Hostile witness

A hostile witness is a person called to testify as a witness by the party to whom that witness is opposed. The witness may make testimony that weakens the case of the side they are supposed to be supporting.

Sidebar

A sidebar is a courtroom conference between the lawyers and the judge and held away from the jury's hearing.

Cross-examination

Cross-examination is the examination of a witness by the party opposed to the one who put him on the witness stand to testify.

Direct examination

Direct examination is the initial questioning of a witness by the party who called the witness.

Verdict

The verdict is the jury's formal findings of fact or decision on the case.

Affiant

The affiant is the person who gives the sworn statement of fact in an affidavit.

Affidavit

An affidavit is a sworn statement of fact, done before someone who is authorized to take oaths.

Writ

A writ is a court order, ordering someone to do or refrain from doing something.

Subpoena

A subpoena requires a witness to appear and give testimony in court.

Jury

A jury are people who are selected to hear evidence and sworn to give a true verdict in a criminal or civil case.

Demurrer

A demurrer challenges whether or not a legal cause of action exists for the facts.

Accused

The accused is the person charged with a crime. They are the defendant.

Plea bargain

A plea bargain is when a prosecutor offers the defendant the opportunity to plead guilty, usually to a lesser charge or to the original criminal charge in exchange for a lighter sentence. It is also sometimes part of a no contest plea.

No contest plea

A no contest plea is when the defendant does not dispute or admit the charges. It is sometimes offered with a plea bargain.

Not guilty plea

A not guilty plea is when the defendant admits to not having committed an offense he is charged with. A not guilty plea is the opposite of a guilty plea.

Sustain

Sustain is when a judge agrees with an objection. The questions may not continue. Sustain is the opposite of overrule.

Overrule

Overrule is when a judge decides not to allow an objection. The questions may continue. Overrule is the opposite of sustain.

Impartiality

Impartiality means to treat all parties and all views and opinions equally and not be biased.

Prosecutor

The prosecutor is the lawyer who brings the case to court on behalf of the state or city.

Deliberation

Deliberation occurs after a trial, when a jury discusses in private the findings and comes to a decision.

Venue

The venue is the county or city where a court will hear the case.

Quash

Quash means to make void and to deny.

Ordinance

An ordinance is a law or regulation that is passed by government.

Magistrate

A magistrate is a judicial officer that has limited powers.

Court and legal terms - trivia 19

1) What does voir dire mean?

a) when prospective jurors are questioned about their backgrounds before being chosen to sit on a jury
b) the beginning of a trial

Check comments for the answer.

Copyright lawyers

Copyright lawyers deal with litigation. They prosecute or defend those who have violated copyright laws.

Estate lawyers

Estate lawyers, also called probate lawyers, help estate beneficiaries on settling all of the affairs of a deceased person.