Satisfaction of judgment: A document stating that a recorded judgment has been paid.

Settlor: The one who creates a trust.

Spendthrift trust: A trust which is secured against the beneficiary’s financial improvidence by restrictions against transfers by the beneficiary.

Stare decisis: Adherence to the precedents laid down in decided cases.

Statute: A law passed by a legislative body.

Statute of frauds: A series of legal provisions requiring certain contracts to be in writing.

Statute of limitations: A law prescribing that an action must be brought within a specific time period.

Subpoena: A document notifying an individual (not necessarily a party) to appear in court to testify.

Subpoena duces tecum: A document notifying an individual (not necessarily a party) to appear in court to testify, but with books and records.

Summons: A document notifying the defendant that an action has been started against him, and requiring him to appear within a specified length of time.

Surrogate: The title given to a judge who presides in the court where estates of decedents are administered.