| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Affidavit | A written statement made under oath, typically used as evidence in court. |
| Arbitration | A process of resolving a dispute outside of court, in which a neutral third party makes a binding decision. |
| Bail | Money or property given to the court as a guarantee that a defendant will appear for trial. |
| Damages | Money awarded to a plaintiff in a civil lawsuit as compensation for harm or loss caused by the defendant. |
| Deposition | A pre-trial legal procedure in which a witness is questioned under oath by attorneys from both sides. |
| Discovery | The process of gathering evidence before trial, including depositions, interrogatories, and requests for documents. |
| Habeas corpus | A legal action that allows a person who is detained or imprisoned to challenge the legality of their detention. |
| Jurisdiction | The authority of a court to hear and decide a case. |
| Litigation | The process of resolving disputes through the court system. |
| Statute of limitations | The time limit within which a legal action must be filed. |
| Subpoena | A court order requiring a person to appear in court or produce documents or other evidence. |
| Tort | A civil wrong, other than breach of contract, for which an injured party may seek compensation. |
| Verdict | The decision of a jury or judge in a trial, determining the guilt or liability of the defendant. |
| Writ of certiorari | An order issued by a higher court, granting review of a lower court's decision. |
| Alibi | A defense strategy in which the accused claims to have been elsewhere at the time the alleged crime was committed. |
| Appellate Court | A higher court that reviews decisions made by lower courts to determine if errors were made. |
| Defendant | The party being accused or sued in a legal proceeding. |
| Injunction | A court order that prohibits a party from taking certain actions or requires them to perform specific actions. |
| Intestate | The condition of dying without a valid will, resulting in the distribution of assets according to state intestacy laws. |
| Lien | A legal claim or hold on property as security for a debt or obligation. |
| Mediation | A dispute resolution process in which a neutral third party facilitates negotiations between parties to reach a mutually acceptable agreement. |
| Negligence | Failure to exercise reasonable care, resulting in harm or injury to another person or their property. |
| Plaintiff | The party who initiates a lawsuit and seeks a legal remedy. |
| Probate | The legal process of administering the estate of a deceased person, including validating the will, paying debts, and distributing assets. |
| Res ipsa loquitur | A legal doctrine that allows a court to infer negligence based on the circumstances and nature of an accident or injury. |
| Statute | A written law enacted by a legislative body. |
| Testimony | Oral evidence given by a witness under oath in court or during a deposition. |
| Tortfeasor | A person who commits a tort, or a civil wrong, resulting in harm or injury to another person or their property. |
| Waiver | The voluntary relinquishment or abandonment of a known right or claim. |
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