Glossary of Tort Law Terms

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Real Property: Land and all the things that are attached to it. Anything that is not real property is personal property and personal property is anything that isn't nailed down, dug into or built onto the land. A house is real property, but a dining room set is not.

Reasonable Care: The level of care a typical person would use if faced with the same circumstances.

Record: A written account of all the acts and proceedings in a lawsuit.

Re-cross Examination: Questioning a witness about matters brought up during re-direct examination.

Re-direct Examination: Questioning a witness about matters brought up during cross examination.

Remand: When an appellate court sends a case back to a lower court for further proceedings.

Replevin: Repossession. Action taken by a creditor to seize assets of a debtor.

Res Ipsa Loquitur: A Latin phrase, that means "the thing speaks for itself." Refers to situations when it's assumed that a person's injury was caused by the negligent action of another party because the accident was the sort that wouldn't occur unless someone was negligent.

Retainer: Refers to the up front payment a client gives a lawyer to accept a case. The client is paying to "retain" the lawyer's services.

Retaining Lien: Gives a lawyer the rights to hold on to your money or property (such as a deed) until you pay the bill.