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Legal Terms

The document provides a comprehensive glossary of legal terms and concepts, including definitions for terms such as case, FIR, bail, court, lawyer, and many others. It covers various aspects of law including civil, criminal, and constitutional law, as well as legal procedures and principles. This resource serves as a reference for understanding legal terminology and processes.
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0% found this document useful (0 votes)
82 views21 pages

Legal Terms

The document provides a comprehensive glossary of legal terms and concepts, including definitions for terms such as case, FIR, bail, court, lawyer, and many others. It covers various aspects of law including civil, criminal, and constitutional law, as well as legal procedures and principles. This resource serves as a reference for understanding legal terminology and processes.
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Case – A legal matter, dispute, or trial.

FIR (First Information Report) – A formal report of a crime.


Bail – Temporary release of an accused person.
Court – The place where legal cases are heard.
Lawyer – A legal professional or advocate.
Advocate – A lawyer who represents clients in court.
Plaintiff – The person or entity bringing a lawsuit.
Defendant – The person or entity being sued or accused.
Summons – An official notice to appear in court.
Bailiff – A court official who helps maintain order in the court.
Court Fee – A fee paid to the court to file a case or document.
Habeas Corpus – A writ that protects against unlawful detention.
Section – A specific provision or part of a law.
Subpoena – A legal order requiring someone to attend court.
Cognizance – The act of a court taking notice of a case.
Complaint – A formal statement of a grievance or legal issue.
Precedent – A previous court decision used as a guide in future cases.
Plaint – A formal complaint or statement of a case.
Verdict – The decision or judgment of a court.
Remand – The action of sending an accused back into custody pending further hearings.
Appeal – A request for a higher court to review a case.
Affidavit – A written statement confirmed by oath.
Jurisdiction – The authority of a court to hear and decide a case.
Contempt of Court – Behavior that disrespects or disobeys court authority.
Arrest – The act of detaining someone by legal authority.
Plea – The formal statement made by a defendant in response to a charge.
Breach – A violation of law, contract, or agreement.
Contractual – Relating to a formal agreement or contract.
Compensation – Payment for harm or loss suffered by someone.
Docket – A list of cases to be heard by a court.
Cross-Examination – The questioning of a witness in court by the opposing party.
Injunction – A court order to stop or prevent a specific act.
Juror – A member of a jury.
Jury – A group of people selected to hear evidence in a case.
Moot Court – A simulated court proceeding used by law students for practice.
Plaintiff’s Counsel – The lawyer representing the plaintiff.
Defendant’s Counsel – The lawyer representing the defendant.
Plaintiff’s Evidence – The proof or material presented by the plaintiff in a case.
Case Law – The body of past judicial decisions.
Prosecutor – A lawyer who represents the state or government in criminal cases.
Defense Counsel – The lawyer who represents the accused in criminal cases.
Admissibility – The quality of being accepted as evidence in court.
Testimony – A formal statement given by a witness under oath.
Cross-Questioning – The process of questioning the opposing party's witness.
Witness Stand – The place where a witness sits while giving testimony.
Plaintiff’s Claim – The assertion made by the plaintiff in a case.
Negligence – The failure to take proper care in doing something.
Litigation – The process of taking legal action or suing someone.
Mediation – The process of resolving disputes through a neutral third party.
Arbitration – A process where a dispute is resolved by an arbitrator outside the court.
Damages – A sum of money claimed as compensation for harm or loss.
Writ – A formal written order from a court.
Civil Suit – A legal action to resolve a private dispute between parties.
Criminal Case – A case involving the prosecution of someone accused of a crime.
Tort – A wrongful act leading to legal liability.
Defamation – The act of harming someone's reputation by making false statements.
Breach of Trust – The violation of a fiduciary duty or responsibility.
Legal Maxims – Established principles or rules in law.
Property Law – The area of law dealing with ownership and rights to property.
Family Law – The area of law dealing with family matters like marriage, divorce, and
inheritance.
Constitutional Law – The area of law dealing with the principles and laws outlined in a
country's constitution.
Consumer Protection Law – Laws that protect the interests of consumers.
Trade Mark – A distinctive sign or symbol used to identify goods or services.
Patent – A government-granted right to exclude others from making or selling an invention.
Copyright – The legal right to use and distribute creative works.
Trademark Infringement – The unauthorized use of a registered trademark.
Preliminary Hearing – A hearing to determine if a case should proceed.
Petition – A formal request made to a court.
Probation – A sentence that allows an offender to remain out of jail under certain conditions.
Pardon – The act of forgiving someone for a crime, often granted by the president or
governor.
Bail Bond – A financial guarantee to ensure an accused person appears in court.
Concurrence – Agreement with the majority decision in a case, but for different reasons.
Dissent – Disagreement with the majority opinion in a case.
Charge Sheet – A document listing the charges against the accused.
Court Order – A directive issued by a judge in the course of a legal proceeding.
Probate – The legal process of proving the validity of a will.
Inheritance – The process of passing on property or rights after death.
Perjury – The act of lying under oath.
Hearing – A legal proceeding where evidence and arguments are presented before a judge.
Indictment – A formal charge or accusation of a serious crime.
Retainer – A fee paid to a lawyer to secure their services.
Public Interest Litigation (PIL) – A legal action taken to protect the public interest.
Legal Counsel – A lawyer or group of lawyers providing legal advice.
Court Ruling – A judgment or decision made by a court.
Settlement – An agreement between parties to resolve a dispute without going to trial.
Embezzlement – The illegal taking of money or property entrusted to one’s care.
Admissible Evidence – Evidence that is allowed to be presented in court.
Acquittal – A court's judgment that the defendant is not guilty of the charges.
Guilty – The verdict that the defendant committed the crime.
Murder Charge – An accusation of unlawfully killing someone.
Kidnapping – The unlawful taking and detaining of a person.
Conspiracy – An agreement between parties to commit an unlawful act.
Aggravated Assault – An attack with the intent to cause serious harm.
Juvenile Delinquency – Criminal behavior by a young person.
Breach of Contract – Failure to honor the terms of a contract.
Substantive Law – Law that defines rights, duties, and obligations.
Procedural Law – The rules that govern the process of litigation.
Civil Rights – Rights protecting individuals from unfair treatment.
Statutory Law – Laws enacted by a legislative body.
Common Law – Law developed by judges through decisions and precedents.
Tortfeasor – A person who commits a tort (wrongful act).
Causation – The relationship between an act and its effect.
