A formal agreement between two people who are about to marry, setting out the terms of ownership of assets, treatment of future earnings, control of property, and potential division if the marriage is subsequently dissolved. These agreements are fairly common if either party has substantial assets, children from a prior marriage, potential inheritances or high incomes. They are not recognised in every legal jurisdiction, most notably the United Kingdom.

The power and authority constitutionally conferred upon (or constitutionally recognised as existing in) a court or judge to pronounce the sentence of law, or award the remedies provided by the law, upon a state of facts, proved or admitted, referred to the court or tribunal for decision, and authorised by the law to be the subject of investigation or action by that court or tribunal, and in favour of or against persons who present themselves, or who are brought, before the court or tribunal in some manner sanctioned by law as proper and sufficient.