Common law - The legal system that originated in England and is now in use in the United States, which relies on the articulation of legal principles in a historical succession of judicial decisions. Common law principles can be changed by legislation.⏎
Consecutive sentence - Prison terms for two or more offenses to be served one after the other. Example: Two five-year sentences and one three-year sentence, if served consecutively, result in a maximum of 13 years behind bars.⏎
Debtor - A person who has filed a petition for relief under the Bankruptcy Code.⏎
Ex parte - A proceeding brought before a court by one party only, without notice to or challenge by the other side.⏎
Creditor - A person to whom or business to which the debtor owes money or that claims to be owed money by the debtor.⏎