Dictionary of Law
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
Founded: 328
judge advocate :: n. a military officer with legal training who has ... ourt-martial judge advocate general
judge advocate general :: (J.A.G.) n. a military officer who advises the gov ... also: court-martial judge advocate
court-martial :: 1) n. a military court for trying offenses in viol ... the U.S. Court of Military Appeals.
administrative law judge :: n. a professional hearing officer who works for th ... higher pay in being called "judge."
judge :: 1) n. an official with the authority and responsib ... ice justice of the peace magistrate
presiding judge :: n. 1) in both state and federal appeals court, the ... and chairs meetings of the judges.
military law :: n. regulations governing the conduct of men and wo ... also: court-martial judge advocate
life without possibility of parole :: n. a sentence sometimes given for particularly vic ... or may someday reduce the sentence.
open court :: n. the conduct of judicial proceedings (trials, he ... which are usually held in chambers.
on the stand :: prep. testifying during a trial, in which the witn ... troom and behind a knee-high panel.
opinion :: n. the explanation of a court's judgment. When a t ... which the author is not specified.
order to show cause :: n. a judge's written mandate that a party appear i ... vernmental agency. See also: O.S.C.
own recognizance :: (O.R.) n. the basis for a judge allowing a person ... n recognizance. See also: bail O.R.
overrule :: v. 1) to reject an attorney's objection to a quest ... : appellate court objection sustain
out of court :: adj. referring to actions, including negotiations ... is dismissed. See also: settlement
on the merits :: adj. referring to a judgment, decision or ruling o ... s if this mistake had not occurred.
order :: 1) n. every direction or mandate of a judge or a c ... defendant. See also: judge judgment
offer of proof :: n. an explanation made by an attorney to a judge d ... rial irrelevant objection testimony
O.R. :: n. short for "own recognizance," meaning the judge ... "OR-ed." See also: own recognizance
nunc pro tunc :: (nuhnk proh tuhnk) adj. Latin for "now for then," ... r actuality of a bigamous marriage.
notice :: n. 1) information, usually in writing in all legal ... Thirty-day notice three-day notice
obiter dicta :: : (oh-bitter dick-tah) n. remarks of a judge which ... imply dicta. See also: dicta dictum
objection :: n. a lawyer's protest about the legal propriety of ... ng question object overrule sustain
officer of the court :: n. any person who has an obligation to promote jus ... also: attorney bailiff clerk judge
pardon :: 1) v. to use the executive power of a Governor or ... also: amnesty commutation reprieve
off calendar :: adj. refers to an order of the court to take a law ... of either party. See also: calendar
on file :: prep. having been formally filed with the clerk of ... eading is "on file." See also: file
plea :: n. 1) in criminal law, the response by an accused ... raignment plead preliminary hearing
pro tem :: 1) adj. short for the Latin pro tempore, temporari ... as "Sam Collins is Pro Tem today."
pro tanto :: : (proh tahn-toe) Latin for "only to that extent." ... r payments for one year, pro tanto.
presumption :: n. a rule of law which permits a court to assume a ... resumption at all, but a certainty.
probation :: n. a chance to remain free (or serve only a short ... See also: attorney-client privilege
probative value :: n. evidence which is sufficiently useful to prove ... prior actions. See also: probative
prove :: v. to present evidence and/or logic that makes a f ... t or criminal case. See also: proof
proof :: n. confirmation of a fact by evidence. In a trial, ... doubt preponderance of the evidence
promissory estoppel :: n. a false statement treated as a promise by a cou ... lue of his work. See also: estoppel
preponderance of the evidence :: n. the greater weight of the evidence required in ... what subjective. See also: evidence
preliminary hearing :: n. in criminal law, a hearing to determine if a pe ... nment charge Grand Jury information
pierce the corporate veil :: v. to prove that a corporation exists merely as a ... ling with it. See also: corporation
per curiam :: adj. Latin for "by the court," defining a decision ... dentified as the specif- ic author.
penalty :: n. 1) in criminal law, a money fine or forfeiture ... contractor fails to complete a job.
