Glossary of Legal Terms
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From “Habeas
corpus” to “Hypothetical question”
Habeas corpus
The name of a writ having for its object to bring a person
before a court.
Harmless error
An error committed during a trial that was corrected or
was not serious enough to affect the outcome of a trial
and therefore was not sufficiently harmful (prejudicial)
to be reversed on appeal.
Headnote
A brief summary of a legal rule or significant facts in
a case, which along with other headnotes, precedes the printed
opinion in reports.
Hearing
A formal proceeding (generally less formal than a trial)
with definite issues of law or of fact to be heard. Hearings
are used extensively by legislative and administrative agencies.
Hearing de novo
A full new hearing.
Hearsay
Statements by a witness who did not see or hear the incident
in question but heard about it from someone else. Hearsay
is usually not admissible as evidence in court.
Hostile witness
A witness whose testimony is not favorable to the party
who calls him or her as a witness. A hostile witness may
be asked leading questions and may be cross-examined by
the party who calls him or her to the stand.
Hung jury
A jury whose members cannot agree upon a verdict.
Hypothetical question
An imaginary situation, incorporating facts previously admitted
into evidence, upon which an expert witness is permitted
to give an opinion as to a condition resulting from the
situation.
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