Glossary of Legal Terms

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From “Wage Earner's Plan” to “Writ of garnishment”

Wage Earner's Plan
Also, Chapter 13. A chapter of the Bankruptcy Code which allows a debtor to file a wage earner's plan for payment of a percentage of his debts from future earnings.

Waiver
Intentionally given-up right.

Waiver of immunity
A means authorized by statute by which a witness, before testifying or producing evidence, may relinquish the right to refuse to testify against himself or herself, thereby making it possible for his or her testimony to be used against him or her in future proceedings.

Warrant
Most commonly, a court order authorizing law enforcement officers to make an arrest or conduct a search. An application seeking a warrant must be accompanied by an affidavit which establishes probable cause by detailing the facts upon which the request is based.

Warranty
A promise that a proposition of fact is true.

Warranty deed
A deed which guarantees that the title conveyed is good and its transfer rightful.

Water rights
The right to use water.

Will
A legal declaration that disposes of a person's property when that person dies.

With prejudice
A declaration which dismisses all rights. A judgment barring the right to bring or maintain an action on the same claim or cause.

Withholding
A tax deducted from a salary, wage, or other income on behalf of the government at the time of payment of wages to the person who pays it.

Without prejudice
A declaration that no rights or privileges of the party concerned are waived or lost. In a dismissal these words maintain the right to bring a subsequent suit on the same claim.

Witness
One who personally sees or perceives a thing; one who testifies as to what he has seen, heard, or otherwise observed.

Words and Phrases Legally Defined
A set of books in dictionary form which lists judicial determinations of a word or phrase.

Worker's compensation
A state agency which handles claims of workers injured on their jobs.

Writ
A judicial order directing a person to do something.

Writ of certiorari
An order issued by the Supreme Court directing the lower court to transmit records for a case for which it will hear on appeal.

Writ of execution
An order of the court evidencing debt of one party to another and commanding the court officer to take property in satisfaction of the debt.

Writ of garnishment
An order of the court whereby property, money, or credits in the possession of another person may be seized and applied to pay a debtor's debt. It is used as an incident to or auxiliary of a judgment rendered in a principal action.