Glossary

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/Gain 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 jury of inquiry of not more than 18 and not less than 15 persons, with at least 12 concurring before an indictment may be returned.
Grantor: The person who sets up a trust.
Guardian: 1. 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. 2. 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/herself. A guardian also may be given responsibility for the person’s financial affairs, and thus perform additionally as a conservator. (See also conservatorship.)
Guardian ad Litem: A person designated by the Court to represent the interests of a minor child.