Bankruptcy estate - All interests of the debtor in property at the time of the bankruptcy filing. The estate technically becomes the temporary legal owner of all of the debtor's property.⏎
Case law - The law as established in previous court decisions. A synonym for legal precedent. Akin to common law, which springs from tradition and judicial decisions.⏎
Answer - The formal written statement by a defendant in a civil case that responds to a complaint, articulating the grounds for defense.⏎
Burden of proof - The duty to prove disputed facts. In civil cases, a plaintiff generally has the burden of proving his or her case. In criminal cases, the government has the burden of proving the defendant's guilt. (See standard of proof.)⏎
Brief - A written statement submitted in a trial or appellate proceeding that explains one side's legal and factual arguments.⏎