The Law Dictionary (TLD) is a free legal reference site. We know that the law is complicated at best, and confounding at worst. Trying to decipher legalese can just leave people feeling vulnerable.
That’s why we’re here. Our mission at TLD is to be the legal resource that provides clear, carefully researched information so everyday readers can better understand the laws that govern the world around them. Have a legal matter of your own? Consider us the first step to finding a solution.
TLD is composed of two main sections: Legal Information and the Legal Dictionary, which includes the complete Black’s Law Dictionary Second Edition.
Legal Information
Our Legal Information section provides general information on topics ranging from business formation to divorce law and motor vehicle accidents.
We aim to make legal topics accessible to general readers and to represent statutes, court decisions, agency guidance and other authoritative sources accurately. The material is general information, not legal advice.
We research legal issues and obtain facts from authoritative sources including:
- Federal, local, and state statutes
- Court decisions from federal and state systems
- Rules, regulations, and guidance from federal, local, and state agencies
- Commentary and articles authored by legal experts
Legal Dictionary
The first edition of Black’s Law Dictionary was published by Henry Campbell Black in 1891, and has long been regarded as the definitive legal dictionary by lawyers and law students. The second edition of Black’s Law Dictionary was published in 1910 and is in the public domain. We have taken care to digitize the second edition and reproduce its terms and definitions as they appear there. These are historical definitions from 1910: they record how a term was used at the time and may not reflect current law. The dictionary section also contains a smaller number of modern terms added by editors after the original digitisation.
Disclaimers
It is important to remember that The Law Dictionary is a legal resource — not a law firm — and we don’t offer legal advice. All the articles and definitions on The Law Dictionary contain legal information but no portion of TLD should be considered a substitute for professional legal advice, and no page on the site creates an attorney-client or legal adviser relationship. Always contact a qualified attorney who is licensed in your jurisdiction for help with your legal matters.
One more thing: TLD contains affiliate links. When you buy items or services through affiliate links on our site, we may receive a commission.
Who we are
The Law Dictionary is owned and operated by Brown Brothers Media, which acquired the site in October 2025. Articles published since then are produced with AI assistance and reviewed by our editorial team before publication. Older articles were published under the site’s previous ownership.
Alongside the legal sections, our Beyond the Law section covers psychology, behaviour and everyday life. It is general-interest writing rather than legal reference.
Contact Us
Have legal questions you’d like answered? Is there a topic you want us to cover? Did you spot an error on one of our pages? Don’t hesitate to let us know.