Counterclaim – A claim made by a defendant against the plaintiff in response to the original
claim.
Statute of Limitations – The time limit within which a lawsuit must be filed.
Insolvency – The state of being unable to pay debts.
Liquidation – The process of winding up a company’s affairs, including selling off assets.
Mediation Clause – A clause in a contract requiring mediation before legal action.
Non-Compete Clause – A contract provision preventing an employee from competing with
their employer after leaving.
Tangible Assets – Physical assets, such as property or equipment.
Intangible Assets – Non-physical assets like patents or trademarks.
Vicarious Liability – Legal responsibility for the actions of another person, usually an
employee.
Mitigation – The process of reducing or lessening harm or damages.
Prejudice – A judgment or opinion formed without proper evidence, especially in a legal
case.
Strict Liability – Liability without fault or intent, typically in cases involving dangerous
activities.
Equitable Remedy – A legal solution based on fairness rather than strict rules.
Class Action – A lawsuit filed by one or more plaintiffs on behalf of a larger group.
Discovery – The process by which parties obtain evidence from each other before trial.
Adjudication – The legal process of resolving a dispute or deciding a case.
Declaratory Judgment – A court judgment that determines the rights of the parties without
ordering specific action.
Execution – The process of enforcing a court order, such as collecting a judgment.
Motion – A formal request made to a court for a specific ruling or order.
Deposition – The sworn out-of-court testimony of a witness, usually taken before trial.
Contingency Fee – A fee arrangement where a lawyer is paid only if the client wins the
case.
Pleadings – Written statements of the parties’ claims or defenses.
Summary Judgment – A judgment given on a legal issue without a full trial.
Writ of Certiorari – An order by a higher court to review the decision of a lower court.
Writ of Mandamus – A court order directing an official to perform a duty.
Writ of Prohibition – A court order to stop a lower court or government official from acting
outside their jurisdiction.
Writ of Quo Warranto – A legal order requiring someone to show by what authority they
hold office.
Injunction – A court order that requires a party to do or stop doing something.
Slander – Oral defamation, where false statements harm someone’s reputation.
Libel – Written defamation, where false statements are published to harm reputation.
Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) – A contract that prevents the sharing of confidential
information.
Joint Venture – A business arrangement where two or more parties agree to work together
on a project.
Arbitration Clause – A contract provision requiring disputes to be resolved by arbitration
rather than court.
Appeal Bond – A bond posted to secure a party’s right to appeal a court decision.
Discovery Request – A request made during the discovery phase to obtain evidence or
information.
Forum Shopping – Choosing a court with favorable rules for hearing a case.
Severability Clause – A provision that allows parts of a contract to remain valid even if one
part is invalid.
Indemnity – A promise to compensate for loss or damage.
Indemnification – The act of compensating for harm or loss.
Public Defender – A government-appointed lawyer who defends accused individuals who
cannot afford a private lawyer.
Standing – The legal right to initiate a lawsuit based on the party's stake in the outcome.
Locus Standi – The right to bring a case to court based on one’s involvement or interest in
the matter.
Substitution – Replacing one party or claim with another in a legal proceeding.
Restraining Order – A court order prohibiting a person from doing something, such as
contacting another person.
Provisional Remedies – Temporary solutions provided by a court until a final decision is
made.
Breach of Fiduciary Duty – Violating the trust placed by one party in another, often in
professional relationships.
Estoppel – A legal principle that prevents someone from asserting something contrary to
what they previously stated or agreed to.
Forensic Evidence – Scientific evidence used to solve crimes, often involving biology,
chemistry, or technology.
Hearsay – Evidence based on what others have said rather than direct knowledge.
Legal Aid – Assistance provided to those unable to afford a lawyer.
Supreme Court – The highest court in a country or jurisdiction.
High Court – A superior court in some legal systems, below the Supreme Court.
District Court – A trial court that hears civil and criminal cases in a specific district.
Magistrate – A judicial officer who typically handles minor cases or preliminary hearings.
Conciliation – A form of dispute resolution where a neutral third party helps parties reach an
agreement.
Third-Party Liability – Legal responsibility for harm caused to someone else by a third
party.
Quashing – The process of annulling or invalidating a decision or charge.
Res Judicata – A matter already adjudicated and not subject to re-litigation.
Force Majeure – A contract clause that excuses parties from liability for unforeseen events
beyond their control.
Prejudgment – An opinion or conclusion reached before all the evidence is considered.
Defeasance Clause – A clause in a contract that voids a contract under specific conditions.
Parole – The conditional release of a prisoner before the completion of their sentence.
Strict Scrutiny – A high level of judicial review applied to certain fundamental rights issues.
Due Process – The fair treatment of all individuals under the law.
Unconstitutional – Something that violates the constitution.
Constitutional Amendment – A formal change or addition to a constitution.
Caveat Emptor – The principle that the buyer is responsible for checking the quality of
goods before purchase.
Ex Parte – A decision made by a judge without hearing from the other party.
In Camera – A hearing or trial held in private, usually for sensitive matters.
Moot – A hypothetical legal case or issue used for educational purposes.
Duties of Care – The obligation to avoid causing harm to others.
Beneficiary – A person who receives benefits, often from a trust or will.
Notice of Appeal – A formal notification of a party’s intention to appeal a court ruling.
Vesting Order – A court order transferring legal title of property to another person.
Execution of Judgment – The enforcement of a court’s ruling.
Rebuttal – An argument made to contradict or refute evidence presented by the opposing
party.
Adversarial System – A legal system where two opposing parties present their cases to a
neutral judge.
Injunction Bond – A bond posted to obtain an injunction, ensuring compensation if the
injunction is later found to be improper.
Quitclaim – A legal document where one party relinquishes all claims or interests in a
property.
Bond – A legal document requiring a party to pay a specified sum if they fail to fulfill an
obligation.
Prosecutorial Discretion – The power of a prosecutor to decide whether or not to pursue
criminal charges.
Witness List – A list of individuals who will testify in a case.
Constitutional Interpretation – The process of determining the meaning of constitutional
provisions.
Legal Precedent – A previous case or decision that influences future cases with similar
facts.
Court Transcript – A written record of everything said in court during a trial or hearing.
Mediation Agreement – An agreement reached through mediation that resolves a dispute.
Lien – A legal right to keep possession of property belonging to another until a debt is paid.
Eminent Domain – The government’s right to take private property for public use with
compensation.
Testator – A person who has written a valid will.
Executor – A person appointed to carry out the terms of a will.
