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30 terms with meanings and examples. Tick each one you know; cover the meaning column to test yourself.
Paginepagineapp.com| ✓ | Word | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| plaintiff noun | the person or party who brings a lawsuit | The plaintiff claimed the product was defective. | |
| defendant noun | the person or party being sued or accused | The defendant pleaded not guilty. | |
| statute noun | a written law passed by a legislature | The statute sets a two-year time limit for claims. | |
| precedent noun | an earlier court decision used as a guide for later cases | The ruling set a precedent for privacy cases. | |
| stare decisis noun | the principle that courts follow earlier decisions | Under stare decisis, the lower court followed the higher court’s ruling. | |
| jurisdiction noun | the official power of a court to hear a case | The state court lacked jurisdiction over the federal claim. | |
| tort noun | a wrongful act, other than breach of contract, that causes harm and leads to civil liability | Negligence is the most common tort. | |
| liability noun | legal responsibility for something | The company accepted liability for the damage. | |
| negligence noun | failure to take reasonable care, causing harm | The driver’s negligence caused the accident. | |
| injunction noun | a court order requiring or forbidding an action | The judge issued an injunction halting construction. | |
| adjudicate verb | to make a formal judgment on a dispute | A panel will adjudicate the claim. | |
| appellate adjective | relating to appeals of lower-court decisions | The appellate court reversed the verdict. | |
| brief noun | a written argument submitted to a court | Each side filed a brief before the hearing. | |
| deposition noun | sworn out-of-court testimony recorded for later use | The witness gave a three-hour deposition. | |
| due process noun | fair legal procedures guaranteed before depriving someone of rights | The policy was struck down for lacking due process. | |
| felony noun | a serious crime, usually punishable by more than a year in prison | Burglary is a felony in most states. | |
| misdemeanor noun | a less serious crime | Shoplifting a small item is often charged as a misdemeanor. | |
| indictment noun | a formal charge of a serious crime | The grand jury returned an indictment. | |
| litigation noun | the process of taking legal action | The dispute ended in years of litigation. | |
| mens rea noun | the mental state or intent required for a crime | Prosecutors must prove mens rea as well as the act itself. | |
| pro bono adjective | done without charge for the public good | The firm takes pro bono cases for tenants. | |
| remand verb | to send a case back to a lower court | The higher court remanded the case for a new trial. | |
| subpoena noun | a legal order to appear or provide documents | She received a subpoena to testify. | |
| testimony noun | a formal statement given under oath | His testimony contradicted the video evidence. | |
| verdict noun | the decision of a jury or judge on the facts | The jury reached a verdict after two days. | |
| affidavit noun | a written statement sworn to be true | The landlord filed an affidavit describing the damage. | |
| amicus curiae noun | a non-party who offers information to a court, usually in a brief | Several universities filed amicus curiae briefs. | |
| contract noun | a legally enforceable agreement | A valid contract needs an offer, acceptance and consideration. | |
| damages noun | money awarded to compensate for loss or injury | The court awarded damages for lost wages. | |
| equity noun | fairness; in law, remedies such as injunctions rather than money | The court used its equity powers to order the sale. |