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: 198
hung jury :: n. slang for a hopelessly deadlocked jury in a cri ... also: dismissal jury mistrial trial
partial verdict :: n. in a criminal trial, the result when the jury f ... re other charges. See also: verdict
judgment notwithstanding the verdict :: (N.O.V.) n. reversal of a jury's verdict by the tr ... veredicto. See also: N.O.V. verdict
compromise verdict :: n. a decision made by a jury in which the jurors s ... ning the verdict. See also: verdict
quotient verdict :: n. an award of money damages set by a jury in a la ... rial motion for a new trial verdict
verdict :: n. the decision of a jury after a trial, which mus ... nt quotient verdict special verdict
directed verdict :: n. a verdict by a jury based on the specific direc ... element judgment jury trial verdict
special verdict :: n. the jury's decisions or findings of fact with t ... utation. See also: specific finding
sealed verdict :: n. the decision of a jury when there is a delay in ... reconvenes. See also: jury verdict
jury box :: n. the enclosed area in which the jury sits in ass ... a jury trial. See also: juror jury
jury :: n. one of the remarkable innovations of the Englis ... hallenge sequester venire voir dire
Grand Jury :: n. a jury in each county or federal court district ... arge indictment preliminary hearing
jury fees :: n. the rather minimal amount paid each day to juro ... ees as a court cost. See also: jury
injury :: n. any harm done to a person by the acts or omissi ... nction injunctive relief negligence
jury tampering :: n. the crime of attempting to influence a jury thr ... e also: jury subornation of perjury
permanent injury :: n. physical or mental damage which will restrict t ... ges. See also: permanent disability
petit jury :: n. old-fashioned name for the jury sitting to hear ... r duties. See also: Grand Jury jury
subornation of perjury :: n. the crime of encouraging, inducing or assisting ... itness's perjury. See also: perjury
perjury :: n. the crime of intentionally lying after being du ... ly made a mistake or misunderstood.
jury trial :: n. a trial of a lawsuit or criminal prosecution in ... the final judgment. See also: jury
jury panel :: n. the list from which jurors for a particular tri ... may be chosen. See also: juror jury
jury stress :: n. a form of mental, emotional, psychological, phy ... do the right thing. See also: jury
jury of one's peers :: n. a guaranteed right of criminal defendants, in w ... y African Americans. See also: jury
jury selection :: n. the means by which a jury is chosen, with a pan ... y panel peremptory challenge venire
blue ribbon jury :: n. a jury selected from prominent, well-educated c ... ight to have a jury of one's peers.
trial :: n. the examination of facts and law presided over ... at a hearing held at a later time.
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
retire :: v. 1) to stop working at one's occupation. 2) to p ... y instructions have been completed.
N.O.V. :: adj. shorthand acronym of Latin for non obstante v ... notwithstanding the verdict verdic
moral certainty :: n. in a criminal trial, the reasonable belief (but ... : beyond a reasonable doubt verdict
not guilty by reason of insanity :: n. plea in court of a person charged with a crime ... fense not guilty temporary insanity
closing argument :: n. the final argument by an attorney on behalf of ... . See also: opening statement trial
acquit :: v. what a jury or judge sitting without a jury doe ... ndant not guilty. See also: verdict
mistrial :: n. the termination of a trial before its normal co ... from the beginning. See also: trial
irreparable damage or injury :: n. the type of harm which no monetary compensation ... also: equity injunction remedy writ
specific finding :: n. a decision on a fact made by a jury in its verd ... so forth. See also: special verdict
sentence :: 1) n. the punishment given to a person convicted o ... ence restitution suspended sentence
aleatory :: adj. uncertain; usually applied to insurance contr ... ire damage to his insured building.