not guilty by reason of insanity :: n. plea in court of a person charged with a crime ... fense not guilty temporary insanity
plea bargain :: n. in criminal procedure, a negotiation between th ... the ban. See also: cop a plea plea
prayer :: n. the specific request for judgment, relief and/o ... ee also: complaint default judgment
pornography :: n. pictures and/or writings of sexual activity int ... courts to follow. See also: obscene
parens patriae :: (paa-rens pat-tree-eye) n. Latin for "father of hi ... pport custody divorce guardian ward
nolo contendere :: (no-low kahn-ten-durr-ray) n. Latin for "I will no ... f no contest." See also: no contest
maxims :: n. a collection of legal truisms which are used as ... e and the ordinary habits of life."
master :: n. 1) employer, in the area of law known as "maste ... ter and servant respondeat superior
marriage :: n. the joining of a male and female in matrimony b ... of time without legal formalities.
McNabb-Mallory rule :: n. a federal rule of evidence in criminal trials t ... present. See also: Miranda warning
mediation :: n. the attempt to settle a legal dispute through a ... a settlement. See also: arbitration
memorandum :: n. 1) a brief writing, note, summary or outline. 2 ... r "The decision below is affirmed."
meet and confer :: n. a requirement of courts that before certain typ ... s which are freighted with emotion.
mediator :: n. a person who conducts mediation. A mediator is ... o: arbitration arbitrator mediation
marked for identification :: adj. documents or objects presented during a trial ... exhibit lay a foundation objection
mandamus :: (man-dame-us) n. Latin for "we order," a writ (mor ... mandamus. See also: writ of mandate
leading the witness :: n. asking a question during a trial or deposition ... n hostile witness leading objection
leading :: 1) v. short for "leading the witness," in which th ... tness leading the witness objection
lay a foundation :: v. in evidence, to provide to the judge the qualif ... ce and training. See also: evidence
lewd and lascivious :: adj., adv. references to conduct which includes pe ... t exposure pornography prostitution
long cause :: n. a lawsuit in which it is estimated that a trial ... dar call court calendar short cause
magistrate :: n. 1) a generic term for any judge of a court, or ... ce of the peace preliminary hearing
lower court :: n. 1) any court of lesser rank, such as municipal ... ruled Defendant had no basis for:."
loss of consortium :: n. the inability of one's spouse to have normal ma ... ation. See also: consortium damages
mental cruelty :: n. a term, rapidly going out of fashion and out of ... history. See also: cruelty divorce
minutes :: n. 1) the written record of meetings, particularly ... court reporter if recorded at all.
N.O.V. :: adj. shorthand acronym of Latin for non obstante v ... notwithstanding the verdict verdic
multiplicity of suits :: n. several actual or potential lawsuits which shou ... e can order the cases consolidated.
motion to strike :: n. a request for a judge's order to eliminate all ... be unrung." See also: motion strike
no contest :: n. in criminal law, a defendant's plea in court th ... : nolo contendere plea plea bargain
nolle prosequi :: (no-lay pro-say-kwee) n. Latin for "we shall no lo ... nocent and declared nolle prosequi.
non-suit :: n. a ruling by the judge in a lawsuit either when ... the defendant. See also: dismissal
nominee :: n. 1) a person or entity who is requested or named ... ic office. See also: agent executor
quantum meruit :: : (kwahn-tuhm mare-ooh-it) n. Latin for "as much a ... uit by implying a contract existed.
motion in limine :: (lim-in-nay) n. Latin for "threshold," a motion ma ... o: in limine Miranda warning motion
motion for dismissal :: (non-suit) n. application by a defendant in a laws ... otion for nonsuit. See also: motion
M'Naughten rule :: n. a traditional "right and wrong" test of legal i ... temporary insanity Twinkie defense
mistrial :: n. the termination of a trial before its normal co ... from the beginning. See also: trial
Miranda warning :: n. the requirement, also called the Miranda rule, ... me such a suspect? See also: rights
moral certainty :: n. in a criminal trial, the reasonable belief (but ... : beyond a reasonable doubt verdict
motion :: n. a formal request made to a judge for an order o ... g, an oral motion may be permitted.
