Glossary of Legal Terms G

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GARNISHMENT: legal proceeding in which a debtor's money is applied to the debts of the debtor, such as when one's wages are garnished.

GENERAL JURISDICTION: jurisdiction which covers a wide range of controversies brought before a court.

GOOD FAITH: honest belief; the absence of malice and design to defraud.

GOOD TIME: reduction in time served in prison as reward for good behavior.

GRAND JURY: group of citizens, usually numbering 23, assembled to determine whether enough evidence exists to charge an individual with a felony. May issue indictment, charging the suspect, or may have power to issue presentment. Compare to petit jury.

GRANTOR: person who sets up a trust. Also called settler.

GRAVAMEN (gruh VAY men): the significant point of a grievance or complaint.

GUARDIAN AD LITEM (add LYE dem): person appointed by a court to look after interests of a minor or incapacitated person involved in legal proceedings.

GUARDIANSHIP: legal right given to a person to care for an individual or his/her property when that individual is deemed incapable of doing so for him/herself. Also called conservatorship.

GUILTY: plea made by accused in confessing crime with which charged. Also, verdict reached when jury convicts defendant of crime with which charged. Compare acquittal.

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