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Glossary

garnishment A legal proceeding in which a debtors money, in the possession of another (called the garnishee), is applied to the debts of the debtor, such as when a creditor garnishes a debtors wages.	good 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 group of citizens assembled in secret to hear or investigate allegations of criminal behavior. A grand jury has authority to conduct criminal investigations and to charge a crime through an indictment.	grantor or settlor The person who sets up a trust.

guardian 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.	guardianship Legal right given to a person to be responsible for the food, housing, health care, and other necessities of a person deemed incapable or providing these necessities for himself or herself. Can also include financial affairs, and thus perform additionally as a conservator.

gambling agreement An agreement in which performance by one party depends on the occurance of an uncertain event.	general release A written agreement in which an aggrieved party can discharge in whole or in part a claim resulting from an alleged breach of contract.

gift The voluntary transfer of property by one party to another without consideration or payment of any kind.	government-granted franchise A legal monopoly in which a state or federal government grants a person or firm a license to conduct a specific business, usually an essential service.

gratuitous promise A promise that does not require some benefit in return.	guarantor The party who guarantees the promises assigned.

guaranty A promise to pay the debts or settle the wrongdoings of another if he or she does not make a settlement personally.