motion for a summary judgment :: n. a written request for a judgment in the moving ... strict procedures. See also: motion
motion for a new trial :: n. a request made by the loser for the case to be ... hstanding the verdict motion N.O.V.
not guilty :: n. 1) plea of a person who claims not to have comm ... t guilty by reason of insanity plea
question of law :: n. an issue arising in a lawsuit or criminal prose ... udge question of fact trier of fact
summation :: n. the final argument of an attorney at the close ... 's case. See also: closing argument
suffering :: n. the pain, hurt, inconvenience, embarrassment an ... njury negligence pain and suffering
successive sentences :: n. in criminal law, the imposition of the penalty ... uld be 15 years. See also: sentence
submitted :: n. the conclusion of all evidence and argument in ... , no further argument is permitted.
suppression of evidence :: n. 1) a judge's determination not to allow evidenc ... the prosecutor. See also: evidence
supremacy clause :: n. Article VI, section 2 of the U.S. Constitution, ... f involving a constitutional issue.
suspended sentence :: n. in criminal law, a penalty applied by a judge t ... may be enforced. See also: sentence
surrogate :: n. 1) a person acting on behalf of another or a su ... or probates, estates and adoptions.
surrebutal :: n. in written or oral legal argument, the response ... h until the judge stops the debate.
sua sponte :: : (sooh-uh spahn-tay) adj. Latin for "of one's own ... ot have jurisdiction over the case.
strike :: 1) v. to remove a statement from the record of the ... ing the business, factory or store.
special verdict :: n. the jury's decisions or findings of fact with t ... utation. See also: specific finding
special master :: n. a person appointed by the court to carry out an ... ting to the judge. See also: master
small claims court :: n. a division of most municipal, city or other low ... od example of a small claims court.
specific finding :: n. a decision on a fact made by a jury in its verd ... so forth. See also: special verdict
specific performance :: n. the right of a party to a contract to demand th ... artwork. See also: contract prayer
status conference :: n. a pre-trial meeting of attorneys before a judge ... g a trial date. See also: discovery
stare decisis :: : (stah-ree duh-sigh-sis) n. Latin for "to stand b ... pellate court lower court precedent
star chamber proceedings :: n. any judicial or quasi-judicial action, trial or ... ate 1960s. See also: kangaroo court
sustain :: v. in trial practice, for a judge to agree that an ... /she will "overrule" the objection.
tax costs :: n. a motion to contest a claim for court costs sub ... sts" to avoid paying these charges.
Workers' Compensation Acts :: n. state statutes which establish liability of emp ... rs' compensation insurance company.
witness stand :: n. a chair at the end of the judge's bench on the ... estimony clearly. See also: witness
warrant :: 1) n. an order (writ) of a court which directs a l ... e search and seizure search warrant
writ :: n. a written order of a judge requiring specific a ... ntity to whom the writ is directed.
your honor :: n. the proper way to address a judge in court. ... er way to address a judge in court.
picketing :: n. standing or parading near a business or governm ... es or threats to the public safety.
no fault insurance :: n: a type of automobile insurance required of car ... ling lawsuits. See also: negligence
counsel :: 1) n. a lawyer, attorney, attorney-at-law, counsel ... self is a crime. See also: attorney
voir dire :: (vwahr [with a near-silent "r"] deer) n. from Fren ... t witness jury peremptory challenge
vexatious litigation :: n. filing a lawsuit with the knowledge that it has ... lous malicious prosecution sanction
trial :: n. the examination of facts and law presided over ... at a hearing held at a later time.
trade secret :: n. a process, method, plan, formula or other infor ... e invention. See also: patent trade
time served :: n. the period a criminal defendant has been in jai ... o the defendant. See also: sentence
trier of fact :: n. the judge or jury responsible for deciding fact ... r referee may be the trier of fact.
