JO glossary terms

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

Job

/ˈdʒɒb/

Definitions

  1. (n.) A paid position of regular employment, often formalized by contract law.
    She accepted the job offer with a well-defined employment contract.
  2. (n.) A task or piece of work assigned or undertaken, particularly in contract or labor law contexts.
    The contractor completed the job as specified in the agreement.

Forms

  • jobs

Commentary

Legal usage of “job” typically refers either to an employment position or a defined task in contractual arrangements; clarity is essential to distinguish these in drafting.


Job Analysis

/ˈdʒɒb əˌnæləsɪs/

Definitions

  1. (n.) The systematic process of identifying and evaluating job duties, responsibilities, skills, and work environment to inform employment decisions and legal compliance.
    The company's HR department conducted a job analysis to ensure compliance with labor laws and to develop fair employment policies.

Forms

  • job analysis
  • job analyses

Commentary

Job analysis is foundational in employment law for defining roles, setting criteria for hiring, and defending against discrimination claims.


Job Application

/ˈdʒɒb ˌæplɪˈkeɪʃən/

Definitions

  1. (n.) A formal request submitted by an individual seeking employment, often including personal information, qualifications, and a statement of interest.
    She submitted her job application online to be considered for the position.

Forms

  • job applications

Commentary

In legal contexts, a job application may form the basis for claims regarding discrimination or breach of contract; ensure precise language to avoid ambiguities about the terms offered or accepted.


Job Assessment

/ˈdʒɒb əˈsɛsmənt/

Definitions

  1. (n.) A formal evaluation process used by employers to determine a candidate's suitability for a position based on skills, qualifications, and legal compliance.
    The company conducted a thorough job assessment before extending a job offer.

Forms

  • job assessment
  • job assessments

Commentary

Job assessments must be designed carefully to avoid legal issues related to discrimination and to comply with labor laws.


Job Assignment

/ˈdʒɒb əˌsaɪnmənt/

Definitions

  1. (n.) The formal designation or delegation of specific duties or tasks to an individual or entity, often in employment or contractual contexts.
    The employee received a job assignment to complete the contract review by Friday.

Forms

  • job assignment
  • job assignments

Commentary

In legal drafting, clarity in specifying the scope and nature of a job assignment can prevent disputes about duty obligations.


Job Center

/ˈdʒɒb ˌsɛn.tər/

Definitions

  1. (n.) An official office or agency that provides employment services, including job placement and unemployment benefits assistance under labor law.
    The claimant visited the job center to apply for unemployment benefits after losing his job.

Forms

  • job center
  • job centers

Commentary

In legal contexts, 'job center' often refers to government-operated offices facilitating compliance with employment and social security regulations.


Job Classification

/ˈdʒɒb ˌklæsɪfɪˈkeɪʃən/

Definitions

  1. (n.) The process of categorizing jobs within an organization to establish standardized roles, responsibilities, and pay scales for legal and administrative purposes.
    The company implemented a new job classification system to comply with labor regulations.

Forms

  • job classification

Commentary

Job classification is crucial in ensuring compliance with employment laws and preventing discrimination in pay and promotion.


Job Description

/ˈdʒɒb dɪˌskrɪpʃən/

Definitions

  1. (n.) A formal written statement describing the duties, responsibilities, and qualifications associated with a particular employment position.
    The employer provided a detailed job description outlining the employee's tasks and expectations.

Forms

  • job descriptions

Commentary

A job description is a foundational document in employment law, often referenced in disputes regarding job duties and performance expectations.


Job Evaluation

/ˈdʒɒb ˌɪvæljuˈeɪʃən/

Definitions

  1. (n.) A systematic process to determine the relative worth of jobs within an organization for the purpose of establishing fair compensation.
    The company conducted a job evaluation to revise its salary structure.

Forms

  • job evaluation
  • job evaluations

Commentary

Job evaluation assists legal compliance with equal pay and anti-discrimination laws by establishing objective criteria for remuneration.


Job Grading

/ˈdʒɒb ˈɡreɪdɪŋ/

Definitions

  1. (n.) The systematic classification of jobs within an organization based on factors such as responsibilities, skills, and working conditions for purposes of salary determination and organizational structure.
    The company implemented job grading to ensure equitable pay among employees with similar responsibilities.