perjurer :: n. a person who intentionally lies while under an ... alse information. See also: perjury
affidavit :: n. 1) any written document in which the signer swe ... an affidavit. See also: declaration
permanent disability :: n. an injury which impairs the physical and/or men ... t injury Workers' Compensation Acts
agent :: n. a person who is authorized to act for another ( ... issues. See also: agency authority
preponderance of the evidence :: n. the greater weight of the evidence required in ... what subjective. See also: evidence
property damage :: n. injury to real or personal property through ano ... l value. See also: damages property
prove :: v. to present evidence and/or logic that makes a f ... t or criminal case. See also: proof
proximate cause :: n. a happening which results in an event, particul ... also: intervening cause negligence
proof :: n. confirmation of a fact by evidence. In a trial, ... doubt preponderance of the evidence
probative value :: n. evidence which is sufficiently useful to prove ... prior actions. See also: probative
peremptory challenge :: n. the right of the plaintiff and the defendant in ... challenge for cause jury voir dire
presentment :: n. 1) making a demand for payment of a promissory ... ee also: Grand Jury promissory note
prima facie :: : (pry-mah fay-shah) adj. Latin for "at first look ... t" case. See also: prima facie case
preliminary hearing :: n. in criminal law, a hearing to determine if a pe ... nment charge Grand Jury information
pain and suffering :: n. the physical and mental distress suffered from ... l damages special damages suffering
motion for dismissal :: (non-suit) n. application by a defendant in a laws ... otion for nonsuit. See also: motion
motion to strike :: n. a request for a judge's order to eliminate all ... be unrung." See also: motion strike
negligence :: n. failure to exercise the care toward others whic ... gence per se res ipsa loquitur tort
motion for a summary judgment :: n. a written request for a judgment in the moving ... strict procedures. See also: motion
M'Naughten rule :: n. a traditional "right and wrong" test of legal i ... temporary insanity Twinkie defense
misdemeanor :: n. a lesser crime punishable by a fine and/or coun ... tion are felonies. See also: felony
mitigation of damages :: n. the requirement that someone injured by another ... he lease) to mitigate his/her loss.
no fault insurance :: n: a type of automobile insurance required of car ... ling lawsuits. See also: negligence
nominal damages :: n. a small amount of money awarded to a plaintiff ... had been damaged. See also: damages
panel :: n. the list of people selected to appear for jury ... or jury duty. See also: jury venire
partial disability :: n. the result of an injury which permanently reduc ... erson's normal functioning is gone.
answer :: n. in law, a written pleading filed by a defendant ... emurrer general denial verification
quantum meruit :: : (kwahn-tuhm mare-ooh-it) n. Latin for "as much a ... uit by implying a contract existed.
open court :: n. the conduct of judicial proceedings (trials, he ... which are usually held in chambers.
oath :: n. 1) a swearing to tell the truth, the whole trut ... ountry. See also: affidavit perjury
occupational hazard :: n. a danger or risk inherent in certain employment ... e of death or injury while at work.
peer :: n. an equal. A "jury of one's peers," to which cri ... eria. See also: jury of one's peers
remedy :: n. the means to achieve justice in any matter in w ... gment provisional remedy settlement
trier of fact :: n. the judge or jury responsible for deciding fact ... r referee may be the trier of fact.
true bill :: n. the written decision of a Grand Jury (signed by ... to the court. See also: indictment
ultrahazardous activity :: n. an action or process which is so inherently dan ... sional auto race on public streets.
variance :: n. 1) an exception to a zoning ordinance, authoriz ... process." See also: dismissal proof
tort :: n. from French for "wrong," a civil wrong or wrong ... nce slander trespass wrongful death
swear :: v. 1) to declare under oath that one will tell the ... ee also: notary public oath perjury
accusation :: n. 1) in legal terms accusation means officially c ... im of wrongdoing by another person.
suffering :: n. the pain, hurt, inconvenience, embarrassment an ... njury negligence pain and suffering
summation :: n. the final argument of an attorney at the close ... 's case. See also: closing argument
venire :: (ven-eer-ay) n. the list from which jurors may be ... y be selected. See also: jury panel
accessory :: n. a second-string player who helps in the commiss ... responsible. See also: aid and abet
Workers' Compensation Acts :: n. state statutes which establish liability of emp ... rs' compensation insurance company.
acquittal :: n. what an accused criminal defendant receives if ... se) of not guilty. See also: acquit
plea :: n. 1) in criminal law, the response by an accused ... raignment plead preliminary hearing
witness stand :: n. a chair at the end of the judge's bench on the ... estimony clearly. See also: witness
whiplash :: n. a common neck and/or back injury suffered in au ... r damages due to negligent driving.
verification :: n. the declaration under oath or upon penalty of p ... ed. See also: answer complaint oath
voir dire :: (vwahr [with a near-silent "r"] deer) n. from Fren ... t witness jury peremptory challenge
waive :: v. to voluntarily give up something, including not ... the other state). See also: waiver
strike :: 1) v. to remove a statement from the record of the ... ing the business, factory or store.
statute of limitations :: n. a law which sets the maximum period which one c ... ies. See also: demurrer laches toll
remote :: adj., adv. extremely far off or slight. Evidence m ... ee also: immaterial proximate cause
res ipsa loquitur :: (rayz ip-sah loh-quit-her) n. Latin for "the thing ... plex doctrine. See also: negligence
rescue doctrine :: n. the rule of law that if a rescuer of a person h ... to the car grill. See also: damages
remittitur :: n. 1) a judge's order reducing a judgment awarded ... party on appeal). See also: remand
mental anguish :: n. mental suffering which includes fright, feeling ... See also: damages mental suffering
question of law :: n. an issue arising in a lawsuit or criminal prose ... udge question of fact trier of fact
admissible evidence :: n. evidence which the trial judge finds is useful ... olving violence. See also: evidence
reasonable doubt :: n. not being sure of a criminal defendant's guilt ... also: preponderance of the evidence
riot :: n. 1) technically a turbulent and violent disturba ... to unlawful possession of firearms.