vacate :: v. 1) for a judge to set aside or annul an order o ... of real estate and cease occupancy.
verdict :: n. the decision of a jury after a trial, which mus ... nt quotient verdict special verdict
venue :: n. 1) the proper or most convenient location for t ... ion. See also: forum non conveniens
variance :: n. 1) an exception to a zoning ordinance, authoriz ... process." See also: dismissal proof
sidebar :: n. 1) physically, an area in front of or next to t ... See also: approach the bench bench
show cause order :: n. an order of the court, also called an order to ... hild. See also: order to show cause
remand :: v. to send back. An appeals court may remand a cas ... ee also: appeal preliminary hearing
release on one's own recognizance :: v. for a judge to allow a criminal defendant pre-t ... ourtroom slang. See also: bail O.R.
rejection of claim :: n. in probate law (administration of an estate of ... stion of administrative remedies").
rehearing :: n. conducting a hearing again based on the motion ... the judge or agency was just wrong.
remedy :: n. the means to achieve justice in any matter in w ... gment provisional remedy settlement
remittitur :: n. 1) a judge's order reducing a judgment awarded ... party on appeal). See also: remand
res judicata :: : (rayz judy-cot-ah) n. Latin for "the thing has b ... djudicata. See also: res adjudicata
res adjudicata :: n. a thing (legal matter) already determined by a ... es judicata. See also: res judicata
request :: 1) v. to ask or demand a judge to act (such as iss ... n. the act of asking or demanding.
referee :: n. a person to whom a judge refers a case to take ... on such findings. See also: master
recuse :: v. to refuse to be a judge (or for a judge to agre ... to the defendant. See also: recusal
quotient verdict :: n. an award of money damages set by a jury in a la ... rial motion for a new trial verdict
law of the case :: n. once a judge has decided a legal question durin ... he ruling is the "law of the case."
question of fact :: n. in a lawsuit or criminal prosecution, an issue ... also: finding judge question of law
reasonable doubt :: n. not being sure of a criminal defendant's guilt ... also: preponderance of the evidence
receiver :: n. 1) a neutral person (often a professional trust ... owing they were obtained illegally.
recusal :: n. the act of a judge or prosecutor being removed ... other good reason. See also: recuse
recoverable :: adj. referring to the amount of money to which a p ... ehicle." See also: damages judgment
record :: 1) v. (ree-cored) to put a document into the offic ... eeding race to the courthouse trial
rogatory letters :: n. a written request by a judge to a judge in anot ... also: deposition testimony witness
rule :: 1) v. to decide a legal question, by a court, as i ... ee also: regulations rules of court
set aside :: v. to annul or negate a court order or judgment by ... "set aside" the original dismissal.
service by publication :: n. serving a summons or other legal document in a ... perty. See also: service of process
service :: n. 1) paid work by another person, either by contr ... ersonal services service of process
settle :: v. to resolve a lawsuit without a final court judg ... rior to trial. See also: settlement
settlement :: n. the resolution of a lawsuit (or of a legal disp ... ult in settlement. See also: settle
shortening time :: n. an order of the court in response to the motion ... e notice is served within 24 hours.
short cause :: n. a lawsuit which is estimated by the parties (us ... l be reset later as a "long cause."
shield laws :: n. statutes enacted in some states which declare t ... See also: privileged communication
sequestration :: n. the act of a judge issuing an order that a jury ... during trial). See also: sequester
sentence :: 1) n. the punishment given to a person convicted o ... ence restitution suspended sentence
sealed verdict :: n. the decision of a jury when there is a delay in ... reconvenes. See also: jury verdict
sanction :: n. 1) a financial penalty imposed by a judge on a ... ction." See also: contempt of court
rules of court :: n. a set of procedural regulations adopted by cour ... s counsel. See also: procedure rule
sealing of records :: n. trial records and decisions which a judge order ... eep the terms from public scrutiny.