Witness Testimony – Statements made by a witness under oath.
Evidence Log – A record of evidence presented during a trial.
Emancipation – The legal process by which a minor gains independence from parental
control.
Duty of Loyalty – A legal duty requiring
Public Nuisance – An act that harms the public or community, often causing damage or
inconvenience.
Charter – A formal document establishing a corporate entity or a government’s legal
framework.
Confession – A formal admission of guilt made by an accused person.
Parliamentary Immunity – Protection from legal action given to lawmakers while performing
their duties.
Amicus Curiae – A person or organization offering information or expertise in a case but not
directly involved in the litigation.
Affidavit – A written statement made under oath, typically used as evidence in court.
Abatement – The reduction or elimination of a legal action or process, such as reducing the
amount of damages.
Accused – A person formally charged with a crime.
Actus Reus – The physical act or conduct that constitutes a criminal offense.
Mens Rea – The mental state or intent required to commit a criminal offense.
Acquittal – A legal judgment that a defendant is not guilty of the charges brought against
them.
Admissible Evidence – Evidence that is allowed to be presented in court based on legal
rules.
Affirmative Defense – A defense in which the defendant introduces evidence to avoid
liability.
Alibi – Evidence that a defendant was elsewhere when a crime occurred, thus exonerating
them.
Alimony – Financial support provided to a spouse after a divorce or separation.
Appeal – A request made to a higher court to review the decision of a lower court.
Arraignment – A court hearing in which a defendant is formally charged with a crime and
enters a plea.
Arrest Warrant – A legal document issued by a judge allowing law enforcement to arrest a
person.
Asset Forfeiture – The legal process of seizing property linked to criminal activity.
Bail – The temporary release of an accused person awaiting trial, typically in exchange for
money as a guarantee.
Breach of Contract – The failure to fulfill the terms of a contract without lawful excuse.
Burden of Proof – The obligation to prove one’s assertion or case in a legal dispute.
Capias – A type of arrest warrant issued by a court.
Case Law – Law established by judicial decisions in individual cases rather than by statutes.
Caveat – A warning or notice, often used in legal contexts such as a cautionary notice
regarding a legal claim.
Census – The official population count, often relevant for districting and electoral matters.
Chattel – Personal property that is movable, as opposed to real estate or immovable
property.
Citation – A reference to legal authority or a case, statute, or legal principle.
Civil Law – The body of law governing private rights and obligations, as opposed to criminal
law.
Civil Procedure – The rules governing the process of litigation in civil courts.
Claimant – A person who makes a claim in a legal action.
Cognizance – The legal awareness or acknowledgment of a legal matter or case.
Collateral – Property pledged as security for the repayment of a loan.
Common Law – A legal system based on judicial precedents and customs rather than
written laws.
Compensatory Damages – Financial compensation awarded to a plaintiff to cover actual
losses or harm.
Complainant – A person who files a formal accusation of wrongdoing, particularly in criminal
cases.
Concurrent Sentence – Multiple prison sentences that are served simultaneously.
Concurrence – Agreement or cooperation in the decision or opinion of a court.
Confidentiality Agreement – A contract that ensures information shared between parties is
not disclosed to others.
Conflict of Interest – A situation where a person’s personal interests conflict with their
professional duties.
Constructive Notice – Legal notice that is presumed to have been given, even if not directly
communicated.
Contempt of Court – The offense of disobeying or disrespecting the authority of a court.
Contractual Capacity – The ability of a party to enter into a legally binding contract.
Conversion – The wrongful possession or use of someone else’s property.
Conveyance – The legal transfer of property from one party to another.
Corporation – A legal entity that is separate from its owners, usually formed to conduct
business.
Corpus Delicti – The body of the crime, which refers to the physical evidence or elements
of a crime.
Costs – The expenses associated with a legal action, including court fees, attorney’s fees,
and other expenses.
Covenant – A formal agreement or promise in a contract.
Cross-Examination – The questioning of a witness by the opposing party to challenge their
testimony.
Custodial Sentence – A sentence involving imprisonment.
Custody – The legal right to keep and care for a child or an individual under arrest.
Diligence – The careful and persistent effort required to carry out legal duties or obligations.
Direct Evidence – Evidence that directly proves a fact, such as eyewitness testimony.
Discovery Rule – A rule in some jurisdictions that allows the statute of limitations to start
from the time the injury is discovered.
Domicile – A person’s permanent home or residence, which may affect legal jurisdiction.
Double Jeopardy – The legal principle that prevents a person from being tried twice for the
same offense.
Due Process – The constitutional requirement that legal proceedings be conducted fairly
and impartially.
Election Law – Laws governing the processes of elections and voting.
Embezzlement – The wrongful appropriation or theft of funds entrusted to one’s care.
Enforcement – The act of compelling compliance with a law or court order.
Equity – A system of justice based on fairness, often used to remedy situations where the
strict law does not provide an adequate solution.
Escheat – The reversion of property to the state when an individual dies without a will and
without heirs.
Estoppel – A legal principle preventing someone from making claims that are inconsistent
with their previous statements or actions.
Evidence – Information presented in court to support or oppose a legal argument.
Exemption – A legal provision that excludes certain individuals or actions from the scope of
a law.
Executor – A person appointed to carry out the terms of a will.
Ex Parte – A legal proceeding or order made with only one party present.
Extradition – The process of delivering a person from one jurisdiction to another for
prosecution or punishment.
Felony – A serious criminal offense typically punishable by imprisonment for more than one
year.
Fiduciary Duty – The obligation to act in the best interests of another party, often in
relationships like trustee and beneficiary.
Foreclosure – The legal process by which a lender seizes property used as collateral for a
loan due to non-payment.
Forfeiture – The loss or giving up of something as a penalty for wrongdoing.
Fraud – The intentional deception for personal gain or to harm another person.
Frivolous Lawsuit – A lawsuit that has no legal merit and is often filed to harass or
intimidate the defendant.
Garnishment – A legal process by which a creditor can collect a portion of a debtor’s wages
or bank account.
Good Faith – Acting with honesty and integrity in legal transactions or dealings.
Grand Jury – A group of citizens tasked with determining whether there is enough evidence
to indict someone for a crime.
Guardian – A person legally appointed to care for the person or property of someone unable
to do so.
Habeas Corpus – A writ requiring a person to be brought before a judge, typically used to
challenge unlawful detention.
Hearing – A legal proceeding where arguments are presented to a judge or other
decision-maker.
Heir – A person who is legally entitled to inherit property from a deceased person.
