|
Malicious prosecution
A merit less (civil or criminal) action instituted solely to harass the defendant. Such misuse of the judicial process may be the basis for an action against the original plaintiff/prosecutor.
Mandamus
A writ by which a court commands the performance of a particular act.
Jurisprudence
Formal study of the principles on which legal rules are based and the means by which judges guide their decision making.
Privileged communications
Confidential communications to certain persons that are protected by law against any disclosure, including forced disclosure in legal proceedings. Communications between lawyer and client, physician and patient, psychotherapist and patient, priest, minister or rabbi and penitent are typically privileged.
Objection
The act of taking exception to some statement or procedure in trial or other proceeding. Used to call the court's attention to improper evidence or procedure.
Jurisdiction
The legal authority of a court to hear a case or conduct other proceedings; power of the court over persons involved in a case and the subject matter of the case.
Direct evidence
Evidence in the form of testimony from a witness who actually saw, heard, or touched the subject of interrogation.
Deposition
The taking of testimony of a witness under oath outside of court, usually transcribed in writing by a court reporter, or less frequently, recorded on videotape.
|
Did You Know?