M

A witness that has relevant and significant information to share about an issue being adjudicated in court, typically one who has important information that may not be possessed by others. A key or important witness. A court will usually extend efforts, in order to effectuate justice, to make sure that a material witness to a case is able to testify. … [Read more...] about MATERIAL WITNESS

In French law. The hire of a ship or boat. … [Read more...] about MATELOTAGE

That which is important; that which is not merely of form but of substance. 2. When a bill for discovery has been filed, for example, the defendant must answer every material fact which is charged in the bill, and the test in these cases seems to be that when, if the defendant should answer in the affirmative, his answer would be of use to the plaintiff, the answer would be … [Read more...] about MATERIALITY

That property which is given to a woman on her marriage. Vide Dowry. … [Read more...] about MARRIAGE PORTION

A tort or wrongful action which injures many people, frequently resulting in a class action lawsuit. For example, the effects of toxic waste dumping. … [Read more...] about MASS TORT