What Is Law New?

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law new

In a general sense, this term can be used to describe a growing area of the practice of law. It can also be used to describe the changing nature of the practice itself, as law firms adapt their services in response to economic, social and technological changes. It can also be used to describe different ways that lawyers use technology in their work, such as online tools and software programs.

See LEGAL TECHNOLOGY for more on these topics.

APPEARANCE. [@-pel-@nt] The act of coming into court as a party or interested person, or of appearing in a case as a lawyer on behalf of someone else Judy appeared for her client on appeal>. Also called appearance of counsel, appearant, counsel of record.

CAUSE OF ACTION. [@-soh-uh-tor] The group of operative facts that gives rise to a claim for liability in a lawsuit the surgeon’s actions gave the family a cause of action against him>. Also called cause of action, claim, wrongful act, or wrong.

COMPLAINT. [@-com-plaht] A written or verbal statement alleging that a statutory, constitutional or common-law violation has occurred. Also called complaint of illegal conduct, illegal proceeding, and wrongful act.

COVERAGE OF NEW LAWS. [@-cover-wa-ls] The reporting and publication of laws by legislative bodies, regulatory agencies, judicial departments and other organizations. Often the coverage includes a summary of the laws, their history, intent and purpose, and their application in particular situations. The publication of such reports is an essential part of the process by which the public is informed about law and the role of government in society.

CONSTITUTION. [@-con-sist-wuh] The fundamental principles of a nation or state that govern the structure and functions of its government, its relationship to the people and the economy, and its relationship with other nations and governments. Often the constitutions of a country contain statements of democratic ideals and the principles by which a nation or state may be judged.

CORPORATION. [@-corpora-tr] A statutory entity created by statute having authority to conduct business as a distinct person, including the right to issue stock and to exist indefinitely.

This article was republished from the LexisNexis Law Journal, October 2007. Reprinted with permission of LexisNexis, a division of Reed Elsevier. To purchase this article, click here to learn more about LexisNexis Law Journal or call 1-800-874-8861. LexisNexis Law Journal is available through our resellers, including Westlaw and Bloomberg Law.