Lawsuit

A legal action started by a plaintiff against a defendant based on a complaint.

Legislature

The branch of government with the power to make or change laws.

Liability, joint and several

When two or more persons in a civil case share legal responsibility for an act, and each separately can be held fully responsible for the act.

Liable

Legally responsible or obligated.

Lien

The legal right a creditor acquires in one’s property that generally stays in effect until the underlying obligation to the creditor is satisfied.

Litigant

A party to a lawsuit.

Litigation

A case, controversy, or lawsuit. The plaintiffs and defendants in lawsuits are sometimes called litigants.

The CNO Legal Glossary is part of an ongoing effort to educate the public about the courts and explain the legal system. The glossary is an evolving, interactive public resource. CNO encourages readers to send in their ideas for words and phrases to be considered for inclusion in the glossary. Submit your suggestions to CNO@sc.ohio.gov. The content of the CNO Legal Glossary does not represent the legal views of the court and is not considered or consulted by the justices in case deliberations.