Forms

  • job grading

Commentary

Job grading often requires clear criteria to minimize disputes over pay and to comply with equal employment laws.


Job Offer

/ˈdʒɒb ˌɒfə(r)/

Definitions

  1. (n.) A formal proposal by an employer to a candidate offering employment under specified terms.
    She accepted the job offer after reviewing the salary and benefits.

Forms

  • job offer
  • job offers

Commentary

The term 'job offer' legally signifies the initiation of contractual negotiations and must include clear terms to differentiate from mere invitations to treat.


Job Order

/ˈdʒɒb ˌɔrdər/

Definitions

  1. (n.) A written or electronic document authorizing and detailing the specific work or task to be performed under contract, commonly used in manufacturing, construction, or service industries.
    The company issued a job order specifying the materials and timeline for the project.

Forms

  • job order

Commentary

Job orders serve as precise authorizations within contractual frameworks and should clearly specify scope, deliverables, and deadlines to avoid disputes.


Job Performance

/ˈdʒɒb pərˈfɔːrməns/

Definitions

  1. (n.) The evaluation of an employee's effectiveness and productivity in fulfilling job duties, often used as a basis for legal decisions in employment disputes.
    The court considered the evidence of job performance when determining wrongful termination claims.

Forms

  • job performance

Commentary

Job performance assessments in legal contexts must be objective and well-documented to withstand scrutiny in claims involving discrimination or contract disputes.


Job Placement Agreement

/ˈdʒɒb ˈpleɪsmənt əˈgriːmənt/

Definitions

  1. (n.) A contract between a job seeker and an employment agency outlining terms for finding employment.
    The job placement agreement specified the agency's commission upon successful hiring.

Forms

  • job placement agreement
  • job placement agreements

Commentary

Typically includes provisions on fees, duration, and obligations of both parties; clarity is vital to avoid disputes over placement success and payment.


Job Screening

/ˈdʒɒb ˈskriːnɪŋ/

Definitions

  1. (n.) The process of evaluating candidates' qualifications, background, and suitability for employment, often involving interviews, background checks, and assessment tests.
    The company implemented rigorous job screening procedures to comply with labor laws and ensure workplace safety.

Forms

  • job screening

Commentary

Job screening must be carefully designed to avoid discrimination and comply with privacy regulations.


Jobless Benefits

/ˈdʒɒbləs ˈbɛnɪfɪts/

Definitions

  1. (n.) Government-provided monetary assistance to individuals who are unemployed and seeking work.
    She applied for jobless benefits after losing her job due to company downsizing.

Forms

  • jobless benefits
  • jobless benefit

Commentary

Often used interchangeably with unemployment benefits, jobless benefits specifically emphasize aid provided during periods of involuntary unemployment.


Jobseeker

/ˈdʒɒbˌsiːkər/

Definitions

  1. (n.) An individual actively seeking employment, often in legal contexts relating to employment law and benefits eligibility.
    The jobseeker applied for unemployment benefits after losing his position.

Forms

  • jobseeker
  • jobseekers

Commentary

In legal contexts, 'jobseeker' commonly appears in statutes and regulations concerning eligibility for social security benefits and employment rights.


Jobseeker's Allowance

/ˈdʒɒbsiːkəz əˈlaʊəns/

Definitions

  1. (n.) A social security benefit in the UK payable to unemployed individuals actively seeking work.
    She applied for jobseeker's allowance to support herself while looking for a new job.

Forms

  • jobseeker's allowance

Commentary

Typically requires claimants to actively seek employment and meet eligibility criteria; often referenced in welfare and employment contexts.


Jobseekers Agreement

/ˈdʒɒbˌsiːkərz əˈɡriːmənt/

Definitions

  1. (n.) A formal agreement between a jobseeker and an employment agency or government body outlining obligations and activities aimed at securing employment.
    The jobseekers agreement requires the applicant to attend regular meetings and training sessions.

Forms

  • jobseekers agreement

Commentary

Often used in public employment services, this agreement clarifies mutual responsibilities and conditions for receiving support or benefits.


