Warning
Info
Warning
Info
Simple English definitions for legal terms
collateral obligation
Read a random definition: cum molendinis et multuris
A quick definition of collateral obligation:
A collateral obligation is when someone agrees to be responsible for someone else's debt. This is also called an accessorial obligation. The collateral-order doctrine is a rule that allows someone to appeal a decision that is separate from the main issue of a case and cannot be reviewed later. A decision is a ruling or judgment made by a court or agency after considering the facts and the law. An appealable decision is one that can be reviewed on appeal, either because it is final or because it is immediately appealable by law. In parliamentary law, a decision can also refer to the chair's ruling on a point of order.
A more thorough explanation:
A collateral obligation is a liability that a person takes on when they become responsible for someone else's debt. This is also known as an accessorial obligation. For example, if a person co-signs a loan for a friend, they are taking on a collateral obligation to pay back the loan if their friend cannot.
The collateral-order doctrine is a legal principle that allows for an appeal from an interlocutory order that conclusively determines an issue separate from the merits of the case and cannot be reviewed on appeal from a final judgment. This means that if a court makes a decision that will have a significant impact on the outcome of the case, but is not related to the main issue, it can be appealed immediately. For example, if a judge orders that evidence cannot be used in a trial, this decision can be appealed under the collateral-order doctrine.
- Collateral Obligation: John co-signs a loan for his sister. If she cannot pay back the loan, John is responsible for the debt.
- Collateral-Order Doctrine: In a criminal trial, the judge rules that a key piece of evidence cannot be used. The defendant can appeal this decision immediately under the collateral-order doctrine.
These examples illustrate how collateral obligations and the collateral-order doctrine work in different legal situations. It is important to understand these concepts to fully comprehend the legal responsibilities and options available in various legal scenarios.