Legal Terms

The judicial process of examination and determination of legal and factual issues between the parties to an action through the presentation of evidence.  In a trial by jury, the jury decides questions of fact with…

A verbatim written record of a trial, hearing or other proceeding, such as a deposition, as prepared by a court reporter.

When the cost to repair a vehicle exceeds its actual cash value.

One who has committed a tort.

The Washington State Legislature made numerous and substantial changes to Washington tort liability law in 1986.  Changes include automatic waiver of patient/physician privilege ninety (90) days after filing a lawsuit for personal injury, and comparative…

A French word meaning “wrong” used to describe an action or failure to act, other than a breach of contract, committed against a person or their property, for which the law provides a legal remedy.

Spoken evidence given by a witness, under oath.

When a judge agrees that an attorney’s objection to the other attorney’s question or evidence being presented during trial is valid.

The highest appellate court in Washington State. The Washington Supreme Court is the final arbiter of most legal issues raised in the state courts of Washington.  The Supreme Court decides cases that come before it…

A legal proceeding that occurs after entry of Judgment in an attempt to discover assets that may satisfy the Judgment.  Typically, this involves forcing the debtor to appear in court to answer questions in front…