Join

/dʒɔɪn/

Definitions

  1. (v.) To unite or combine parties, claims, or issues in one legal action or document.
    The court allowed the plaintiff to join multiple claims in a single lawsuit.
  2. (v.) To add a party to an ongoing legal proceeding.
    The defendant moved to join an additional party to the case.

Forms

  • joins
  • joined
  • joining

Commentary

In legal drafting, 'join' often appears in procedural contexts involving joinder of parties or claims; clarity on which form of joinder is intended helps avoid ambiguity.


Joinder

/ˈdʒɔɪndər/

Definitions

  1. (n.) The procedural act of bringing multiple parties or claims into one lawsuit.
    The court granted joinder of the two defendants to streamline the proceedings.
  2. (n.) The legal requirement or allowance to combine separate legal issues or parties for efficiency and consistency.
    Joinder is often necessary to avoid multiple lawsuits on the same matter.

Commentary

Joinder is a key procedure in civil litigation to avoid duplicative or contradictory judgments; drafters should specify if joinder is permissive or mandatory.


Joint

/ˈdʒɔɪnt/

Definitions

  1. (adj.) Involving two or more parties together, especially in legal obligations, rights, or responsibilities.
    The parties entered into a joint venture agreement.
  2. (n.) A point where two or more entities, such as contracts, rights, or obligations, converge or are shared.
    They held joint ownership of the property.
  3. (n.) A slang term for a place, often a bar or club, sometimes used in legal contexts regarding property or licensing.
    The police raided the joint for illegal activity.

Forms

  • joints

Commentary

Use 'joint' to indicate shared legal interests or responsibilities; context clarifies whether it is adjectival or nominal.


Joint Action

/ˈdʒɔɪnt ˈækʃən/

Definitions

  1. (n.) An act performed by two or more parties together to achieve a common legal or contractual objective.
    The parties engaged in a joint action to enforce the terms of the agreement.
  2. (n.) In international law, a coordinated measure taken by multiple states or organizations toward a common goal, often in enforcement or defense contexts.
    The coalition executed a joint action authorized by the United Nations Security Council.

Forms

  • joint actions

Commentary

In drafting, clarity is needed to specify the nature and extent of participation by each party in a joint action to avoid ambiguity in responsibilities and liabilities.


Joint and Several Liability

/ˈdʒɔɪnt ænd ˈsɛvrəl laɪˈbɪlɪti/

Definitions

  1. (n.) A legal doctrine under which each party involved in an obligation is individually responsible for the entire debt or damage, as well as collectively with the others.
    Under joint and several liability, the plaintiff can recover the full amount of damages from any one of the defendants.

Commentary

Often arises in tort and contract cases; careful drafting can clarify allocation of fault and payment among parties.


Joint Command

/ˈdʒɔɪnt kəˈmænd/

Definitions

  1. (n.) A military or organizational command structure involving personnel from two or more service branches or entities, operating under a unified leadership for combined operations.
    The joint command coordinated the efforts of the army and navy during the operation.

Forms

  • joint command

Commentary

The term is primarily used in military and defense law contexts to describe integrated command arrangements involving multiple services or agencies.


Joint Commission

/ˈdʒɔɪnt kəˈmɪʃən/

Definitions

  1. (n.) An official body composed of representatives from two or more entities with authority to oversee, regulate, or coordinate activities, often in legal or administrative contexts.
    The joint commission issued new guidelines for compliance with safety regulations.
  2. (n.) In healthcare law, an independent nonprofit organization that accredits and certifies healthcare organizations in the United States, ensuring compliance with performance standards.
    The hospital sought accreditation from the Joint Commission to demonstrate its commitment to quality care.

Forms

  • joint commission

Commentary

Typically capitalized when referring to the healthcare accrediting organization; clarity is needed to distinguish between general joint commissions and the specific accrediting body.


Joint Committee

/ˈdʒɔɪnt kəˈmɪti/

Definitions

  1. (n.) A committee composed of members from two or more separate bodies, often legislative, formed to deliberate on shared issues or draft joint legislation.
    The joint committee reviewed the proposed tax reforms before presenting them to both houses of Congress.
  2. (n.) A temporary committee formed by two or more organizations or agencies to collaborate on a specific legal or regulatory matter.
    The regulatory agencies established a joint committee to investigate the environmental compliance breaches.

