Legal Terms: R

Engaging in a pattern of criminal activity as part of an organized enterprise. Prosecuted under federal RICO statutes.

The formal approval of an agreement, amendment, or treaty. In contract law, the acceptance of a previously unauthorized act.

The Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, the principal federal statute governing the generation, transportation, treatment, storage, and disposal of hazardous and solid waste.

A voluntary agreement by a debtor to continue paying a dischargeable debt after bankruptcy, typically to retain collateral such as a car or home.

A legally binding agreement in which a debtor voluntarily agrees to repay a debt that would otherwise be discharged, often to retain collateral.

Land and anything permanently attached to it, including buildings, trees, and fixtures. Distinguished from personal property.

A modification or adjustment to a job, work environment, or employment process that enables a qualified individual with a disability to perform essential job functions.

The standard of proof in criminal cases; the level of certainty a juror must have to find a defendant guilty. Not merely possible doubt but doubt based on reason.

The tendency of a convicted criminal to reoffend after serving their sentence.

A person who repeatedly commits crimes and returns to criminal behavior after being punished.

A bond or obligation recorded before a court whereby a person promises to appear in court or meet a specified condition.

The act of filing a deed, mortgage, or other document affecting title to real property with the county recorder's office to provide public notice of the interest.

A defendant's right to reduce the plaintiff's claim by the amount the plaintiff owes the defendant arising from the same transaction.

The act of a judge withdrawing from hearing a case due to a potential conflict of interest or appearance of bias.

The process of editing or obscuring portions of a document to remove sensitive, privileged, or classified information.

A USPTO proceeding to reconsider the validity of issued patent claims based on newly cited prior art.

An equitable remedy correcting a written instrument (such as a contract or deed) to reflect the parties' true intentions.

A document filed with the SEC that includes a prospectus and other information about the issuer and the securities being offered for public sale.

A rule or order issued by a government agency that has the force of law, created through the administrative rulemaking process.

An SEC regulation providing an exemption from registration for small securities offerings, allowing companies to raise up to $75 million in a 12-month period.

An SEC rule requiring broker-dealers to act in the best interest of retail customers when making investment recommendations, exceeding the prior suitability standard.

A set of SEC rules providing exemptions from registration requirements, allowing companies to raise capital through private placements without a full public offering.

An SEC rule requiring that when an issuer discloses material nonpublic information to certain individuals, it must make public disclosure of that information simultaneously.

An SEC safe harbor provision defining when securities offerings are deemed to occur outside the United States and thus not subject to SEC registration.

An SEC regulation governing short sale practices, including requirements for locating and delivering borrowed shares.

The debtor's decision in bankruptcy to terminate an executory contract or unexpired lease, treating the breach as a prepetition claim.

Dependence on another party's representations or promises, which may give rise to legal rights under estoppel or contract law.

A motion filed by a creditor asking the bankruptcy court to lift the automatic stay so the creditor may pursue its claim or foreclose on collateral.

A future interest in real property that takes effect after the termination of a prior estate, such as a life estate.

When an appellate court sends a case back to a lower court for further proceedings consistent with the appellate court's decision.

The process of cleaning up contaminated soil, groundwater, or other environmental media to protect human health and the environment.

The means by which a court enforces a right or prevents or compensates for a wrong. Includes damages, injunctions, and specific performance.

A court order reducing a jury's damage award when the judge finds it excessive.

The transfer of a case from state court to federal court by the defendant when federal jurisdiction exists. In immigration law, the deportation of a foreign national.

The legal process before an immigration judge to determine whether a foreign national should be removed from the United States.

The process under Chapter 11 or Chapter 13 by which a debtor restructures its debts and business operations according to a court-approved plan.

A legal action to recover personal property that has been wrongfully taken or detained.

The act of a creditor taking back property (usually personal property like a vehicle) from a debtor who has defaulted on payments.

Latin for 'a matter judged.' The principle that a final judgment on the merits bars the same parties from relitigating the same claim.

The cancellation of a contract, restoring the parties to their positions before the contract was formed.

Latin for 'let the master answer.' The legal doctrine holding employers vicariously liable for the negligent acts of employees performed within the scope of employment.

A legal doctrine holding an employer liable for the wrongful acts of an employee committed within the scope of employment.

The restoration of property or money to its rightful owner. In criminal law, a court-ordered payment by a convicted person to compensate the victim.

A court order prohibiting a person from engaging in certain conduct, such as contacting or approaching another person. Can be temporary or permanent.

Securities acquired through unregistered private sales from the issuer or an affiliate that cannot be freely traded without compliance with SEC regulations.

A fee paid to an attorney in advance to secure their services. Also, the agreement establishing the attorney-client relationship.

An adverse employment action taken against an employee for engaging in a protected activity, such as filing a discrimination complaint, reporting safety violations, or participating in an investigation.

An appellate court's decision to overturn or set aside a lower court's judgment.

The Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act, a federal law providing extended penalties for criminal acts performed as part of an ongoing criminal enterprise.

A feature of joint tenancy where, upon the death of one owner, the deceased's share automatically passes to the surviving owner(s) rather than through the estate.

The legal right to pass through property owned by another. Also, the right of a vehicle or pedestrian to proceed first in a traffic situation.

A HIPAA right allowing individuals to inspect and obtain a copy of their protected health information maintained in a designated record set.

A HIPAA right allowing individuals to request that a covered entity amend their protected health information if they believe it is inaccurate or incomplete.

A state law prohibiting union security agreements that require employees to join or pay dues to a union as a condition of employment.

The rights of landowners whose property borders a natural watercourse to make reasonable use of the water.

A required element of the HIPAA Security Rule in which a covered entity identifies and evaluates potential risks and vulnerabilities to the confidentiality of electronic protected health information.

The HIPAA Security Rule requirement to implement security measures sufficient to reduce identified risks and vulnerabilities to a reasonable and appropriate level.

The crime of taking property from a person by force, threat, or intimidation. Distinguished from larceny by the use or threat of force.

A payment made to a patent, copyright, or trademark owner in exchange for the right to use the intellectual property.

An SEC rule providing a safe harbor for the resale of restricted and control securities if certain conditions are met, including holding period and volume limitations.

The process by which administrative agencies create regulations that have the force of law, typically through notice-and-comment procedures under the APA.