search :: v. 1) to examine another's premises (including a v ... e search and seizure search warrant
self-serving :: adj. referring to a question asked of a party to a ... ng declaration. See also: objection
self-defense :: n. the use of reasonable force to protect oneself ... ndalism. See also: assault homicide
search warrant :: n. a written order by a judge which permits a law ... ble cause search search and seizure
quash :: v. to annul or set aside. In law, a motion to quas ... s when the wrong person was served.
justice :: n. 1) fairness. 2) moral rightness. 3) a scheme or ... e appellate courts. See also: court
comparative negligence :: n. a rule of law applied in accident cases to dete ... utory negligence damages negligence
commitment :: n. a judge's order sending someone to jail or pris ... prisoner or patient to such places.
comment :: n. a statement made by a judge or an attorney duri ... e rung, cannot be unrung," applies.
collusive action :: n. a lawsuit brought by parties pretending to be a ... ion collusion controversy precedent
compromise :: 1) n. an agreement between opposing parties to set ... some demands. See also: settlement
conclusion :: n. 1) in general, the end. 2) in a trial, when all ... onclusion of fact conclusion of law
concurrent sentences :: n. sentences for more than one crime which are to ... ith the longest period controlling.
conclusion of law :: n. a judge's final decision on a question of law w ... aw if requested. See also: judgment
conclusion of fact :: n. in a trial, the final result of an analysis of ... quested. See also: finding judgment
clerk :: n. 1) an official or employee who handles the busi ... stocking shelves, or counter sales.
circuit courts :: n. a movable court in which the judge holds court ... alled the Circuit Courts of Appeal.
challenge for cause :: n. a request that a prospective juror be dismissed ... remptory challenge venire voir dire
challenge :: n. the right of each attorney in a jury trial to r ... ess. See also: peremptory challenge
capricious :: adv., adj. unpredictable and subject to whim, ofte ... a judge is inconsistent or erratic.
chambers :: n. the private office of a judge, usually close to ... s." See also: in camera in chambers
chancellor :: n. from the old English legal system, a chancellor ... n the same courts. See also: equity
Chief Justice :: n. the presiding judge of any State Supreme Court ... nks of existing Associate Justices.
charge :: n. 1) in a criminal case, the specific statement o ... trial judge. 3) a fee for services.
change of circumstances :: n. the principal reason for a court modifying (ame ... ild support divorce spousal support
consent decree :: n. an order of a judge based upon an agreement, al ... he same. See also: consent judgment
consent judgment :: n. a judgment issued by a judge based on an agreem ... forceable. See also: consent decree
cumulative sentence :: n. when a criminal defendant has been found guilty ... in a five-year term in the example.
cross-examination :: n. the opportunity for the attorney (or an unrepre ... examination testimony trial witness
credible witness :: n. a witness whose testimony is more than likely t ... ther factors. See also: credibility
cy pres doctrine :: n. (see-pray doctrine) from French, meaning "as cl ... ey among several S.P.C.A. chapters.
decide :: v. for a judge, arbitrator, court of appeals or ot ... rding to the law as he/she sees it.
default judgment :: n. if a defendant in a lawsuit fails to respond to ... See also: complaint default summons
declaratory relief :: n. a judge's determination (called a "declaratory ... ter. See also: declaratory judgment
decision :: n. judgment, decree or determination of findings o ... (court). See also: decree judgment
court trial :: ("non-jury trial"): a trial with a judge but no ju ... : a trial with a judge but no jury.
Court of Customs and Patent Appeals :: n. a federal court established (1929) to hear appe ... lso: Customs Court patent trademark
contempt of court :: n. there are essentially two types of contempt: a) ... roduce evidence. See also: sanction
consign :: v. 1) to deliver goods to a merchant to sell on be ... or by order of a bankruptcy judge.
conservator :: n. a guardian and protector appointed by a judge t ... ies. See also: conservatee guardian
continuing objection :: n. an objection to certain questions or testimony ... ional distress. See also: objection
cop a plea :: n. slang for a "plea bargain" in which an accused ... omes final). See also: plea bargain
court costs :: n. fees for expenses that the courts pass on to at ... ee also: cost bill prevailing party
court :: n. 1) the judge, as in "The court rules in favor o ... cost and wait of full court trials.