Hostile Witness – A witness who is openly antagonistic to the party that called them to
testify.
Immunity – Protection from legal liability or prosecution, often granted to government
officials or witnesses in exchange for cooperation.
Implied Contract – A contract formed by the actions of the parties involved, rather than
through explicit written or spoken words.
Indictment – A formal charge or accusation of a serious crime, issued by a grand jury.
Injunction – A court order that prohibits a party from doing certain acts or compels them to
do certain acts.
Innocent Until Proven Guilty – The legal principle that one is considered innocent unless
proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Insider Trading – The illegal practice of trading stocks or securities based on confidential
information not available to the public.
Intellectual Property (IP) – Legal rights granted to individuals or organizations over
creations of the mind, such as patents, copyrights, and trademarks.
Interlocutory Order – A temporary court order made before the final resolution of a case.
Interrogatories – Written questions submitted by one party to the other, requiring written
responses under oath.
Intestate – Dying without having made a valid will.
Jurisprudence – The philosophy or theory of law.
Jurisdiction – The authority of a court to hear a case and make binding decisions.
Jury Trial – A trial in which a jury of peers determines the facts and renders a verdict.
Laches – A legal doctrine that prevents a party from asserting a claim due to an
unreasonable delay.
Lawsuit – A legal action taken by one party against another in a court of law.
Lease – A contract that allows one party to use another party’s property for a specified
period in exchange for payment.
Legislative Intent – The purpose or goal that lawmakers had in mind when drafting a law or
statute.
Lien – A legal right or claim on property as security for a debt or obligation.
Litigation – The process of taking legal action or resolving disputes in court.
Malfeasance – The commission of an unlawful or wrongful act by a public official or other
person in a position of trust.
Mandamus – A court order requiring a public official to perform their duty or act in a specific
way.
Articles of Incorporation – The primary legal document used to establish a corporation,
outlining its structure and purpose.
Annual General Meeting (AGM) – A yearly meeting held by a corporation for its
shareholders to discuss the company’s performance, future plans, and other corporate
matters.
Asset Management – The management of investments on behalf of clients or a corporation,
often including stocks, bonds, and real estate.
Auditor – An independent professional responsible for reviewing and verifying a company's
financial statements.
Board of Directors – A group of individuals elected to represent shareholders' interests and
oversee the management of a corporation.
Bond – A debt security issued by a corporation, promising to repay the principal along with
interest at a future date.
Bylaws – Internal rules and regulations that govern the operation and management of a
corporation.
Capital Structure – The combination of debt, equity, and other financial instruments used to
fund a company’s operations.
Charter Capital – The initial capital invested in a company upon its formation, usually in
exchange for shares.
C Corporation – A type of corporation taxed separately from its owners, with its own legal
identity.
Close Corporation – A corporation in which shares are not publicly traded and are typically
held by a small group of individuals.
Common Stock – Equity securities that represent ownership in a corporation, giving
shareholders voting rights and potential dividends.
Compensation Committee – A group within a corporation responsible for determining
executive compensation and benefits.
Corporate Governance – The systems, principles, and processes by which corporations
are directed and controlled.
Corporate Law – The area of law governing the rights, relations, and conduct of companies,
shareholders, directors, and employees.
Corporate Veil – The legal distinction between a corporation and its shareholders,
protecting individual shareholders from being personally liable for the company’s debts.
Debenture – A long-term debt instrument issued by a company, usually unsecured and
bearing a fixed interest rate.
Debt Financing – The process of raising capital through borrowing, typically by issuing
bonds or taking loans.
Dividend – A payment made by a corporation to its shareholders, usually from profits, in the
form of cash or additional shares.
Due Diligence – The process of thoroughly investigating a business, its financial status, and
other relevant factors before a merger or acquisition.
Economic Entity – A legally separate business or organization that operates to make
profits.
Employee Stock Option – A financial incentive given to employees, allowing them to buy
company stock at a discounted price.
Equity Financing – Raising capital by issuing shares of stock in exchange for funds.
Executive Compensation – The total compensation package given to senior executives,
including salary, bonuses, stock options, and other benefits.
External Auditor – An independent auditor hired to review and verify a company’s financial
records and ensure they comply with accounting standards.
Fiduciary Duty – The obligation of corporate directors and officers to act in the best
interests of the company and its shareholders.
Foreign Corporation – A corporation that is incorporated in one jurisdiction but does
business in another.
Form 10-K – A comprehensive annual report required by the SEC, providing detailed
financial information about a corporation.
Form 10-Q – A quarterly report filed by a public company with the SEC, providing financial
statements and other disclosures.
Franchise – A legal agreement in which one party (the franchisor) allows another party (the
franchisee) to use its brand, business model, and intellectual property.
Greenmail – The practice of purchasing a substantial number of shares of a corporation to
threaten a takeover, then selling them back to the company at a premium to avoid a hostile
takeover.
Holding Company – A company that owns a controlling interest in other companies, usually
for investment purposes.
Hostile Takeover – The acquisition of a company against the wishes of its management and
board of directors.
Initial Public Offering (IPO) – The first sale of stock by a private company to the public.
Intellectual Property (IP) – Legal rights that grant ownership and control over creations of
the mind, such as patents, trademarks, and copyrights.
Insider Trading – The illegal practice of trading securities based on non-public information
that gives an unfair advantage.
Insolvency – A financial state in which a company cannot pay its debts as they come due.
Intangible Assets – Non-physical assets, such as trademarks, patents, and goodwill, that
add value to a company.
Joint Venture – A business arrangement in which two or more parties agree to pool their
resources to achieve a specific goal.
Liquidation – The process of selling off assets to pay creditors when a company is winding
down or going bankrupt.
Limited Liability Company (LLC) – A type of business structure that provides limited
liability to its owners while allowing flexibility in management and taxation.
Limited Liability Partnership (LLP) – A partnership in which partners have limited liability
for the partnership’s debts.
Merger – The combination of two companies into one, typically involving the absorption of
one company by another.
Minority Shareholder – A shareholder who owns less than 50% of a company’s shares and
typically has limited control.
Moral Hazard – A situation in which a party has an incentive to take risks because they do
not bear the full consequences of those risks.
Non-Compete Agreement – A contract in which an employee agrees not to work for a
competitor or start a competing business for a certain period after leaving the company.
Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) – A legally binding contract in which one party agrees
not to disclose confidential information to others.
Operating Agreement – A document that outlines the management structure and
operational procedures of an LLC.
