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Legal Dictionary G
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Garnishment :
The seizing of a person's property, credit or salary, on the basis
of a law which allows it, and for the purposes of paying off a debt. The
person who possesses the assets of the debtor and is the subject of the
seizure is called a "garnishee". This is frequently used in the
enforcement of child support where delinquent debtors will be subjected
to salary garnishment. A percentages of their wages is subtracted
directly off their pay-check and directed to the person in need of
support (the employer being the garnishee).
GARNISHMENT: Also known as wage execution. A court-ordered method of debt collection in which a portion of a person's salary is paid to a creditor. Often used to collect child support payments.
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Gavel :
A wooden mallet used by a judge to bring proceedings to a start or
to an end or to command attention in his or her court.
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General Agreement on
Tariffs and Trade :
(GATT) Multilateral international treaty first created in 1947 and
frequently amended (most recently in 1994) to which 125 countries
subscribe. GATT provides for fair trade rules and the gradual reduction
of tariffs, duties and other trade barriers. The 1994 amendment created
a World Trade Organization, which oversees the implementation of the
GATT.
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General counsel :
The senior lawyer of a corporation. This is normally a full-time
employee of the corporation although some corporations contract this
position out to a lawyer with a private firm.
GENERAL PARTNER: One of two kinds of partners in a limited partnership. A general partner has the right to participate in the management of the partnership and has unlimited personal liability for its debts.
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Gift over:
A device used in wills and trusts to provide for the gift of
property to a second recipient if a certain event occurs, such as the
death of the first recipient. For example, I give you my car but on your
death you must give it to your child; that is a gift over to the benefit
of your child.
GOOD FAITH: Honestly and without deception. An agreement might be declared invalid if one of the parties entered with the intention of defrauding the other.
GRAND JURY: A group of citizens convened in a criminal case to consider the prosecutor's evidence and determine whether probable cause exists to prosecute a suspect for a felony.
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Goodwill :
An intangible business asset which includes a cultivated reputation
and consequential attraction and confidence of repeat customers and
connections.
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Grand Jury :
An American criminal justice procedure whereby, in each court
district, a group of 16-23 citizens hold an inquiry on criminal
complaints brought by the prosecutor and decide if a trial is warranted,
in which case an indictment is issued. If a Grand Jury rejects a
proposed indictment it is known as a "no bill"; if they accept to
endorse a proposed indictment it is known as a "true bill".
GRANTOR: The person who sets up a trust.
GREEN CARD: An immigrant visa. Allows an alien to become a lawful permanent resident of the U.S. and to work legally, travel abroad and return, bring in a spouse and children and become eligible for citizenship.
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Gross negligence :
Any action or an omission in reckless disregard of the consequences
to the safety or property of another. Sometimes referred to as "very
great negligence" and it is more then just neglect of ordinary care
towards others or just inadvertence. Also known as the Latin term culpa
lata. Failure to use even the slightest amount of care in a way that shows
recklessness or willful disregard for the safety of others.
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Guarantor :
A person who pledges collateral for the contract of another, but
separately, as part of an independently contract with the obligee of the
original contract. Compare with "surety."
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Guardian :
An individual who, by legal appointment or by the effect of a
written law, is given custody of both the property and the person of one
who is unable to manage their own affairs, such as a child or
mentally-disabled person. Person assigned by the court to take care of minor
children or incompetent adults. Sometimes called a conservator.
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Guardian ad litem :
A guardian appointed to assist an infant or other mentally incapable
defendant or plaintiff, or any such incapacitated person that may be a
party in a legal action.
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Guillotine :
A device developed in France to inflict the death penalty through
decapitation by the dropping of a weighted and sharp metal blade onto
the restrained neck of a convict.
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