Forms

  • joint committee
  • joint committees

Commentary

Joint committees serve to bridge organizational or institutional divisions, facilitating coordinated legislative or regulatory action. When drafting, specify the constituent bodies and the committee's scope to clarify its functions.


Joint Consultation

/ˈdʒɔɪnt kənˌsʌlˈteɪʃən/

Definitions

  1. (n.) A process where two or more parties engage in formal discussions to reach mutual agreement or resolve issues, often in a legal or regulatory context.
    The union and management held a joint consultation before implementing the new workplace policy.

Forms

  • joint consultation

Commentary

Used primarily in labor law and corporate governance contexts, joint consultation facilitates stakeholder dialogue before decisions are finalized.


Joint Custody

/ˈdʒɔɪnt ˈkʌstədi/

Definitions

  1. (n.) Legal arrangement where two or more persons share legal and/or physical custody of a child following separation or divorce.
    The court awarded joint custody to both parents to ensure shared decision-making for the child's welfare.
  2. (n.) A form of custody involving shared rights and responsibilities for care and upbringing of a minor.
    Under joint custody, both parents must agree on major decisions affecting the child.

Forms

  • joint custody

Commentary

Joint custody can be subdivided into joint legal custody and joint physical custody; drafters should specify which form is intended for clarity.


Joint Defendants

/ˈdʒɔɪnt dɪˈfɛndənts/

Definitions

  1. (n.) Two or more defendants jointly sued or charged in the same legal proceeding, typically held responsible together for the alleged claim or offense.
    The court scheduled a trial date for the joint defendants to answer the allegations.

Forms

  • joint defendants
  • joint defendant

Commentary

Used primarily in civil and criminal litigation to signify defendants jointly named, affecting procedural and substantive rights including service, liability, and defense strategy.


Joint Defense Agreement

/ˌdʒɔɪnt dɪˈfɛns əˈɡriːmənt/

Definitions

  1. (n.) A contract between parties involved in related legal matters agreeing to share information and strategies while maintaining confidentiality to coordinate their defense.
    The defendants entered into a joint defense agreement to collaborate on their lawsuit defense.

Forms

  • joint defense agreement
  • joint defense agreements

Commentary

Joint defense agreements are critical to preserving privileged communications among parties with aligned legal interests; drafters must clearly define scope and confidentiality terms to avoid waiver issues.


Joint Employer

/ˈdʒɔɪnt ɛmˈplɔɪər/

Definitions

  1. (n.) A party recognized by law as sharing control and responsibilities over the same employees with another employer.
    Both companies were held liable as joint employers for wage violations.

Forms

  • joint employer
  • joint employers

Commentary

The concept varies by jurisdiction and affects liability and bargaining rights; precise criteria depend on the extent of control and economic dependence.


Joint Employment

/ˈdʒɔɪnt ɛmˈplɔɪmənt/

Definitions

  1. (n.) A legal doctrine where two or more entities share responsibility as employers for the same employee under labor or employment law.
    The court found joint employment due to shared control over the worker's job duties.

Forms

  • joint employment

Commentary

Joint employment often hinges on factors like control and economic dependence; precise allocation of responsibilities is key in drafting agreements to avoid ambiguity.


Joint Implementation

/ˈdʒɔɪnt ˌɪmplɪmɛnˈteɪʃən/

Definitions

  1. (n.) A mechanism under the Kyoto Protocol allowing industrialized countries to jointly implement projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions to meet their emission reduction commitments.
    The countries entered into a joint implementation agreement to fund renewable energy projects.

Forms

  • joint implementation
  • joint implementations

Commentary

Joint Implementation specifically refers to a flexible mechanism under international environmental law, primarily the Kyoto Protocol, so usage in other contexts should be carefully distinguished.


Joint Interest

/ˈdʒɔɪnt ˈɪntərɪst/

Definitions

  1. (n.) An ownership or stake held jointly by two or more parties in a specific property, venture, or financial arrangement, especially in resource extraction or business partnerships.
    The oil companies shared a joint interest in the drilling lease.
  2. (n.) A mutual benefit or shared goal pursued collectively by multiple parties.
    The parties acted in their joint interest to resolve the dispute amicably.

