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 “Seal” to “Sustain” Seal To mark a document with a seal; to authenticate or make binding by affixing a seal. Court seal, corporate seal. Sealing The closure of court records to inspection, except to the parties. Search warrant A written order issued by a judge that directs a law enforcement officer to…
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 “Ratification” to “Rules of evidence” Ratification The confirmation or adoption of a previous act done either by the party himself or by another. Ratio decidendi The ground or reason of the decision in a case. Re-direct examination portunity to present rebuttal evidence after one’s evidence has been subjected to cross-examination. Real property…
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 “Elements of a crime” to “Extraordinary writ” Elements of a crime Specific factors that define a crime which the prosecution must prove beyond a reasonable doubt in order to obtain a conviction: (1) that a crime has actually occurred, (2) that the accused intended the crime to happen, and (3) a timely…
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 “Damages” to “Due process of law” Damages Money awarded by a court to a person injured by the unlawful actor negligence of another person. Debtor One who owes a debt to another; a person filing for relief under theBankruptcy Code. Decision The opinion of the court in concluding a case at law….
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 “Calendar” to “Custody” Calendar A list of cases scheduled for hearing in court. Calling the docket The public calling of the docket or list of causes at commencement of term of court, for setting a time for trial or entering orders. Canons of ethics Standards of ethical conduct for attorneys. Capacity Having…
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 “Bail” to “Bylaws” Bail Money or other security (such as a bail bond) provided to the court to temporarily allow a person’s release from jail and assure their appearance in court. “Bail” and “Bond” are often used interchangeably. (Applies mainly to state courts.) Bail bond An obligation signed by the accused to…
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 “Abatement of action” to “Attorney-in-fact” Abatement of action A suit which has been quashed and ended. Abstract of record A short, abbreviated form of the case as found in the record. Abstract of title A chronological summary of all official records and recorded documents affecting the title to a parcel of real…
A – B – C – D – E – F – G – H – I – J – K – L – M – N – O – P – Q – R – S – T – U – V – W – Z When involved with legal matters, it’s important to understand the jargon being used. Large problems can arise from improper communication, and knowledge of legal terms can help you avoid confusion and the issues that arise because of it. To help you decipher legal documents and to help you learn more about legal terminology,…