Simple English definitions for legal terms
Read a random definition: subject-matter test
Term: Status
Definition: Status is like a label that tells us what a person is allowed to do. It can be about their legal rights or what kind of visa they have if they are from another country. For example, if someone is a permanent resident, they have a different status than someone who is just visiting. Status can also be affected by things like getting married or being adopted.
Definition: Status refers to a person's legal condition, whether it is related to their personal or proprietary rights. In the context of immigration law, it refers to the type of visa a person has been assigned and the privileges they receive as either a permanent resident or a non-immigrant (temporary visa holder).
For example, if someone is granted a student visa, their status would be that of a non-immigrant student, which would allow them to study in the United States for a specific period of time. Similarly, if someone is granted permanent residency, their status would be that of a lawful permanent resident, which would allow them to live and work in the United States indefinitely.
In addition, status can also refer to a person's legal condition in other areas of law, such as the law of domicile. In this context, status includes conditions such as marriage, adoption, infancy, and legitimacy. For instance, if someone is married, their status would be that of a spouse, which would give them certain legal rights and responsibilities related to their marriage.
Overall, status is an important legal concept that helps to define a person's legal rights and obligations in various contexts.