Also known as a ‘defendant’ in admiralty and corporations matters and in some courts. Common exhibits include contracts, weapons, and photographs. Elisha has Master's degree in Ancient Celtic History & Mythology, as well as a Bachelor's in Marketing. discovery - Lawyers' examination, before trial, of facts and documents in possession of the opponents to help the lawyers prepare for trial. A guilty plea allows the defendant to forego a trial. direct evidence - Evidence that supports a fact without an inference. They may decide some criminal and civil trials when both parties agree to have the case heard by a magistrate judge instead of a district court judge. public defenders - Represent defendants who can't afford an attorney in criminal matters. Beneficiary: Someone named in a legal document to inherit money or other property. This is not a negotiable demand. Loan terminology glossary . A number of Latin terms are used in legal terminology and legal maxims. jury - Persons selected according to law and sworn to inquire into and declare a verdict on matters of fact. A concurring opinion agrees with the end result of the court but offers further comment possibly because they disagree with how the court reached its conclusion. To learn more, visit our Earning Credit Page. capital offense - A crime punishable by death. Did you know… We have over 220 college A legal terminology textbook is a textbook that arranges and defines legal words and phrases in groups and by topic, in contrast with a law dictionary; A number of Latin terms are used in legal terminology and legal maxims. A prototype of an instrument to be employed in a legal transaction or a judicial proceeding that includes the primary essential matters, the appropriate technical phrases or terms, and any additional material required to render it officially accurate, arranged in suitable and systematic order, and conducive to Adaptation to the circumstances of the particular case. I can think of several. Browse and search thousands of Law & Legal Abbreviations and acronyms in our comprehensive reference resource. (2) The constitutional process whereby the House of Representatives may "impeach" (accuse of misconduct) high officers of the federal government for trial in the Senate. The Judicial Branch does not warrant the accuracy of the information contained in this list nor is it responsible for any … Log in here for access. first two years of college and save thousands off your degree. subpoena - A command to a witness to appear and give testimony. Legal terminology can be confusing, almost like learning a foreign language. jury instructions - A judge's explanation to the jury before it begins deliberations of the questions it must answer and the law governing the case. It also is used as a synonym for venue, meaning the geographic area over which the court has territorial jurisdiction to decide cases. Legal translation is the translation of language used in legal settings and for legal purposes. Judicial Activism: Definition, Cases, Pros & Cons, What Is Common Law? Precedent will ordinarily govern the decision of a later similar case, unless a party can show that it was wrongly decided or that it differed in some significant way. information - A formal accusation by a government attorney that the defendant committed a misdemeanor. Lawyers must file a variety of documents throughout the life of a case. All other trademarks and copyrights are the property of their respective owners. George showed signs of mens rea, but his attorney was willing to stare decisis on the courts decision. The experts worked from a list of commonly used legal terms and created what they hoped to be standardized translations of these terms. The easiest-to-read, most user-friendly guide to legal terms. A dissenting opinion disagrees with the majority because of the reasoning and/or the principles of law on which the decision is based. Stare Decisis - Meaning ''stand by things decided'', it means that any new decisions will follow the previous court decisions. Rules bail - Security given for the release of a criminal defendant or witness from legal custody (usually in the form of money) to secure his/her appearance on the day and time appointed. jurisprudence - The study of law and the structure of the legal system. judgment - The official decision of a court finally determining the respective rights and claims of the parties to a suit. Decree - an order entered by the court that sets forth the judge s decision. Malpractice - A person who had a responsibility for care and ignored or completely disregarded their responsibility. Working Scholars® Bringing Tuition-Free College to the Community. - Definition & Function, Fiscal Stimulus: Definition, Multiplier Effect & Price Levels, Cash Basis Accounting Method: Definition & Example, Quiz & Worksheet - Quantitative & Qualitative Business Information, Quiz & Worksheet - Goal Setting as Part of Management, Quiz & Worksheet - Ethics & Social Responsibility in the Global Market, Quiz & Worksheet - Quantitative Analysis in Business Choices, Quiz & Worksheet - Organizational Interrelationships & Aims, CSET Business - Organizational Culture and Structure, CSET Business - Ethical & Social Responsibility, CSET Business - Production & Operations Management, California Sexual Harassment Refresher Course: Supervisors, California Sexual Harassment Refresher Course: Employees. impeachment - (1) The process of calling something into question, as in "impeaching the testimony of a witness." law clerk (or staff attorney) - Assist judges with research and drafting of opinions. Mark received a subpoena from the court to show up for a deposition before the arraignment was scheduled. Each party suggests jury instructions to the judge, but the judge chooses the final wording. All rights reserved. evidence - Information presented in testimony or in documents that is used to persuade the fact finder (judge or jury) to decide the case for one side or the other. panel - (1) In appellate cases, a group of judges (usually three) assigned to decide the case; (2) In the jury selection process, the group of potential jurors. "Voir dire" is a phrase meaning "to speak the truth.". testimony - Evidence presented orally by witnesses during trials or before grand juries. Marshal (or bailiff) - enforce the rules of behavior in courtrooms. counterclaim - A claim that a defendant makes against a plaintiff. A term rule is in the nature of a day rule, by which a prisoner is enabled by the terms of one rule, instead of a daily rule, to quit the prison or its rules for the purpose of transacting his business. Much like learning a foreign language, developing a basic understanding of some of the essential terms can help you navigate legal documents. Once an objection is made, the judge must decide whether to allow the question or statement. In some cases, state courts can decide these issues, too, but the cases can always be brought in federal courts. Log in or sign up to add this lesson to a Custom Course. Not-Guilty by Reason of Insanity - Stating that the person was not in a mind to understand the crime being committed. Diligence - Opposite of negligence, this shows proper care of a subject or situation. Read on to find out more. Subpoena - A requirement by the court to show up and testify as needed. charge to the jury - The judge's instructions to the jury concerning the law that applies to the facts of the case on trial. © copyright 2003-2021 Study.com. The related legal term allegation refers to the specific charge against a person made in accordance with state or federal legal codes. Affidavits must be notarized or administered by an officer of the court with such authority. victim advocate - work with prosecutors and assist the victims of a crime. The principal pleadings are the property of their respective owners, if,. A disagreement between parties in a mind to understand the crime after a showing of cause... Case is tried hearsay is usually not admissible as evidence to successful plaintiffs in civil cases compensate! Services, we are on a Plain English mission a command to a suit criminal matters plaintiff the! Start in understanding courtroom lingo and legal maxims or federal legal codes error... 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