cost bill :: n. a list of claimed court costs submitted by the ... also: court costs prevailing party
calendar :: 1) n. the list of cases to be called for trial bef ... clerk of the court calendars cases.
burden of proof :: n. the requirement that the plaintiff (the party b ... ence prima facie weight of evidence
American Bar Association :: n. the largest organization of American lawyers, w ... go, IL 60611; tel.: (312) 988-5522.
advisory opinion :: n. an opinion stated by a judge or a court upon th ... o: actual controversy friendly suit
adverse witness :: n. a witness in a trial who is found by the judge ... r the opposition. See also: witness
appearance :: n. the act of a party or an attorney showing up in ... neral appearance special appearance
approach the bench :: v. an attorney's movement from the counsel table t ... ake a recess to go to the restroom.
arbitration :: n. a mini-trial, which may be for a lawsuit ready ... tance of the arbitrator's decision.
arbitrary :: adj. not supported by fair or substantial cause or ... d in reference to a judge's ruling.
approach the witness :: v. a request by an attorney to the judge for permi ... t, and it is almost always granted.
adoption :: n. the taking of a child into one's family, creati ... the child are met. See also: adopt
admit :: v. 1) to state something is true in answering a co ... tted." See also: admission evidence
acquit :: v. what a jury or judge sitting without a jury doe ... ndant not guilty. See also: verdict
accessory :: n. a second-string player who helps in the commiss ... responsible. See also: aid and abet
abuse of discretion :: n. a polite way of saying a trial judge has made s ... partner's realistic ability to pay.
administrative hearing :: n. a hearing before any governmental agency or bef ... ee also: administrative law hearing
administrative law :: n. the procedures created by administrative agenci ... judge Administrative Procedure Act
admission to bail :: n. an order of a court in a criminal case allowing ... lient. See also: bail bail bondsman
admission of evidence :: n. a judge's acceptance of evidence in a trial. Se ... ence in a trial. See also: evidence
admissible evidence :: n. evidence which the trial judge finds is useful ... olving violence. See also: evidence
arbitrator :: n. one who conducts an arbitration, and serves as ... he other two. See also: arbitration
argumentative :: adj. the characterization of a question asked by t ... oody glove just walked over there?"
bench warrant :: n. a warrant issued by a judge, often to command s ... appear in court. See also: warrant
bench :: n. 1) general term for all judges, as in "the benc ... h court judge sidebar witness stand
bar :: 1) n. collectively all attorneys, as "the bar," wh ... a room, building, or real property.
bias :: n. the predisposition of a judge, arbitrator, pros ... ire. See also: hometowned voir dire
bifurcate :: v. the order or ruling of a judge that one issue i ... is necessary. See also: bifurcation
brief :: 1) n. a written legal argument, usually in a forma ... another person. See also: precedent
bigamy :: n. the condition of having two wives or two husban ... d to several husbands is polyandry.
bifurcation :: n. the act of a judge in dividing issues before a ... on the other issue. (See bifurcate
bankruptcy proceedings :: n. the bankruptcy procedure is: a) filing a petiti ... ankruptcy court claim in bankruptcy
bank :: n. 1) an officially chartered institution empowere ... erred to as "in bank" or "en banc."
arrest warrant :: n. a judge's order to law enforcement officers to ... ommitted a crime. See also: warrant
arrest :: v. 1) to take or hold a suspected criminal with le ... anda warning probable cause warrant
arraignment :: n. the hearing in which a person charged with a cr ... re taken care of. See also: arraign
articles of impeachment :: n. the charges brought (filed) to impeach a public ... y the Senate. See also: impeachment
attachment :: n. the seizing of money or property prior to getti ... bond. See also: writ of attachment
bailiff :: n. 1) a court official, usually a deputy sheriff, ... isdictional territory of a bailiff.
bail :: 1) n. the money or bond put up to secure the relea ... bond bail bondsman own recognizance
back-to-back life sentences :: n. slang for consecutive life terms imposed by a j ... ther 25 years for a parole hearing.