Forms

  • joint interest
  • joint interests

Commentary

In drafting, specify the nature and extent of the joint interest to avoid ambiguity in rights and obligations among the parties.


Joint Liability

/ˈdʒɔɪnt laɪəˈbɪlɪti/

Definitions

  1. (n.) Legal responsibility shared equally by two or more parties such that each is liable for the entire obligation.
    Under joint liability, each co-signer can be sued for the full amount of the debt.

Commentary

Joint liability means creditors may pursue any liable party for full recovery, contrasting with several liability where obligations are divided.


Joint Litigation

/ˈdʒɔɪnt ˈlɪtɪɡeɪʃən/

Definitions

  1. (n.) A procedural practice where two or more parties engage collectively in a single lawsuit, either as plaintiffs or defendants.
    The parties agreed to pursue joint litigation to consolidate their claims against the defendant.
  2. (n.) A form of coordinated legal action involving multiple litigants sharing interests or claims to promote efficiency and consistency in court rulings.
    Joint litigation helped reduce costs by combining similar cases into one proceeding.

Commentary

Joint litigation often requires careful management of differing party interests and alignment of legal strategies to avoid conflicts and ensure effective case management.


Joint Obligation

/ˈdʒɔɪnt ˌɑblɪˈɡeɪʃən/

Definitions

  1. (n.) A legal duty shared by two or more parties where each is responsible for the entire obligation until it is fully performed.
    The siblings incurred a joint obligation to repay the family loan, each liable for the full amount.
  2. (n.) An obligation where parties must perform together or not at all, often arising in contracts or torts.
    Under their joint obligation, the partners must act collectively to fulfill the contract terms.

Forms

  • joint obligations

Commentary

Joint obligation implies unified responsibility among parties, differing from several obligations where liabilities are separate; precise drafting is vital to reflect parties' intended liabilities.


Joint Obligor

/ˈdʒɔɪnt əˈblɪɡər/

Definitions

  1. (n.) A party who shares legal obligation with one or more other parties under a contract or liability, each being independently liable for the full performance.
    The creditor can sue any joint obligor for the entire amount owed.

Forms

  • joint obligors

Commentary

In contracts, joint obligors are severally liable but often treated as jointly liable, requiring precise drafting to clarify the scope of obligations.


Joint Ownership

/ˈdʒɔɪnt ˈoʊnərʃɪp/

Definitions

  1. (n.) A form of concurrent property ownership where two or more persons hold property interests simultaneously with equal rights, often entailing right of survivorship.
    The couple held the house under joint ownership, so the survivor inherited it automatically.
  2. (n.) An ownership arrangement where multiple parties share legal title but may differ in proportion or type of interest, such as tenants in common or joint tenants.
    Joint ownership requires clear agreement on each party’s rights and responsibilities to avoid disputes.

Commentary

Joint ownership is frequently distinguished from tenancy in common by the implication of right of survivorship, which should be clearly specified in legal instruments to avoid ambiguity.


Joint Possession

/ˈdʒɔɪnt pəˈzɛʃən/

Definitions

  1. (n.) The shared occupancy or control of property or goods by two or more persons simultaneously, each having a right to possess the whole.
    The married couple held joint possession of the family home.
  2. (n.) Coherent possession of an item or property where multiple parties have legal or equitable interests recognized by law.
    Joint possession can affect the division of assets during a legal dispute.

Forms

  • joint possession

Commentary

Joint possession often requires clarity in agreements to define the extent and nature of each party's rights and responsibilities to avoid disputes.


Joint Representation

/ˈdʒɔɪnt ˌrɛprɪzɛnˈteɪʃən/

Definitions

  1. (n.) An arrangement where a single attorney or law firm represents two or more clients in the same legal matter, balancing duties to each client.
    The lawyer discussed the risks of joint representation before taking on both parties in the dispute.

Forms

  • joint representation

Commentary

Joint representation requires clear, informed consent from all parties due to potential conflicts of interest.


