Words have meaning. In the legal system, they have consequences.
The Washington Encyclopedia of Legal Terms: Annotated is the only legal reference of its kind — a comprehensive A-to-Z guide to legal terminology that goes beyond simple definitions. Every entry is paired with applicable court precedents from the U.S. Supreme Court, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, and the Washington State Supreme and Appellate Courts, so you don’t just learn what a term means — you see exactly how it has been interpreted and applied in real cases.
Whether you are a paralegal, law student, attorney, clerk, or a self-represented individual navigating the legal system, this encyclopedia saves you research time, eliminates confusion, and puts the relevant statutes and case law directly at your fingertips.
Annotated with Real Precedents
Every term is accompanied by relevant rulings from the U.S. Supreme Court, the Ninth Circuit, and Washington State courts — definitions grounded in actual case law, not just theory.
Washington-Specific & National
Covers both national legal principles and Washington State-specific terminology, with court maps, a Table of Authorities, and a full index for fast, reliable lookup.
For Every Legal Professional
From law students and paralegals to attorneys, judges, and clerks — anyone who works in or with the justice system will reach for this reference again and again.
What You Will Find Inside
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Complete A–Z Legal Terminology — hundreds of legal terms defined clearly and precisely, from common concepts to complex Latin maxims - —
Annotated Case Law — each entry linked to applicable precedents from the U.S. Supreme Court, 9th Circuit, and Washington State Supreme and Appellate Courts - —
Relevant Statutes & Regulations — applicable laws and regulations presented alongside definitions for immediate research context - —
Map of Washington Appellate Court Divisions — visual reference for Washington’s appellate court structure - —
Map of Federal Circuits — quick-reference guide to the federal appellate court system - —
Table of Authorities — comprehensive citation index spanning over 40 pages for fast cross-referencing - —
Full Subject Index — organized for rapid lookup in research and courtroom settings
Who This Reference Is For
Paralegals & Law Students
An essential desk reference throughout your education and career — the book you reach for every time an unfamiliar term appears in a brief, filing, or statute.
Attorneys & Legal Professionals
A fast-lookup research companion that consolidates definitions, statutes, and case law in one place — saving hours of research time on familiar and unfamiliar terms alike.
Self-Represented Individuals
For anyone navigating the legal system without an attorney, this encyclopedia demystifies the language of the law and helps you understand exactly what is being said in court documents, hearings, and proceedings.
Book Details
Author
Brian David Matthews
Publisher
Paragon Paralegals
Pages
553
Format
Hardcover
ISBN (Hardback)
979-8-90063-012-0
Jurisdiction
Washington State & Federal
All titles by Brian David Matthews are available at
www.paragonparalegals.org
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