prejudice

1. General: Irrational, preconceived opinion that leads to preferential treatment to some people and unfavorable bias or hostility against others, due to ignorance (or in direct contradiction) of facts. Prejudice literally means, pre-judgment.

2. Law: Damage to or detriment of the rights of a party resulting from a judgment, or the actions of another party. See also with prejudice and without prejudice.