Officers – Executives and managers in a corporation who hold positions of authority and are
responsible for the day-to-day operations.
Par Value – The nominal value of a corporation's stock, often set at a very low amount,
which has little relevance in modern corporate finance.
Partnership – A business arrangement where two or more individuals share ownership and
responsibility for the operations of a business.
Poison Pill – A defense mechanism used by companies to make themselves less attractive
to hostile takeovers.
Preferred Stock – A type of stock that gives shareholders priority over common
stockholders in receiving dividends and assets in the event of liquidation.
Proxy – A person authorized to vote on behalf of a shareholder at a corporate meeting.
Public Limited Company (PLC) – A company whose shares are traded on public stock
exchanges and are available for public ownership.
Private Placement – The sale of securities to a select group of investors, rather than
through a public offering.
Receivership – A situation in which a court appoints a receiver to manage and liquidate a
company’s assets, usually due to insolvency.
Red Herring – A preliminary prospectus used in an IPO, providing an overview of the
company but lacking certain final details.
Reorganization – A legal process in which a financially distressed company restructures its
debts and operations to continue functioning.
Securities – Financial instruments such as stocks, bonds, and options that can be traded.
Shareholder Agreement – A contract between shareholders outlining their rights and
obligations regarding the management of the company.
Share Capital – The total amount of capital raised by a company through the issuance of
shares.
Shareholder Equity – The value of a company’s assets after subtracting its liabilities,
representing the ownership interest of its shareholders.
Squeeze-Out – A tactic used by majority shareholders to force minority shareholders to sell
their shares, often at a premium.
Stock Buyback – A process by which a company repurchases its own shares from the open
market, often to reduce the number of outstanding shares.
Subsidiary – A company controlled by another company, typically through the ownership of
a majority of its stock.
Takeover Bid – An offer made by one company to acquire control of another company,
either friendly or hostile.
Tax Shield – The reduction in taxable income achieved through deductions such as
depreciation and interest payments.
Tortious Liability – Legal responsibility for committing a tort, which is a civil wrong causing
harm to another party.
Trademark – A distinctive symbol, word, or design used by a company to identify its
products or services.
Transfer Pricing – The practice of setting prices for transactions between related
companies, often for tax or profit-shifting purposes.
Unsecured Debt – Debt that is not backed by collateral and relies on the borrower’s
creditworthiness.
Venture Capital – Funding provided to early-stage companies with high growth potential,
often in exchange for equity.
Winding-Up – The process of dissolving a company, typically by liquidating its assets and
distributing the proceeds to creditors and shareholders.
Whistleblower – An individual who reports illegal or unethical activity within a corporation.
White Knight – A company or individual that acquires a target company to prevent a hostile
takeover by another party.
Workout – An agreement between a distressed company and its creditors to restructure
debt and avoid bankruptcy.
Write-Off – A formal declaration that an asset or debt is no longer recoverable and is
removed from the company’s financial records.
Zombie Company – A company that continues to operate despite being financially
distressed or insolvent.
Zero-Coupon Bond – A bond that does not pay periodic interest but is issued at a discount
to its face value, with the full amount paid at maturity.
Accredited Investor – An individual or institution that meets specific financial criteria,
allowing them to participate in certain types of investments.
Acquisition Agreement – A contract between a buyer and a seller outlining the terms and
conditions of an acquisition.
Agency Relationship – A legal relationship where one party (the agent) acts on behalf of
another (the principal).
Agency Costs – The costs associated with the potential conflicts of interest between a
company's management and its shareholders.
Anti-Dilution Provision – A clause in a contract or agreement designed to protect investors
from dilution of their equity in case of future stock issuances.
Asset Purchase Agreement – A contract used in a transaction where a buyer purchases
specific assets of a company, rather than its stock.
Audit Committee – A committee within a company’s board of directors responsible for
overseeing financial reporting and auditing processes.
Authorized Shares – The maximum number of shares a corporation can issue, as specified
in its charter.
Balance Sheet – A financial statement that summarizes a company’s assets, liabilities, and
shareholders' equity at a specific point in time.
Barriers to Entry – Obstacles that make it difficult for new competitors to enter a market or
industry.
Beneficial Ownership – The actual ownership of an asset, even if it is held in another
person’s name, usually for legal or financial reasons.
Board Resolutions – Official decisions made by a company’s board of directors.
Business Judgment Rule – A legal principle that protects directors and officers from liability
for decisions made in good faith and with reasonable judgment.
Buy-Sell Agreement – An agreement between business owners outlining the conditions
under which shares can be sold or transferred.
Callable Bond – A bond that can be redeemed by the issuer before its maturity date, usually
at a premium.
Capital Gain – The profit earned from the sale of an asset, such as stocks or real estate.
Churning – The practice of a broker excessively buying and selling securities to generate
commissions.
Class Action – A lawsuit in which a group of people with similar legal claims files a single
case against a defendant.
Closed-End Fund – A type of investment fund with a fixed number of shares that are traded
on the stock exchange.
Covenant – A condition or promise in a legal agreement, such as a loan agreement or bond
contract.
Debt Covenant – A restriction placed on a borrower by a lender in a debt agreement, often
to protect the lender’s interests.
Debt Equity Ratio – A financial ratio used to measure a company’s financial leverage by
comparing its debt to its equity.
Delisting – The removal of a company's shares from a stock exchange, either voluntarily or
due to non-compliance with exchange regulations.
Derivative – A financial contract whose value is derived from the performance of an
underlying asset, such as stocks or bonds.
Disclosure Requirements – The legal obligation of a company to disclose certain
information to investors and the public.
Distressed Assets – Assets that are in financial trouble, often due to bankruptcy or other
financial difficulties.
Dissolution – The formal termination of a corporation or partnership, involving the
liquidation of assets and distribution to creditors and shareholders.
Dividend Yield – The annual dividend income divided by the market price of a share,
indicating the return on investment in terms of dividends.
Double Taxation – The taxation of the same income twice, typically in the case of
corporations and their shareholders.
Earn-Out – A provision in an acquisition agreement that specifies additional payments to the
seller based on future business performance.
Economic Moat – A business’s ability to maintain a competitive advantage and protect itself
from competitors over time.
Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) – Criteria used by investors to evaluate a
company’s operations and impact on society and the environment.
Escrow – A financial arrangement in which a third party holds funds or assets until certain
conditions are met.
Exclusive Distribution Agreement – A contract in which a supplier grants a distributor
exclusive rights to sell its products in a specified area.
