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 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 body of persons sworn to inquire
into crime and if appropriate, bring accusations
(indictments) against the suspected criminals.
Grantor or Settlor: The person who sets up a
trust.
Gross Negligence: Intentional failure to
perform a manifest duty in reckless disregard of the
consequences to another person's life or property. There
is no clear distinction between gross negligence and
willful negligence.
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 of
providing these necessities for himself or herself. A
guardian also may be given responsibility for the
person's financial affairs, and thus perform
additionally as a conservator. (See also conservatorship.)
