Q: What is Law? A: In general terms, law refers to a set of rules that determine acceptable conduct.

Its purpose is the normative regulation of society with the end in view of promoting and maintaining social order. The law emanates from a sovereign such that it involves orders from the sovereign backed by threat. It is the common denominator for all people, an equalizer if you will. The blind fold of Lady Justice symbolizes that the law is free from prejudice, that all people are equal. Lis pendens [Latin, Pending lawsuit.] A reference to the jurisdiction (or control) that courts obtain over property in a suit awaiting action. Stare Decisis [Latin, Let the decision stand.] The policy of courts to abide by or adhere to principles established by decisions in earlier cases. Res Judicata [Latin, A thing adjudged.] A rule that a final judgment on the merits by a court having jurisdiction is conclusive between the parties to a suit as to all matters that were litigated or that could have been litigated in that suit. Estoppel A legal principle that bars a party from denying or alleging a certain fact owing to that party's previous conduct, allegation, or denial. Law of the Case The principle that if the highest appellate court has determined a legal question and returned the case to the court below for additional proceedings, the question will not be determined differently on a subsequent appeal in the same case where the facts remain the same. Court of Equity originally in English common law and in several states there were separate courts (often called chancery courts) which handled lawsuits and petitions requesting remedies other than damages, such as writs, injunctions, and specific performance. Gradually the courts of equity have merged with courts of law. Federal bankruptcy courts are the one example of courts which operate as courts of equity.