Case Law

The law as established in previous court decisions. A synonym for legal precedent. Akin to common law, which springs from tradition and judicial decisions.

Class Action

A lawsuit in which one or more members of a large group, or class, of individuals or other entities sue on behalf of the entire class. The district court must find that the claims of the class members contain questions of law or fact in common before the lawsuit can...

Contingent Claim

A claim that may be owed by the debtor under certain circumstances, e.g., where the debtor is a co-signer on another person’s loan and that person fails to pay.