solely

Definition

Legal jargon for 'only this thing and nothing else, ever, and we're making sure the court understands we really mean it.'

Example Usage

The decision rests solely on the evidence presented at trial.

Source: Common legal terminology

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Intermediate

Contempt

Disrespect or disobedience toward a court or judge; when the judge threatens to lock you up.

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statutes

The legal equivalent of 'the rules we all pretended to read'—formal written laws enacted by legislative bodies that have somehow convinced everyone they apply to them. Think of it as society's way of turning 'we should probably not do that' into something with actual teeth.

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amend

To officially change, improve, or correct a law, contract, or document—the bureaucratic equivalent of hitting 'undo' on something that really matters legally.

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per curiam

An opinion issued by an appellate court as a whole rather than attributed to a specific judge, Latin for 'by the court.' It's how judicial panels achieve consensus by having no one take credit or blame.

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allay

To soothe the existential panic of your clients before depositions by whispering calming words like 'discovery is normal' and 'we've seen worse perjury.'

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rule

The law of the land—a regulation or guideline that everyone pretends to follow until it becomes inconvenient. Whether it's a straightedge on a page or a regulation in a contract, rules are society's way of keeping chaos at bay.

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