Joint Resolution

/ˈdʒɔɪnt ˌrɛzəˈluːʃən/

Definitions

  1. (n.) A legislative measure adopted by both houses of a bicameral legislature that requires approval by the executive to become law, often used to address specific legal questions or constitutional amendments.
    Congress passed a joint resolution to authorize emergency funding.
  2. (n.) A resolution passed jointly by both chambers of a legislature, often used for limited or special legislative actions distinct from statutes.
    The joint resolution declared a day of national remembrance.

Forms

  • joint resolution
  • joint resolutions

Commentary

Joint resolutions often have the force of law when signed by the executive, unlike concurrent or simple resolutions, which typically do not.


Joint Task Force

/ˌdʒɔɪnt tæsk fɔːrs/

Definitions

  1. (n.) A temporary military or law enforcement body composed of members from multiple branches or agencies assigned to accomplish a specific mission or task.
    The joint task force was established to coordinate efforts across agencies during the emergency response.

Forms

  • joint task force
  • joint task forces

Commentary

Joint task forces are often created by statute or executive order and have specific operational or investigative mandates crossing jurisdictional boundaries.


Joint Tenancy

/ˌdʒɔɪnt ˈtɛnənsi/

Definitions

  1. (n.) A form of co-ownership where two or more persons hold equal interests in property with a right of survivorship.
    Upon the death of one joint tenant, the property automatically passes to the surviving joint tenants.

Commentary

Joint tenancy requires the four unities: time, title, interest, and possession, and is often used in estate planning to ensure automatic transfer on death.


Joint Tenancy with Right of Survivorship

/ˌdʒɔɪnt ˈtɛnənsi wɪð raɪt ʌv səˈvɪvərʃɪp/

Definitions

  1. (n.) A form of co-ownership where two or more people hold property jointly with equal rights and the right of survivorship, meaning upon a co-owner's death their share passes automatically to the surviving co-owners.
    They bought the house as joint tenants with right of survivorship to ensure smooth transfer of ownership.

Forms

  • joint tenancy with right of survivorship

Commentary

Careful drafting is required to clearly specify survivorship rights to avoid unintended tenancy in common; often used for estate planning to bypass probate.


Joint Tortfeasors

/ˈdʒɔɪnt ˈtɔrtfiˌeɪzərz/

Definitions

  1. (n. pl.) Two or more parties jointly responsible for the same tortious act, each liable for the full extent of damages.
    The court held that the joint tortfeasors were each responsible for compensating the plaintiff in full.

Forms

  • joint tortfeasors
  • joint tortfeasor

Commentary

The term emphasizes shared liability for a single tortious act, often triggering joint and several liability rules.


Joint Trial

/ˈdʒɔɪnt traɪəl/

Definitions

  1. (n.) A legal proceeding in which two or more parties or claims are tried together in one trial to improve efficiency and consistency.
    The court ordered a joint trial for the defendants involved in related criminal charges.

Forms

  • joint trial

Commentary

Joint trials are often used to avoid conflicting verdicts and conserve judicial resources but may raise concerns about prejudice to defendants due to combined evidence or issues.


Joint Venture

/ˌdʒɔɪnt ˈvɛnʧər/

Definitions

  1. (n.) A business arrangement in which two or more parties agree to combine resources for a specific project, sharing profits, losses, and control.
    The companies formed a joint venture to develop the new technology.
  2. (n.) A legal entity created jointly by multiple parties to undertake economic activity together, often governed by a specific contract or agreement.
    The joint venture was registered as a separate entity under state law.

Forms

  • joint ventures

Commentary

Joint ventures often require clear contractual terms to delineate the parties' rights and obligations, distinct from a general partnership.


Joint Venture Agreement

/ˈdʒɔɪnt ˈvɛn.tʃər əˈgriːmənt/

Definitions

  1. (n.) A legally binding contract between two or more parties agreeing to collaborate on a specific business project or enterprise sharing profits, losses, and control.
    The companies signed a joint venture agreement to develop new technology together.

Forms

  • joint venture agreement
  • joint venture agreements

Commentary

Drafting a joint venture agreement requires clear allocation of rights, responsibilities, and dispute resolution mechanisms to prevent conflicts between parties.