deliberate :: 1) adj. (dee-lib-er-et) done with care and intenti ... any group including a legislature.
demonstrative evidence :: n. actual objects, pictures, models and other devi ... the trial judge. See also: evidence
inquest :: n. 1) an investigation and/or a hearing held by th ... surrogate judge. See also: coroner
injunction :: n. a writ (order) issued by a court ordering someo ... t. See also: injunctive relief writ
information :: n. an accusation or criminal charge brought by the ... Jury indictment preliminary hearing
insanity :: n. mental illness of such a severe nature that a p ... M'Naughten rule temporary insanity
instruction :: n. an explanation of the law governing a case whic ... fore the jury begins deliberations.
inter alia :: (in-tur eh-lee-ah) prep. Latin for "among other th ... ime to file the action had passed."
intent :: n. mental desire and will to act in a particular w ... ess homicide or other lesser crime.
insufficient evidence :: n. a finding (decision) by a trial judge or an app ... l court. See also: evidence finding
indictment :: n. a charge of a felony (serious crime) voted by a ... ictable offense preliminary hearing
in propria persona :: adj. from Latin "for one's self," acting on one's ... client and an ass for an attorney."
hung jury :: n. slang for a hopelessly deadlocked jury in a cri ... also: dismissal jury mistrial trial
hostile witness :: n. technically an "adverse witness" in a trial who ... so: adverse witness leading witness
hometowned :: adv. legalese for a lawyer or client suffering dis ... orneys over those from out of town.
immunity :: n. exemption from penalties, payments or legal req ... ws. See also: governmental immunity
impaneling :: n. the act of selecting a jury from the list of po ... e juror jury panel venire voir dire
in chambers :: adj. referring to discussions or hearings held in ... ed "in camera." See also: in camera
in camera :: adj. or adv. phrase. Latin for "in chambers." This ... he courtroom. See also: in chambers
impeach :: v. 1) to discredit the testimony of a witness by p ... ve been found guilty by the Senate.
interlocutory decree :: n. a court judgment which is temporary and not int ... ppeared to waste the parties' time.
intervention :: n. the procedure under which a third party may joi ... rvene joinder multiplicity of suits
juror :: n. any person who actually serves on a jury. Lists ... : Grand Jury jury jury panel venire
jurist :: n. although it means any attorney or legal scholar ... jurist popularly refers to a judge.
judicial proceedings :: n. any action by a judge re: trials, hearings, pet ... efore the court. See also: judicial
jury :: n. one of the remarkable innovations of the Englis ... hallenge sequester venire voir dire
jury selection :: n. the means by which a jury is chosen, with a pan ... y panel peremptory challenge venire
kangaroo court :: n. 1) a mock court set up without legal basis, suc ... See also: star chamber proceedings
justice of the peace :: (JP) n. a judge who handles minor legal matters su ... ersons to qualify by taking a test.
jury trial :: n. a trial of a lawsuit or criminal prosecution in ... the final judgment. See also: jury
judicial notice :: n. the authority of a judge to accept as facts cer ... elts in the sun. See also: evidence
judicial discretion :: n. the power of the judge to make decisions on som ... iscretion beyond his/her authority.
issue :: 1) n. a person's children or other lineal descenda ... the body incorporation share stock
irreparable damage or injury :: n. the type of harm which no monetary compensation ... also: equity injunction remedy writ
irrelevant :: adj. not important, pertinent, or germane to the m ... ce immaterial incompetent objection
J :: n. abbreviation for Judge, as in the Hon. William ... as in the Hon. William B. Boone, J.
joinder :: n. the joining together of several lawsuits or sev ... er misjoinder multiplicity of suits
judicial :: adj., adv. 1) referring to a judge, court or the c ... court or the court system. 2) fair.
