Legal glossary for court interpreters

U

Unfair labor practice

Actions by the employer which interfere with, restrain, coerce, or threaten employees with respect to their rights.

Uniform Commercial Code (U.C.C.)

A uniform law governing commercial transactions. The U.C.C. has been adopted by all states except Louisiana.

Uniform Laws

Annotated Annotated uniform and model acts approved by the National Conference of Commissioners on Uniform State Laws.

Unilateral contract

An agreement by which one undertakes an express performance without receiving any express promise of performance from the other.

Union

An organization of workers formed for the purpose of collective bargaining.

United States Attorney

A federal district attorney appointed by the President to prosecute for all offenses committed against the United States; to prosecute or defend for the government all civil actions in which it is concerned and perform all duties of the district to which he/she is assigned.

United States Bankruptcy Court

The judicial body which hears matters pertaining to bankruptcy and reorganization.

United States Court of Appeals

Courts which hear appeals from federal district courts, bankruptcy courts, and tax courts.

United States Court of Claims

Court which hears actions against the U.S. Government.

United States Court of Customs & Pat

Court which hears appeals from all U.S. customs courts.

United States Court of Military Appeals

Court which hears appeals from court marshal decisions.

United States District Courts

Courts which try both criminal and civil actions and admiralty cases.

United States Magistrate Judge

Courts given authority by 28 U.S.C. s 636. This court hears all preliminary criminal matters, but does not conduct felony trials, and any pretrial civil matters referred by the district court. If all parties consent, criminal misdemeanor and civil trials can be heard by this court.

United States Postal Service

The federal office which provides mail delivery to individuals and businesses within the United States.

United States Reports

Publication of court decisions of the United States Supreme Court.

United States Supreme Court

The highest court in the land, established by U.S. Constitution.

Unlawful detainer

A detention of real estate without the consent of the owner or other person entitled to its possession.

Unliquidated debt

Remaining not determined; unassessed or unsettled; in dispute as to the proper amount.

Urban

A city or town.

Usury

Extraction of interest on a loan above the maximum rate permitted by statute.