administrative hearing :: n. a hearing before any governmental agency or bef ... ee also: administrative law hearing
small claims court :: n. a division of most municipal, city or other low ... od example of a small claims court.
speculative damages :: n. possible financial loss or expenses claimed by ... future customers. See also: damages
spontaneous exclamation :: n. a sudden statement caused by the speaker having ... et hit the girl." See also: hearsay
sine qua non :: (see-nay kwah nahn) prep. Latin for "without which ... qua non of the injury to Playmate.
sidebar :: n. 1) physically, an area in front of or next to t ... See also: approach the bench bench
sequester :: v. to keep separate or apart. In so-called "high-p ... of others. See also: sequestration
sequestration :: n. the act of a judge issuing an order that a jury ... during trial). See also: sequester
service :: n. 1) paid work by another person, either by contr ... ersonal services service of process
question of fact :: n. in a lawsuit or criminal prosecution, an issue ... also: finding judge question of law
manslaughter :: n. the unlawful killing of another person without ... laughter. See also: homicide murder
District Attorney (D.A.) :: n. an elected official of a county or a designated ... dent and serve at his/her pleasure.
dying declaration :: n. the statement of a mortally injured person who ... as no reason not to tell the truth.
emotional distress :: n. an increasingly popular basis for a claim of da ... ar value upon it. See also: damages
error :: n. a mistake by a judge in procedure or in substan ... or. See also: harmless error remand
challenge :: n. the right of each attorney in a jury trial to r ... ess. See also: peremptory challenge
demonstrative evidence :: n. actual objects, pictures, models and other devi ... the trial judge. See also: evidence
declaration of mailing :: n. a form stating that a particular document has b ... other party. See also: declaration
deliberate :: 1) adj. (dee-lib-er-et) done with care and intenti ... any group including a legislature.
deliberation :: n. the act of considering, discussing and, hopeful ... ssions, voting and decision-making.
evidence :: n. every type of proof legally presented at trial ... material object objection relevant
fact :: n. an actual thing or happening, which must be pro ... dge if he/she sits without a jury).
Good Samaritan rule :: n. from a Biblical story, if a volunteer comes to ... a lawsuit for millions of dollars.
business invitee :: n. a person entering commercial premises for the p ... to the contrary. See also: invitee
gross negligence :: n. carelessness which is in reckless disregard for ... damages negligence punitive damages
harmless error :: n. an error by a judge in the conduct of a trial w ... ar to be harmless." See also: error
full disclosure :: n. the need in business transactions to tell the " ... icant fact. See also: caveat emptor
finding :: n. the determination of a factual question vital ( ... e case. See also: conclusion of law
fact finder (finder of fact) :: n. in a trial of a lawsuit or criminal prosecution ... n facts. See also: question of fact
Federal Tort Claims Act :: n. a statute (1948) which removed the power of the ... diction to federal district courts.
final settlement :: n. an agreement reached by the parties to a lawsui ... rneys present. See also: settlement
declaration :: n. 1) any statement made, particularly in writing. ... blic. See also: affidavit declarant
declarant :: n. the person making a statement, usually written ... also: affiant affidavit declaration
conclusion :: n. 1) in general, the end. 2) in a trial, when all ... onclusion of fact conclusion of law
conclusion of fact :: n. in a trial, the final result of an analysis of ... quested. See also: finding judgment
constitutional rights :: n. rights given or reserved to the people by the U ... e also: Bill of Rights constitution
contemplation of death :: n. the anticipation of death in a relatively short ... e also: unified estate and gift tax
challenge for cause :: n. a request that a prospective juror be dismissed ... remptory challenge venire voir dire
compensatory damages :: n. damages recovered in payment for actual injury ... es punitive damages special damages
charge :: n. 1) in a criminal case, the specific statement o ... trial judge. 3) a fee for services.
comment :: n. a statement made by a judge or an attorney duri ... e rung, cannot be unrung," applies.
compensation :: n. 1) payment for work performed, by salary, wages ... the damage or by one's own insurer.
contribution :: n. 1) donation to a charity or political campaign. ... f $3,000 from each of his partners.
