citation

Definition

In law, either the official summons commanding someone to appear in court or the reference to legal authorities supporting an argument. Can also be that expensive piece of paper a cop gives you for parking wrong. Basically, it's any formal notification that someone wants your attention, usually for reasons that will cost you money.

Example Usage

The attorney included citations to three Supreme Court cases to bolster her argument in the appellate brief.

Source: Common legal terminology

Related Terms

Beginner

lawyers

Professionally trained legal gladiators who charge $400/hour to tell you things you could Google, but shouldn't. These bar-certified wordsmiths specialize in translating English into legalese and back again, losing meaning at each conversion. Despite their reputation, they're the only people standing between you and complete legal chaos—or causing it, depending on which side they're on.

⚖️ Legal

Intermediate

subrogation

When one party steps into another's shoes to claim their rights, typically your insurance company suing on your behalf after paying your claim. They get the money, you get the satisfaction of watching.

⚖️ Legal

Intermediate

dismissal with prejudice

A court's final decision that permanently bars a plaintiff from refiling the same claim, the legal equivalent of 'don't ever bring this nonsense here again.' The 'with prejudice' part means you got one shot and you blew it.

⚖️ Legal

Intermediate

vexatious litigant

A person who repeatedly files frivolous or harassing lawsuits, requiring court permission before filing new cases. It's the legal system's restraining order against people who've weaponized the complaint form.

⚖️ Legal

Intermediate

statutory

The adjective meaning something is created by, defined by, or regulated by statutes—aka laws passed by legislatures rather than judge-made common law. When something is statutory, it's written down in the books and you can actually point to it. The opposite of those vague "because that's how we've always done it" legal principles.

⚖️ Legal

Beginner

defence

The legal strategy, arguments, and evidence marshaled to protect someone against accusations, attacks, or that sinking feeling when opposing counsel stands up. In court, it's everything from 'I didn't do it' to 'I did it but here's why it was justified,' complete with witnesses, exhibits, and passionate objections. A good defence turns 'caught red-handed' into 'reasonable doubt,' while a bad one turns 'maybe' into 'definitely guilty.'

⚖️ Legal

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smhid

shaking my head in disgust...