Legal Terms Dictionary: G

Gait: How an individual walks. Normal gait requires the proper functioning of the nervous system and the musculoskeletal system.

Gap period: The time between the filing of an involuntary petition and adjudication that the debtor is a "bankrupt." 

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 Faith: The general requirement to deal honestly with others and not seek to gain unfair advantage or to defraud another party, especially in the context of business transactions or contracts.

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

Grace Period: The period during which insurance continues to be in force despite a delayed payment of premium.

Grand Jury: A jury convened to hear evidence and determine whether an indictment (criminal charge) should be issued. Grand Juries have investigative and subpoena powers.

Grantor or Settlor: The person who sets up a trust.

Gross Negligence: Intentional failure to perform a manifest duty in reckless disregard of the consequences to another person's life or property. There is no clear distinction between gross negligence and willful negligence.

Grounds: Acceptable reasons for seeking a particular result.

Guarantor: A person or entity who agrees in writing to pay the indebtedness of another.

Guardian Ad Lietem: One appointed by a court in which litigation is pending to represent a ward (e.g., a minor or incompetent).

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 him or herself. A guardian also may be given responsibility for the person's financial affairs, and thus perform additionally as a conservator. (See also conservatorship.)