Trial Courts | Steps in a Trial | Jury | Opinions and Appeals | Lawyers |
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Who is the plaintiff?
In a civil case, who is the injured person who brings legal action against the alleged wrongdoer?
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What are opening statements?
First step in a trial when the plaintiff's attorney and defendant's attorney explain the the judge or jury the evidence which will be presented to prove/disprove the allegations before the court.
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What is voir dire?
the screening process in which opposing lawyers question prospective jurors
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What is majority opinion?
the written opinion of the majority of the court
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What is a litigator?
a trial attorney
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Who is the defendant?
In a civil case, who is the person being sued?
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What is direct examination?
when each witness for the plaintiff is questioned by the plaintiff's attorney.
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What is removal for cause?
When an attorney asks the Judge to remove a juror who does not appear capable of rendering a fair and impartial verdict
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What is dissenting opinion?
the written opinion of the minority of judges who disagree with the decision of the majority
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What is a retainer?
a down payment by which a client hires an attorney to act on his behalf
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Who is the prosecutor?
In a criminal case, who is the state or federal government's attorney?
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What is cross examination?
when each witness for the plaintiff is questioned by the defense attorney to try to break down the story or discredit the witness.
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What is peremptory challenge?
When an attorney asks to dismiss a juror without giving any reason. Each side gets a limited number of these?
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What is the concurring opinion?
the written decision by the judge(s) who agree with the decision reached by the court but for different reasons from those used to support the majority decision
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What is contingency fee?
the fee paid to an attorney based upon a percentage of the sum the client is awarded or settles for in a lawsuit
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What is the adversarial system?
The Judicial System used in the United States. Allows opposing parties to present their legal conflicts before and impartial judge and jury.
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What is closing statement?
This is when the defense attorney asks the jury for a finding of not guilty.
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What is precedent?
Court decision on a legal question that guides future cases with similar questions.
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What is appeals court?
a court in which appeals from trial court decisions are heard
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What is disbar?
to take away an attorney's license to practice law because of illegal or unethical conduct
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What is the inquisitional system?
The European method for handling disputes in which the Judge plays an active role in gathering and presenting evidence and questioning witnesses.
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What is verdict?
The decision of the jury
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What is error of law?
a mistake made by a judge in legal procedures or rulings during a trial that may allow the case to be appealled
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What is petition or writ of certiorari?
formal application to have a lower court decision heard by the US Supreme Court
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What is legal malpratice?
type of lawsuit brought against a lawyer for loss or injury to his/her client caused by the lawyer's error or failure to meet acceptable standards of practice for the legal profession
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