Exit Strategy – A plan for how an investor or business owner will sell or liquidate their
ownership stake in a company.
Expedited Procedure – A streamlined process used to expedite the resolution of certain
legal matters or corporate transactions.
Fair Market Value – The price at which an asset would trade in an open market between a
willing buyer and seller.
Fiduciary – A person or entity with a legal duty to act in the best interest of another, such as
a trustee or corporate director.
Financial Leverage – The use of borrowed funds to increase the potential return on
investment.
Financial Reporting – The process of preparing and presenting financial statements, such
as balance sheets and income statements, to stakeholders.
Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) – Investment made by a company or individual in assets
or businesses located in a foreign country.
Founder’s Agreement – An agreement between the founders of a company outlining their
roles, responsibilities, and equity ownership.
Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) – A legal document required by law that provides
information about a franchisor’s business and the terms of the franchise agreement.
Friendly Takeover – A takeover in which the target company’s board of directors agrees to
the acquisition by another company.
Fund Manager – An individual or company responsible for overseeing and making
investment decisions for a fund, such as a mutual fund or hedge fund.
Golden Parachute – A clause in an executive's employment contract that provides
substantial benefits if the executive is terminated or leaves the company.
Golden Share – A special class of share that gives the holder control over certain decisions,
typically used by governments to retain control over privatized companies.
Goodwill – The intangible value of a company’s brand, reputation, and customer base, often
considered an asset in mergers and acquisitions.
Grantor – A person or entity that transfers property or assets to another party.
Greenfield Investment – A type of foreign investment in which a company builds new
operations in a foreign country, such as constructing a new plant or office.
Growth Stock – A stock in a company that is expected to grow at an above-average rate
compared to other companies.
Headquarters Agreement – A contract that outlines the relationship between an
organization’s headquarters and the country or region where it is based.
Holding Period – The length of time an investor holds an asset before selling or liquidating
it.
Hostile Bid – An offer made by one company to acquire another against the wishes of the
target company's management.
Independent Contractor – A person or business that provides services under a contract but
is not an employee of the company.
Indemnification – The act of compensating someone for loss or damage, typically in a
corporate context where directors and officers are protected from certain liabilities.
In-House Counsel – A lawyer who works directly for a company, providing legal advice and
handling legal matters internally.
Injunction – A court order requiring a party to do or refrain from doing a specific action,
often used in corporate disputes.
Insider Information – Non-public, material information about a company that could
influence an investor's decision, which can lead to insider trading if used improperly.
Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) – Legal rights granted to the creators and owners of
intellectual property, such as patents, copyrights, and trademarks.
International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) – A set of global accounting
standards used to prepare financial statements, ensuring consistency across international
markets.
Joint and Several Liability – A legal concept in which multiple parties are held individually
and collectively responsible for a debt or obligation.
Joint Stock Company – A company whose capital is divided into shares that are owned by
its shareholders.
Junior Debt – Debt that is lower in priority for repayment compared to senior debt, often
bearing higher interest rates.
KPI (Key Performance Indicator) – A measurable value that demonstrates how effectively
a company is achieving key business objectives.
Letter of Intent (LOI) – A document that outlines the preliminary understanding between
parties about a proposed business transaction.
Limited Partnership (LP) – A partnership with both general partners (who manage the
business) and limited partners (who contribute capital but do not manage the business).
Liquidation Preference – The order in which investors are paid in the event of a liquidation,
typically giving certain investors priority.
Lock-Up Period – A period of time after an IPO during which major shareholders and
insiders are restricted from selling their shares.
Merger Agreement – A formal agreement between two companies to combine into one
entity, specifying terms and conditions.
Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A) – The process of combining companies or acquiring one
company by another.
Minimum Capital Requirement – The minimum amount of capital that a business must
have to operate, as required by regulatory authorities.
Minority Interest – Ownership of less than 50% of a company’s shares, giving limited
control over company decisions.
Minority Shareholders’ Rights – Legal protections granted to minority shareholders,
ensuring their interests are considered in corporate decisions.
Net Asset Value (NAV) – The value of a company's total assets minus its liabilities, often
used to value investment funds.
Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) – A legally binding contract that prohibits one party from
disclosing confidential information.
Non-Compete Clause – A clause in a contract that restricts an employee or business
partner from starting or joining a competing business within a specified time period and
region.
Off-Balance Sheet Financing – Financial arrangements that are not recorded on a
company’s balance sheet, often used to keep liabilities off the record.
Open-End Fund – A type of investment fund that allows investors to buy and sell shares at
any time, with the number of shares increasing or decreasing as necessary.
Option – A financial contract that gives the holder the right, but not the obligation, to buy or
sell an asset at a predetermined price within a specified time.
Par Value – The nominal or face value of a share as stated in a company’s charter, often
different from its market value.
Peer Review – A process where a company’s financial statements, practices, or strategies
are reviewed by others in the same industry to ensure accuracy and quality.
Pledge – A legal agreement in which a borrower offers an asset as collateral for a loan.
Poison Pill – A defensive strategy used by a company to prevent or discourage a hostile
takeover.
Preferred Stock – A class of stock that gives shareholders preferential treatment in terms of
dividends and liquidation payments.
Private Equity – Investment in private companies, typically through venture capital or
buyout firms, rather than public stocks.
Public Offering – The process of selling a company’s shares to the public for the first time,
typically through an IPO.
Pump and Dump – A fraudulent practice where the price of a stock is artificially inflated, and
then the fraudsters sell off their shares for a profit.
Put Option – A contract that gives the holder the right to sell an asset at a specific price
within a specified time frame.
Qualified Institutional Buyer (QIB) – An institutional investor that meets certain criteria for
investing in certain types of securities.
Quick Ratio – A financial ratio used to measure a company’s ability to pay its short-term
obligations using its most liquid assets.
Recession – A period of significant economic decline, typically defined by two consecutive
quarters of negative GDP growth.
Recapitalization – A corporate strategy used to change a company’s capital structure by
altering its debt and equity ratios.
Redeemable Share – A type of share that can be bought back by the company at a
predetermined price.
Registrar of Companies (RoC) – A government authority responsible for registering
companies and overseeing compliance with corporate laws.
Rights Issue – A method of raising capital by offering additional shares to existing
shareholders at a discounted price.
Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) – The U.S. government agency responsible
for regulating the securities industry and enforcing federal securities laws.
Securities Law – A body of laws governing the issuance, purchase, and sale of securities to
protect investors.
Shareholder Agreement – A contract among shareholders of a company that outlines their
rights, obligations, and expectations regarding the ownership of shares.
