FAIR USE: The use of a portion of copyrighted material in a way that does not infringe the owner's rights. The use of a portion of material for educational purposes, literary criticism or news reporting is often considered a fair use.
FAULT AUTO INSURANCE SYSTEM: Refers to a system in which the party that bears the blame (fault) for an accident is liable for any damages.
FELONY: Serious crime punishable by incarceration for a year or more. Includes rape, murder, robbery, burglary, and arson.
FIXTURES: All things that are attached to property, such as ceiling lights, awnings, window shades and doorknobs. Fixtures are automatically included in a sale, unless specifically mentioned in the contract as going to the seller.
FORECLOSURE: When a borrower cannot repay a loan and the lender seeks to sell the property.
FORESEEABILITY: A key issue in determining a person's liability. If a defendant could not reasonably have foreseen that someone might be hurt by his or her actions, then there may be no liability.
FRANCHISE: A business relationship in which an owner (the franchisor) licenses others (the franchisees) to operate outlets using business concepts, property, trademarks and trade names owned by the franchisor.