GI glossary terms

Browse full definitions for every GI term in the Amicus glossary.

Gideon V. Wainwright

/ˈɡɪdiən ˈviː ˈweɪnraɪt/

Definitions

  1. (n.) A landmark 1963 U.S. Supreme Court case establishing the right to counsel for indigent defendants in criminal cases.
    Gideon v. Wainwright guarantees the right to a lawyer even if the defendant cannot afford one.

Forms

  • gideon v. wainwright

Commentary

This case is foundational for criminal defense rights and often cited in broader discussions of fair trial guarantees under the Sixth Amendment.


Gift

/ˈɡɪft/

Definitions

  1. (n.) A voluntary transfer of property or assets without consideration, intending to confer a benefit on the recipient.
    She made a gift of her antique jewelry to her niece.
  2. (v.) To voluntarily transfer property or assets to someone without receiving anything in return.
    He gifted his shares to his children during his lifetime.

Forms

  • gifts
  • gifted
  • gifting

Commentary

In legal contexts, a gift requires donative intent, delivery, and acceptance; distinguishing it from contracts which require consideration.


Gift Causa Mortis

/ˈɡɪft ˈkɔːzə ˈmɔːrtɪs/

Definitions

  1. (n.) A gift made in contemplation of impending death, effective only if the donor dies from the expected cause.
    She made a gift causa mortis of her ring, which would take effect only if she passed away from her illness.

Forms

  • gift causa mortis

Commentary

This type of gift differs from inter vivos gifts, as it is conditional upon imminent death, requiring careful drafting to ensure validity.


Gift Law

/ˈɡɪft lɔː/

Definitions

  1. (n.) The body of law governing the voluntary transfer of property from one person to another without consideration, typically during the giver's lifetime.
    Under gift law, the donor must intend to make a gift, deliver the property, and the donee must accept it.

Forms

  • gift law
  • gift laws

Commentary

Gift law requires clear intent and delivery; formalities vary by jurisdiction and type of property.


Gift Tax

/ˈɡɪft tæks/

Definitions

  1. (n.) A tax imposed on the transfer of property or assets from one individual to another without receiving full value in return, typically during the giver's lifetime.
    The donor was required to file a gift tax return after transferring a valuable painting to his niece.

Forms

  • gift tax
  • gift taxes

Commentary

Gift tax rules vary by jurisdiction and may have exemptions or thresholds; careful drafting is necessary to address these specifics.


Gig Worker

/ˈɡɪɡ ˌwɜrkər/

Definitions

  1. (n.) An individual engaged in temporary, flexible, freelance jobs, typically arranged via digital platforms, without long-term employment contracts.
    The gig worker completed multiple rideshare trips in a single day.
  2. (n.) A worker performing services classified legally as independent contractors rather than employees, affecting rights and benefits.
    Legal disputes often arise over whether a gig worker qualifies for employee protections.

Forms

  • gig worker
  • gig workers

Commentary

The term encompasses both economic and legal perspectives regarding worker status, with varying implications for labor rights and benefits.


Gish Gallop

/ˈɡɪʃ ˈɡæl.əp/

Definitions

  1. (n.) A debate tactic involving overwhelming an opponent with many weak or misleading arguments to evade scrutiny.
    The lawyer's use of a Gish Gallop made it difficult for opposing counsel to address each claim effectively.

Commentary

Primarily a rhetorical technique, the Gish Gallop may be relevant in legal contexts involving argument evaluation or courtroom strategy, highlighting the importance of careful analysis of cumulative assertions.

Glossary – GI Terms