In tort law, compensatory damages, also known as actual damages, are damages awarded by a court equivalent to the loss a party suffered. If a party’s right was technically violated but they suffered no harm or losses, a court may instead...
civil procedure
competent
The term competent is used in various legal contexts, including procedure, evidence, and employment. More generally, it refers to the ability to act in the circumstances, including the ability to perform a job or occupation, the capacity to...
competent evidence
Competent evidence is the evidence which is legally admissible. Competent evidence tends to prove the matter in dispute. For example; in a murder trial, competent evidence might include the murder weapon with the defendant's fingerprints on...
competent witness
A competent witness is one who has the sufficient mental capacity to perceive, remember, and narrate the incident they have observed. A competent witness must also be able to understand and appreciate the nature and obligation of an oath. For...
complainant
Complainant is a party who initiates a lawsuit in a court of law or an administrative proceeding.
In the context of criminal law, “complainant” refers to a person who alleges that another committed a criminal act against him/her. In...complaint
A complaint is the pleading that starts a case. Essentially, a document that sets forth a jurisdictional basis for the court's power, the plaintiff's cause of action, and a demand for judicial relief.
A plaintiff starts a...
complete defense
A complete defense is a type of affirmative defense that nullifies an entire claim against the defendant. Complete defenses are relevant in both civil lawsuits and criminal proceedings.
Unlike a mitigation defense, which...
compos mentis
Compos mentis is Latin for “having control/mastery of one’s mind.” The term is used to describe individuals who are of sound mind; those who are mentally competent and capable of managing their own affairs; those who have use of and control...
compound question
In a legal trial or deposition, a compound question is a singularly phrased inquiry that entails multiple component questions within its framework. Such a question is objectionable, due to its potential to confuse a witness. If an objection...
compromise
Compromise is an agreement between opposing parties to settle a dispute or reach a settlement rather than continue the dispute or go to trial.
As defined in the Louisiana Civil Code Art. 3071, “a compromise is a contract...