Glossary of Legal Terms
A - B
- C - D
- E - F
- G - H
- I - J
- K - L
- M - N
- O - P
- Q - R
- S - T
- U - V
- W - Z
From “Oath”
to “Overrule”
Oath
A solemn pledge made under a sense of responsibility in
attestation of the truth of a statement or in verification
of a statement made.
Objection
The process by which one party takes exception to some statement
or procedure. An objection is either sustained (allowed)
or overruled by the judge.
Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA)
A federal law designed to develop and promote occupational
safety and health standards.
Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission
The agency established by OSHA to adjudicate enforcement
actions under the Act.
Of counsel
A phrase commonly applied to counsel employed to assist
in the preparation or management of the case, or its presentation
on appeal, but who is not the principal attorney for the
party.
Official reports
The publication of cumulated court decisions of state or
federal courts in advance sheets and bound volumes as provided
by statutory authority.
On a person's own recognizance
Release of a person from custody without the payment of
any bail or posting of bond, upon the promise to return
to court.
Opening statement
The initial statement made by attorneys for each side, outlining
the facts each intends to establish during the trial.
Opinion
A judge's written explanation of a decision of the court
or of a majority of judges. A dissenting opinion disagrees
with the majority opinion because of the reasoning and/or
the principles of law on which the decision is based. A
concurring opinion agrees with the decision of the court
but offers further comment. (A per curiam opinion is an
unsigned opinion "of the court.")
Oral argument
Presentation of a case before a court by spoken argument;
usually with respect to a presentation of a case to an appellate
court where a time limit might be set for oral argument.
Order
A mandate, command, or direction authoritatively given.
Direction of a court or judge made in writing.
Ordinance
A rule established by authority; may be a municipal statute
of a city council, regulating such matters as zoning, building,
safety, matters of municipality, etc.
Overrule
A judge's decision not to allow an objection. Also, a decision
by a higher court finding that a lower court decision was
in error.
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