Joint-Stock Company

/ˈdʒɔɪnt stɒk ˈkʌmpəni/

Definitions

  1. (n.) A business entity in which shares of stock are jointly held by multiple shareholders, allowing pooled capital for commercial activities with limited liability for investors.
    The joint-stock company issued shares to raise capital for its new manufacturing plant.

Forms

  • joint-stock companies

Commentary

The term emphasizes the shared ownership via transferable stock and limits investor liability; drafting should clarify jurisdiction-specific distinctions from other corporate forms.


Jointly

/ˈdʒɔɪntli/

Definitions

  1. (adv.) Involving two or more parties together, especially with shared responsibility or liability.
    The defendants were found liable jointly for the damages.
  2. (adv.) In a legal context, indicating combined action or ownership where rights and obligations are shared.
    The property was held jointly by the spouses.

Commentary

Used to specify collective responsibility or rights; important to distinguish from 'severally' in legal texts.


Journal

/ˈdʒɜːrnəl/

Definitions

  1. (n.) A daily record or log of legal proceedings, decisions, or administrative acts.
    The court clerk recorded the hearing details in the journal.
  2. (n.) An official publication containing legal cases, statutes, or legislative acts.
    References to precedent are often found in legal journals.
  3. (n.) An accounting record where transactions are initially entered before being posted to ledgers.
    Every financial transaction must be documented in the journal.

Forms

  • journals

Commentary

In legal contexts, 'journal' can refer both to procedural records and to published collections of legal materials; clarity depends on context.


Journal Entry

/ˈdʒɜrnəl ˈɛntri/

Definitions

  1. (n.) An official recording of a transaction or event in a legal or financial context, typically forming part of the formal record or ledger.
    The accountant reviewed the journal entry documenting the contract payment.
  2. (n.) A written account entered into a court record or legal transcript to officially note proceedings or rulings.
    The judge ordered a journal entry to be made summarizing the hearing's conclusions.

Forms

  • journal entry
  • journal entries

Commentary

In legal and financial drafting, a journal entry is foundational for maintaining an accurate and authoritative record; precision in describing the event and proper dating is essential.


Journalism

/ˈdʒɜːrnəlɪzəm/

Definitions

  1. (n.) The profession or practice of gathering, assessing, creating, and presenting news and information, especially within the framework of legal standards such as libel laws, defamation, and freedom of the press.
    The magazine's journalism was scrutinized for potentially violating defamation laws.
  2. (n.) The body of laws and ethical principles regulating the press and reporters to ensure the responsible dissemination of information.
    Legal protections for journalism vary greatly across jurisdictions.

Commentary

Legal considerations in journalism frequently involve balancing freedom of expression against protections from defamation and invasion of privacy.


Journalist

/ˈdʒɜːrnəlɪst/

Definitions

  1. (n.) A person who collects, writes, or distributes news or information to the public, often protected by laws ensuring freedom of the press.
    The journalist reported on the court case with accuracy and impartiality.

Forms

  • journalists

Commentary

In legal contexts, journalists may benefit from special protections like shield laws that protect sources; drafting should consider jurisdictional variations in such protections.


Journalistic Ethics

/ˌdʒɜrnəˈlɪstɪk ˈɛθɪks/

Definitions

  1. (n.) The body of professional principles guiding journalists in legal compliance, truthfulness, fairness, privacy, and avoidance of defamation.
    Journalistic ethics require reporters to verify information before publication to avoid libel.

Forms

  • journalistic ethics

Commentary

Journalistic ethics intersect with legal doctrines, especially in areas like defamation and privacy, hence drafting guidelines often reflect both moral and legal standards.


Journalistic Privilege

/ˌdʒɜːrnəˈlɪstɪk ˈprɪvəlɪdʒ/

Definitions

  1. (n.) The right or protection granted to journalists to refuse to disclose confidential sources or unpublished information in legal proceedings.
    The court recognized journalistic privilege and allowed the reporter to withhold the identity of the whistleblower.

Forms

  • journalistic privilege

Commentary

Journalistic privilege varies by jurisdiction and often balances press freedom against the needs of justice; precise scope depends on statutory or case law.

Glossary – JO Terms