Law glossary

GENERAL COUNSEL
The senior lawyer of a corporation. This is normally a full-time employee of the corporation although some corporations contract this position out to a lawyer with a private firm.

GRANT DEED
A deed containing an implied promise that the person transferring the property actually owns the title and that it is not encumbered in any way, except as described in the deed. This is the most commonly used type of deed. Compare quitclaim deed.

GRAVAMEN
The essential element of a lawsuit. For example, the gravamen of a lawsuit involving a car accident might be the careless driving of the defendant.

GROUNDS FOR DIVORCE
Legal reasons for requesting a divorce. All states require a spouse who files for divorce to state the grounds, court and whether requesting a fault divorce or a no-fault divorce.

GUARANTOR
A person who pledges collateral for the contract of another, but separately, as part of an independently contract with the obligee of the original contract. Compare with "surety."

GUARDIAN
An individual who, by legal appointment or by the effect of a written law, is given custody of both the property and the person of one who is unable to manage their own affairs, such as a child or mentally-disabled person.

GUARDIAN AD LITEM
A person appointed by a court to manage the interests of a minor or incompetent person whose property is involved in litigation.

GRAND JURY
A body of persons sworn to inquire into crime and, if appropriate, bring accusations (indictments) against the suspected criminals.