Legal Terms and Definitions

Glossary of Legal Terms

Brief A lawyer's written statement of a client's case filed in court. It usually contains a summary of the facts in the case, the pertinent laws, and an argument of how the law applies to the facts supporting the client's position. Direct examination: The first questioning of a witness by the attorney for the party on whose behalf the witness is called. Usually proceeds with open ended, non leading questions. Comparative negligence The degree to which a person contributed to his/her own injury, damage or death. Usually measured in terms of percentage. Contributory negligence is the failure to exercise care by a plaintiff, which contributed to the plaintiff's injury. Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Methods of resolving disputes outside of official court proceedings. These methods include mediation arbitration, and conciliation Liability A legal responsibility, obligation, or debt. Prosecutor For himself; in his own behalf. One who does not retain a lawyer and appears for himself in court. 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. Perjury Lying while under oath

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	Did You Know?
	Mediation is a process that involves a mediator Neutral third party who helps the disputing parties achieve a resolution that satisfies both of them. The mediator's primary function is to create constructive communication between parties and provide a forum where disputants can create a mutually satisfactory agreement. Mediators do not impose decisions; instead, they help people craft solutions that will work for them.