Legal Glossary

Understanding legal terms simplified

Refugee Status

Refugee status is a legal protection granted by the U.S. government to people who are outside their home country. They receive this status because they cannot return safely due to a well-founded fear of persecution based on things like their race, religion, or political opinion.

Removal Proceedings

Removal proceedings are the formal federal court process where the U.S. government seeks to legally deport a non-citizen from the United States.

Rent Control

Rent control is a law, often found in California cities, that limits how much landlords can increase rent and sometimes restricts reasons for eviction.

Replacement Cost

Replacement Cost in auto insurance refers to the amount it would cost to replace your damaged or stolen vehicle with a new one of similar make, model, and features, without any deduction for depreciation.

Rest Break

A rest break in California is a paid, 10-minute period an employer must provide for every four hours an employee works, during which they are relieved of all work duties.

Retaliation

In California employment law, retaliation means an employer takes a negative action against an employee because that employee engaged in a legally protected activity, such as reporting workplace issues or asserting their rights.