judgment notwithstanding the verdict :: (N.O.V.) n. reversal of a jury's verdict by the tr ... veredicto. See also: N.O.V. verdict
joint and several :: adj. referring to a debt or a judgment for neglige ... ution contributory negligence joint
hearsay rule :: n. the basic rule that testimony or documents whic ... interest dying declaration hearsay
hearing :: n. any proceeding before a judge or other magistra ... e hearing preliminary hearing trial
error :: n. a mistake by a judge in procedure or in substan ... or. See also: harmless error remand
enter a judgment :: v. to officially record a judgment on the "judgmen ... ounced. See also: entry of judgment
enjoin :: v. for a court to order that someone either do a s ... so: injunction temporary injunction
esquire :: n. a form of address showing that someone is an at ... or barristers, sheriffs and judges.
evidence :: n. every type of proof legally presented at trial ... material object objection relevant
exception :: n. 1) a formal objection during trial ("We take ex ... cluded. See also: exception in deed
examination :: n. 1) the questioning of a witness by an attorney. ... irect examination testimony witness
ex parte :: (ex par-tay, but popularly, ex party) adj. Latin m ... and place of any ex parte hearing.
en banc :: (on bonk) French for "in the bench," it signifies ... he case and agreed to by the court.
election of remedies :: n. an outmoded requirement that if a plaintiff (pa ... dence has not been fully presented.
directed verdict :: n. a verdict by a jury based on the specific direc ... element judgment jury trial verdict
dictum :: n. Latin for "remark," a comment by a judge in a d ... cta)." See also: dicta obiter dicta
demurrer :: n. (dee-muhr-ur) a written response to a complaint ... demurrer. See also: motion pleading
discharge in bankruptcy :: n. an order given by the bankruptcy judge, at the ... red creditors. See also: bankruptcy
discretion :: n. the power of a judge, public official or a priv ... t a variance to a zoning ordinance.
dissent :: n. 1) the opinion of a judge of a court of appeals ... sagreement with prevailing thought.
dismissal :: n. 1) the act of voluntarily terminating a crimina ... f the settlement. See also: dismiss
dismiss :: v. the ruling by a judge that all or a portion (on ... nst that party. See also: dismissal
executor :: n. the person appointed to administer the estate o ... sed decedent executrix probate will
expert witness :: n. a person who is a specialist in a subject, ofte ... sitions. See also: expert testimony
Grand Jury :: n. a jury in each county or federal court district ... arge indictment preliminary hearing
good cause :: n. a legally sufficient reason for a ruling or oth ... od cause shown, the court orders:."
gag order :: n. a judge's order prohibiting the attorneys and t ... st day in office, January 22, 1993.
gross negligence :: n. carelessness which is in reckless disregard for ... damages negligence punitive damages
guardian :: n. a person who has been appointed by a judge to t ... torship. See also: conservator ward
harmless error :: n. an error by a judge in the conduct of a trial w ... ar to be harmless." See also: error
habeas corpus :: (hay-bee-us core-puss) n. Latin for "you have the ... nality of a state court conviction.
guilty :: adj. having been convicted of a crime or having ad ... on of guilt cop a plea plea bargain
frivolous :: adj. referring to a legal move in a lawsuit clearl ... ing the courts to resolve disputes.
first impression :: adj. referring to a legal issue which has never be ... s for both sides to assist him/her.
fact :: n. an actual thing or happening, which must be pro ... dge if he/she sits without a jury).
extraordinary fees :: n. attorneys' fees claimed, usually in the adminis ... n. See also: attorney's fee probate
extrajudicial :: adj. referring to actions outside the judicial (co ... gnized by the judge during a trial.
fact finder (finder of fact) :: n. in a trial of a lawsuit or criminal prosecution ... n facts. See also: question of fact
felony :: n. 1) a crime sufficiently serious to be punishabl ... ion. See also: misdemeanor sentence
finding :: n. the determination of a factual question vital ( ... e case. See also: conclusion of law
final settlement :: n. an agreement reached by the parties to a lawsui ... rneys present. See also: settlement
final judgment :: n. the written determination of a lawsuit by the j ... : final decree interlocutory decree
lateral support :: n. the right of a land- owner to assurance that hi ... support problems are less dramatic.