Shelf Registration – A process that allows a company to register securities with the SEC
before offering them to the public, keeping the registration active for a specified period.
Short Selling – A trading strategy that involves selling borrowed securities with the intention
of buying them back at a lower price to make a profit.
Social Impact Investing – Investing in companies or projects that generate both financial
returns and positive social or environmental outcomes.
Special Purpose Acquisition Company (SPAC) – A company formed solely to acquire or
merge with an existing company, often used as a faster alternative to an IPO.
Spin-Off – A type of corporate restructuring in which a company creates a new independent
company by selling or distributing shares of a subsidiary.
Stakeholder – Any party that has an interest or stake in a company, including employees,
shareholders, customers, and suppliers.
Stock Option – A financial contract that gives an individual the right to buy or sell company
stock at a predetermined price within a certain time frame.
Stock Split – A corporate action that increases the number of shares outstanding by issuing
more shares to existing shareholders, often to make the stock more affordable.
Takeover Defense – Strategies employed by a company to resist or prevent an unwanted
takeover.
Target Company – The company being acquired or taken over in a merger or acquisition.
Tender Offer – A public offer to buy some or all of shareholders' shares at a specified price,
usually at a premium above the market price.
Toxic Debt – Debt that is unlikely to be repaid due to the financial troubles of the borrower.
Tranche – A portion of a security offering or debt issuance that is issued in multiple stages.
Trustee – An individual or entity appointed to manage assets or interests on behalf of
another party, often in the context of bankruptcy or trust funds.
Undervalued Stock – A stock that is selling for less than its intrinsic value, often seen as an
investment opportunity.
Unicorn – A privately held startup company valued at over $1 billion.
Underwriting – The process by which an underwriter (usually a bank or financial institution)
assumes the risk of issuing securities on behalf of a company.
Venture Capital – Capital invested in startups or small businesses with high growth
potential, usually in exchange for equity ownership.
White Knight – A company or investor that comes to the aid of a target company by offering
a more favorable merger or acquisition deal.
Working Capital – The capital available to a company for its day-to-day operations,
calculated as current assets minus current liabilities.
Write-Down – The reduction in the book value of an asset, typically due to impairment or
reduced market value.
Accretion – The gradual accumulation of capital or wealth, especially when referring to the
growth of a company's assets or equity over time.
Acquirer – A company or individual that seeks to purchase or gain control of another
company.
Advisory Board – A group of individuals selected to provide strategic advice and guidance
to a company, though they do not have formal decision-making authority.
Affiliated Company – A company that is linked to another company by ownership, control,
or other significant business relationships.
Affiliate Transactions – Transactions that occur between two companies or entities under
common control or ownership.
Agency Cost Theory – The theory that explains the costs incurred due to the conflicts of
interest between managers (agents) and shareholders (principals).
Alpha – A measure of an investment’s performance relative to a market index or
benchmark, often used to assess an investment manager's skill.
Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) – A range of methods, such as arbitration or
mediation, used to resolve disputes without going to court.
Amalgamation – The combination of two or more companies into one, typically with the aim
of improving efficiency, reducing competition, or increasing market share.
Amendment – A formal change or addition to an existing contract, law, or document,
including corporate governance documents.
Annual General Meeting (AGM) – A mandatory yearly meeting of a company’s
shareholders where they discuss the company’s financial performance, approve dividends,
and elect directors.
Anti-Competitive Practices – Business practices that unfairly limit competition, such as
price-fixing, collusion, or abuse of market power.
Arbitration – A form of dispute resolution in which an impartial third party, known as an
arbitrator, resolves a dispute outside of the court system.
Asset-Based Lending – A type of loan where the borrower uses their assets, such as
inventory or receivables, as collateral for the loan.
Asset Disposal – The sale or liquidation of a company’s assets, often to raise capital or
restructure operations.
Authorized Representative – An individual who has been granted legal authority to act on
behalf of another party, typically in business transactions.
Bargaining Power – The influence or leverage one party has over another during
negotiations, based on market position or resource control.
Barter System – A system where goods and services are exchanged for other goods and
services rather than for money.
Benchmarking – The process of comparing a company's performance or practices to those
of other companies or industry standards to identify areas for improvement.
Beneficiary – A person or entity entitled to receive benefits from a contract, trust, or estate.
Breach of Contract – A violation or failure to perform any term of a legally binding
agreement.
Buyback Program – A corporate strategy where a company repurchases its own shares
from the market, often to increase shareholder value.
Cumulative Voting – A voting system that allows shareholders to allocate all their votes to a
single candidate for the board of directors, giving minority shareholders more influence.
Covenant Not to Compete – A contractual clause in which an employee agrees not to start
or join a competing business for a specified period after leaving a company.
Cross-Border M&A – Mergers and acquisitions that occur between companies in different
countries or regions.
Cumulative Preferred Stock – A class of preferred stock where unpaid dividends
accumulate and must be paid before common stockholders receive dividends.
Debenture – A type of debt instrument issued by companies to raise capital, typically
unsecured by collateral.
Debt Restructuring – The process of reorganizing or modifying the terms of a company’s
outstanding debt, often to avoid default or bankruptcy.
Default – A failure to meet the legal obligations of a contract or debt agreement, such as
missing a payment.
Derivative Action – A lawsuit filed by a shareholder on behalf of a company, typically
against management, for actions that harm the company’s interests.
Dilution – The reduction in the ownership percentage of a shareholder as a result of the
issuance of additional shares by the company.
Directors’ Fiduciary Duty – The legal obligations of company directors to act in the best
interests of the company and its shareholders.
Discretionary Power – The ability to make decisions based on personal judgment, often
granted to company executives or directors within the bounds of their role.
Dispute Resolution Clause – A contract provision that outlines the process for resolving
conflicts or disagreements between parties without litigation.
Dissenting Shareholder – A shareholder who disagrees with a major corporate decision,
such as a merger or acquisition, and may have the right to sell their shares.
Divestiture – The process of selling off part of a company’s business, assets, or
subsidiaries, often as part of a restructuring strategy.
Due Diligence – The process of thoroughly investigating a business or investment
opportunity to assess its risks, liabilities, and potential before entering into a transaction.
Earnings Before Interest and Taxes (EBIT) – A measure of a company’s profitability,
calculated by subtracting operating expenses from revenues before deducting interest and
tax expenses.
Equity Financing – The process of raising capital by issuing shares of the company’s stock
to investors.