course of employment :: adj. actively involved in a person's employment at ... Acts. See also: scope of employment
cruel and unusual punishment :: n. governmental penalties against convicted crimin ... opted. See also: capital punishment
damages :: n. the amount of money which a plaintiff (the pers ... liquidated damages special damages
deceit :: n. dishonesty, fraudulent conduct, false statement ... . See also: fraud misrepresentation
crime of passion :: n. a defendant's excuse for committing a crime due ... dant. See also: manslaughter murder
crime :: n. a violation of a law in which there is injury t ... drugs. See also: felony misdemeanor
court trial :: ("non-jury trial"): a trial with a judge but no ju ... : a trial with a judge but no jury.
court-martial :: 1) n. a military court for trying offenses in viol ... the U.S. Court of Military Appeals.
credible witness :: n. a witness whose testimony is more than likely t ... ther factors. See also: credibility
hearing :: n. any proceeding before a judge or other magistra ... e hearing preliminary hearing trial
burden of proof :: n. the requirement that the plaintiff (the party b ... ence prima facie weight of evidence
benefit :: 1) n. any profit or acquired right or privilege, p ... fit Ken Murray." See also: contract
battery :: n. the actual intentional striking of someone, wit ... e also: assault assault and battery
abuse of discretion :: n. a polite way of saying a trial judge has made s ... partner's realistic ability to pay.
attempt :: v. and n. to actually try to commit a crime and ha ... felt he tried but did not succeed.
beyond a reasonable doubt :: adj. part of jury instructions in all criminal tri ... on moral certainty reasonable doubt
Bill of Rights :: n. the first ten amendments to the federal Constit ... ved to the states or to the people.
judge advocate :: n. a military officer with legal training who has ... ourt-martial judge advocate general
booby trap :: n. a device set up to be triggered to harm or kill ... protect one's property is a crime.
juror :: n. any person who actually serves on a jury. Lists ... : Grand Jury jury jury panel venire
assault :: 1) v. the threat or attempt to strike another, whe ... ult, including for mental distress.
approach the bench :: v. an attorney's movement from the counsel table t ... ake a recess to go to the restroom.
loss :: n. 1) the value placed on injury or damages due to ... t and the income. See also: damages
loss of consortium :: n. the inability of one's spouse to have normal ma ... ation. See also: consortium damages
maim :: v. to inflict a serious bodily injury, including m ... to a prison term. See also: mayhem
chambers :: n. the private office of a judge, usually close to ... s." See also: in camera in chambers
long-arm statute :: n. law which gives a local state court jurisdictio ... rt jurisdiction over the defendant.
life without possibility of parole :: n. a sentence sometimes given for particularly vic ... or may someday reduce the sentence.
kidnapping :: (also spelled kidnaping) n. the taking of a person ... but now applies to adults as well.
liability :: n. one of the most significant words in the field ... bility joint tortfeasors negligence
lien :: n. any official claim or charge against property o ... ord's lien mechanic's lien mortgage
judge :: 1) n. an official with the authority and responsib ... ice justice of the peace magistrate
joint and several :: adj. referring to a debt or a judgment for neglige ... ution contributory negligence joint
indictment :: n. a charge of a felony (serious crime) voted by a ... ictable offense preliminary hearing
information :: n. an accusation or criminal charge brought by the ... Jury indictment preliminary hearing
information and belief :: n. a phrase often used in legal pleadings (complai ... nswer complaint declaration perjury
brought to trial :: v. the act of actually beginning a trial, usually ... y or beginning opening statements).
indictable offense :: n. a crime (offense) for which a Grand Jury rules ... o commit them. See also: indictment
incapacity :: adj. 1) not being able to perform any gainful empl ... of the will. See also: incompetent
immunity :: n. exemption from penalties, payments or legal req ... ws. See also: governmental immunity
impanel :: v. to select and install a jury. See also: impanel ... l a jury. See also: impaneling jury
impaneling :: n. the act of selecting a jury from the list of po ... e juror jury panel venire voir dire
inquest :: n. 1) an investigation and/or a hearing held by th ... surrogate judge. See also: coroner
insanity :: n. mental illness of such a severe nature that a p ... M'Naughten rule temporary insanity
irrelevant :: adj. not important, pertinent, or germane to the m ... ce immaterial incompetent objection
jaywalking :: n. walking across a street outside of marked cross ... jury to the jaywalker by a vehicle.
jeopardy :: n. peril, particularly danger of being charged wit ... ar Evers. See also: double jeopardy
invitee :: n. a person who comes onto another's property, pre ... ail employees. See also: negligence
interrogatories :: n. a set of written questions to a party to a laws ... ing. See also: deposition discovery
instruction :: n. an explanation of the law governing a case whic ... fore the jury begins deliberations.
insurance :: n. a contract (insurance policy) in which the insu ... t clause Workers' Compensation Acts
intent :: n. mental desire and will to act in a particular w ... ess homicide or other lesser crime.
mayhem :: 1) n. the criminal act of disabling, disfiguring o ... so: aggravated assault assault maim