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 off
the maximum sentence.
Grand Jury: A body of persons sworn to
inquire into crime and if appropriate, bring accusations (indictments) against
the suspected criminals.
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.
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. A guardian also may be given responsibility for the person's
financial affairs, and thus perform additionally as a conservator. (See also
conservatorship.)