Equity Security – A financial instrument that represents ownership in a company, such as
common stock or preferred stock.
Escrow Account – An account where funds are held by a third party until certain conditions
are met, commonly used in mergers, acquisitions, or real estate transactions.
Exchange Offer – A proposal by a company to exchange its existing securities for new
ones, often used in debt restructuring or corporate transactions.
Exclusivity Agreement – An agreement that grants one party exclusive rights to perform
certain actions or provide certain goods or services within a specific territory or period.
Exit Clause – A provision in a contract or agreement that allows one or both parties to
terminate or exit the agreement under specified conditions.
Expropriation – The act of a government taking private property for public use, typically with
compensation to the owner.
Executive Compensation – The total pay package, including salary, bonuses, stock
options, and other incentives, given to a company’s top executives.
Exemption Clause – A provision in a contract that limits or excludes one party's liability
under certain conditions.
Fair Value – The price at which an asset or liability could be bought or sold in a market
transaction between willing parties.
Foreign Exchange Risk – The risk of financial loss due to fluctuations in the value of one
currency relative to another, often relevant in cross-border transactions.
Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) – A government body that approves foreign
direct investments in certain sectors of the economy.
Forward Contract – A financial agreement between two parties to buy or sell an asset at a
future date for a predetermined price.
Free Cash Flow – The cash a company generates from its operations after accounting for
capital expenditures, often used to measure financial health.
Friendly Acquisition – An acquisition in which the target company’s board and
management willingly agree to the terms of the acquisition.
Golden Handcuffs – A financial incentive that encourages an executive or key employee to
stay with a company for a specified period, often in the form of stock options or bonuses.
Greenfield Investment – Investment in a new business or project where the investor builds
from the ground up, rather than acquiring an existing business.
Grounds for Termination – The specific legal reasons or conditions under which a contract,
agreement, or employee relationship can be ended.
Guarantee – A promise or assurance that a debt or obligation will be met, typically offered
by a third party to ensure payment.
Hedging – The practice of using financial instruments or strategies to offset potential losses
in investments or business operations.
Holding Company – A company that owns enough voting stock in another company to
control its policies and management but does not directly engage in its operations.
Hostile Acquisition – A takeover in which the target company’s management does not
agree to the acquisition.
Hybrid Security – A financial instrument that combines features of both debt and equity,
such as convertible bonds.
Impairment – A reduction in the value of an asset due to unforeseen events or
circumstances, often reflected in financial statements.
Incorporation – The process of legally creating a corporation, granting it legal status as a
separate entity from its owners.
Indemnity – A contractual agreement in which one party agrees to compensate another
party for any harm, loss, or damage.
Indenture – A formal contract between a borrower and a lender, typically outlining the terms
of a bond issue.
Initial Public Offering (IPO) – The first sale of a company’s stock to the public, allowing it to
raise capital from public investors.
Intangible Asset – Non-physical assets, such as trademarks, patents, and goodwill, that
have value for a business.
Intellectual Property (IP) – Creations of the mind, such as inventions, designs, and brand
names, that are protected by law from unauthorized use.
International Monetary Fund (IMF) – An international financial institution that provides
loans and assistance to countries facing economic difficulties.
Internal Control – The processes and procedures implemented by a company to ensure the
accuracy of financial reporting and compliance with laws and regulations.
Investment Bank – A financial institution that assists companies in raising capital by issuing
stocks, bonds, and other securities.
Junk Bond – A high-risk bond issued by a company with poor creditworthiness, often
yielding higher returns.
Joint Venture (JV) – A business arrangement where two or more parties agree to pool
resources for a specific project or venture, sharing profits and risks.
Judicial Review – The power of courts to examine the actions of government officials or
bodies to ensure they comply with the law.
Kiss of Death – A term used to describe an acquisition or business deal that significantly
harms the target company’s value.
KYC (Know Your Customer) – The process by which a business verifies the identity of its
customers, often required by financial institutions to prevent fraud and money laundering.
Labor Union – An organization of workers formed to protect their rights and interests in the
workplace.
Lender’s Liability – The legal responsibility of a lender for actions that cause harm to the
borrower or other stakeholders.
Letter of Intent (LOI) – A document outlining the preliminary terms and conditions of a
business transaction or agreement.
Leverage Buyout (LBO) – The acquisition of a company using borrowed funds to finance
the purchase, often involving the target company’s assets as collateral.
Limited Liability Partnership (LLP) – A partnership structure where partners have limited
liability for the debts and obligations of the business.
Liquidation Preference – The order in which investors or shareholders are paid during a
company’s liquidation, often giving preferred shareholders priority.
Loan Syndication – The process of multiple lenders coming together to provide a large loan
to a borrower, spreading the risk among them.
Macroprudential Regulation – Regulatory measures designed to ensure the stability of the
financial system as a whole, rather than focusing on individual institutions.
Management Buyout (MBO) – A transaction where a company’s management team
purchases the company from its owners or shareholders.
Margin Call – A demand by a broker or lender for additional funds or securities to cover
potential losses in an investment account.
Mark-to-Market Accounting – An accounting method that records the value of assets and
liabilities based on current market prices, rather than historical cost.
Merger Arbitrage – A trading strategy that involves buying and selling stocks in companies
involved in mergers or acquisitions to profit from price discrepancies.
Minority Shareholder – A shareholder who owns less than 50% of a company’s shares and
does not have control over corporate decisions.
Moral Hazard – A situation where one party takes on excessive risk because they do not
bear the full consequences of their actions.
Naked Short Selling – A practice of selling shares without actually borrowing them, often
leading to market manipulation.
Netting – The process of offsetting the values of multiple transactions between two parties
to reduce the number of transactions and risk.
Over-the-Counter (OTC) – Securities or derivatives traded directly between parties, rather
than through an exchange.
Pari Passu – A Latin term meaning "on equal footing," used to describe situations where
multiple parties are treated equally, particularly in terms of payment priority.
Participation Agreement – An agreement in which a party agrees to participate in an
investment or financing arrangement.
Pay-to-Play – A provision in venture capital or private equity financing that requires existing
investors to participate in subsequent rounds of financing to maintain their rights.
Penny Stock – A low-priced, speculative stock, often traded over-the-counter, with high
volatility.
Performance Bond – A guarantee provided by a contractor or company to ensure the
fulfillment of a contractual obligation.
Petty Cash – A small amount of cash held by a business for minor or incidental expenses.
Power of Attorney – A legal document granting one person the authority to act on behalf of
another, typically in business or legal matters.

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