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Glossary

first appearance The initial appearance of an arrested person before a judge to determine whether or not there is probable cause for his or her arrest. Generally the person comes before a judge within hours or the arrest. Also called initial appearance.	Fraud - Intentional deception designed to deprive another person of property or to injure him or her in some other way.

family allowance Money set aside from the estate of the deceased. Its purpose is to provide for the surviving family members during the administration of the estate.	fiduciary A person having a legal relationship of trust and confidence to another and having a duty to act primarily for the others benefit, for example, a guardian, trustee, or executor.

finding A formal conclusion by a trial judge or jury regarding the facts of a case.	Federal Trade Commission (FTC) The federal agency responsible for ensuring that advertising in the United Stated is truthful.

false pretenses A broad category of crimes that involves activities intended to deceive others or to obtain goods by making false claims.	fee simple When the owner of a freehold estate holds it absolutely, meaning he or she can sell it, give it away, or leave it to his or her heirs.

felony A crime punishable by death or by imprisonment in a federal or state prison for a term exceeding one year.	forbearance The promise to refrain from doing something that a party has a legal right to do.

forged check A check that is signed by a person other than the drawer.	forgery The false making or alteration of a writing with the intent to defraud.

formal contract A contract that is written and under seal; also known as a specialty contract.	franchisee The independent company in a franchise agreement.

franchisor The parent firm in a franchise agreement.	freehold estate An estate in which a person owns the land for life and forever.

full warranty The promise that a defective product will be repaired without charge and within a reasonable time after a complaint has been made.	future goods Goods taht do not exist at the time of sales transaction, but are expected to come into the possession of the seller.