General Glossary Terms

Libel is typically written or printed defamation (serious harming of someone’s reputation or character by making false statements) but can include pictures, signs, film, and electronic broadcasts like websites, webcasts, podcasts, television, or radio.

Considered an “advance directive” plan, a living will is a legal document that expresses your intentions about whether extraordinary life-support should be maintained by your physicians in the event you are in a terminal condition or permanently unconscious state, and grants a person of your choice (usually called your agent or attorney-in-fact) legal authority to make this difficult decision in accordance with your wishes if you are unable to do so. Living wills for most states indicate what situations warrant life-support being discontinued and require that the decision be made in conjunction with the patient’s doctor.

A formal organization of a business that limits the extent to which members can be personally liable for the obligations of a business. LLC’s have specific allowances related to taxes and flexibility in management and distribution of profits, allowing them to act as a corporation in some ways and a partnership in others. LLC’s must file “Articles of Organization” with the Secretary of State and should have an Operating Agreement in place. A small business attorney can advise about LLC organization and how to operate legally as one.