A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Click on the first letter of the word from the list above to go to the appropriate section of the glossary.

- G -

Garnishment - A legal proceeding in which a debtor's money, in the possession of another (called the garnishee) is applied to the debts of the debtor, such as when an employer garnishes a debtor's wages.

General jurisdiction - Refers to courts that have no limit on the types of criminal and civil cases they may hear.

Good time - A reduction in sentenced time in prison as a reward for good behavior. It usually is one third to one half of the maximum sentence.

Government Printing Office - The federal agency in charge of printing, binding, and selling of all government communications.

Grand Jury - A jury of inquiry whose duty it is to receive complaints and accusations in criminal matters and if appropriate issue a formal indictment.

Grantor - The person who sets up a trust. Also referred to as "settlor."

Grievance - In labor law a complaint filed by an employee regarding working conditions to be resolved by procedural machinery provided in the union contract. An injury, injustice, or wrong which gives ground for complaint.

Guardian - A person appointed by will or by law to assume responsibility for incompetent adults or minor children. If a parent dies, this will usually be the other parent. If both die, it probably will be a close relative.

Guardianship - Legal right given to a person to be responsible for the food, housing, health care, and other necessities of a person deemed incapable of providing these necessities for himself or herself.