This list includes 25 Legal terms that start with K, from “K” to “Schedule K-1”. It collects common courtroom words, statutory headings, and tax and procedural entries. You can use it for study, drafting, exam review, and quick legal reference.

Legal terms that start with K are concise legal words and phrases used in statutes, cases, and daily practice. For example, Schedule K-1 is a well-known U.S. tax form that often appears in partnership and trust filings.

Below you’ll find the table with Term, Definition, Etymology, Jurisdiction, Example, and Source.

Term: The legal word or phrase; you use this to quickly locate the entry you need.

Definition: A concise one- or two-sentence legal definition showing how the term functions in legal practice.

Etymology: Brief origin notes that indicate language roots and historical usage to help you understand the term’s background.

Jurisdiction: Notes on where the term commonly applies so you know whether it is national, regional, or international usage.

Example: A short practical instance or citation showing the term used in context, which aids comprehension and recall.

Source: Citation or authority where the definition is drawn so you can verify meaning and further research.

Legal terms that start with K

Term Type Jurisdiction Etymology/Meaning Description
K abbreviation US, common law abbreviation of “contract” (English) Shorthand used in law-school notes and case citations to mean “contract,” common in US and other common-law practice.
Schedule K-1 form US (tax) “K” form designation; “Schedule” English Tax schedule reporting a partner, shareholder, or beneficiary’s share of income, deductions, and credits for US federal returns.
K-1 visa immigration visa US “K” US visa class designation Nonimmigrant visa for foreign fiancés of US citizens to enter, marry within 90 days, and pursue adjustment of status.
K-2 visa immigration visa US “K” visa subclass (US) Nonimmigrant visa for certain children of K-1 visa holders, permitting them to accompany the primary beneficiary to the US.
K-3 visa immigration visa US “K” visa subclass (US) Nonimmigrant visa for spouses of US citizens to enter the US while their immigrant visa petition is processed.
K-9 unit law enforcement unit US, UK, common law “K-9” play on “canine” (English) Police or security unit employing trained dogs for detection, tracking, and law enforcement duties; referenced in agency rules and court practice.
Kidnapping criminal offence common law, US, UK from “kid” + “nap” (seize child), 18th-century English Unlawful taking or detention of a person by force, threat, or deception; elements and penalties vary by jurisdiction.
Kickback offence/remedy US, international from “kick” + “back” (return payment), English Illegal or improper payment made to induce referrals or influence decisions; prohibited by anti-kickback statutes and procurement laws.
Kiting fraud US, common law from “kite” (fraudulent check), 19th-century English Fraud involving floating funds between bank accounts or checks to create artificial balances; often prosecuted under fraud statutes.
King’s Counsel role UK, Commonwealth “King’s” + “counsel” (advisor, Latin/English) Senior barrister appointed by the sovereign (post-2022, KC); denotes experience and special status in many Commonwealth jurisdictions.
King’s Bench court UK, common law history “King’s” + “bench” (royal court), English Historic superior court (Court of King’s Bench) for major civil and criminal matters; term persists in modern court names and legal history.
King’s evidence procedure UK, Commonwealth “King’s” + “evidence” (English) Practice where an accomplice testifies for the prosecution, often receiving immunity or reduced charges; now called turning state’s evidence in some places.
Knock-and-announce rule procedure US literal: knock then announce (English) Fourth Amendment principle requiring officers to knock, identify themselves, and wait before forcible entry for searches, subject to defined exceptions.
Knockout rule doctrine US contract law literal “knock out” (English) In battle-of-the-forms situations, conflicting terms are knocked out and replaced by default Uniform Commercial Code provisions (see UCC §2-207).
Knock-for-knock agreement clause international oil & gas, marine insurance literal phrasing (English) Contractual allocation where each party bears its own losses and indemnifies others, common in energy and marine contracts to simplify liability.
Know Your Customer (KYC) compliance procedure international, US, EU English phrase; acronym KYC Regulatory requirement for financial institutions to verify customer identity and assess risk to prevent money laundering and fraud.
Knowledge mens rea/evidence term common law, US Old English ‘cnāwan’ meaning “to know” Legal concept of awareness or information used in criminal intent and civil liability; distinctions include actual and constructive knowledge.
Kiddie tax tax rule US informal “kiddie” + “tax” (English) US tax rule that taxes certain unearned income of children at higher rates to prevent income-shifting to lower brackets.
Keyman clause contract clause US, UK, commercial law “key man” literal English phrase Contract provision allowing termination, suspension, or specific remedies if a designated essential person becomes unavailable or is removed.
Keepwell agreement financial covenant international banking, finance “keep” + “well” (English) Parent-company promise to maintain a subsidiary’s financial health or liquidity, used as credit support in cross-border financing.
Kingpin offence designation US federal, international sanctions “king” + “pin” (leader), English Term for a principal drug trafficker or crime leader, used in statutes and sanctions (e.g., Foreign Narcotics Kingpin Designation Act).
Kleptocracy political/criminal term international law, anti-corruption Greek ‘kleptēs’ (thief) + ‘kratos’ (rule) System of governance marked by theft of public assets; used in legal contexts for sanctions, asset recovery, and international anti-corruption efforts.
Knowledge requirement evidentiary doctrine common law, US English compound (knowledge + requirement) Threshold that a party must have had awareness or notice for liability, duty to disclose, or culpability in various legal contexts.
Knockout clause contract clause commercial law, international literal “knock out” (English) Contract provision that removes conflicting terms (mirrors the knockout rule), leaving standard or statutory defaults to govern.
Kleptocrat descriptor/target international law, sanctions Greek ‘kleptēs’ (thief) + ‘-crat’ (ruler) Individual ruler or official who enriches themselves through public corruption; often targeted by sanctions and asset-recovery measures.

Descriptions

K
Schedule K-1
K-1 visa
K-2 visa
K-3 visa
K-9 unit
Kidnapping
Kickback
Kiting
King’s Counsel
King’s Bench
King’s evidence
Knock-and-announce rule
Knockout rule
Knock-for-knock agreement
Know Your Customer (KYC)
Knowledge
Kiddie tax
Keyman clause
Keepwell agreement
Kingpin
Kleptocracy
Knowledge requirement
Knockout clause
Kleptocrat
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