent undue hardship), certain taxes, child support, and debts arising from fraud.

A visa issued to a foreign national seeking temporary entry to the United States for a specific purpose such as tourism, study, or temporary work.

Disciplinary action taken by a commanding officer without a court-martial, authorized under Article 15 of the UCMJ for minor offenses.

A person authorized by the state to witness the signing of documents, administer oaths, and certify the authenticity of signatures.

Formal notification to a party of a legal action, proceeding, or right. Due process requires adequate notice before the government deprives a person of rights.

A document that covered entities must provide to patients describing how their protected health information may be used and disclosed and their rights under HIPAA.

A charging document issued by the Department of Homeland Security that initiates removal proceedings by notifying the foreign national of the allegations and charges.

A requirement for patentability meaning the invention must be new and not anticipated by any single prior art reference.

An unreasonable interference with the use and enjoyment of another person's property. Can be private (affecting one party) or public (affecting the community).

An oral will made during the last illness or in imminent peril of death, valid only in limited circumstances in some states.