Appeals Court

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Petitioner

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The party who presents a petition to the court.

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Appeals Court

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A court that hears appeals from a lower court's decision.

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Respondent

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The party against whom a petition is filed, especially in an appeals or divorce case.

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Error of Law

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A mistake made by a judge in applying the law to a case.

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Precedent

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A legal decision that serves as an authoritative rule or pattern in future similar or analogous cases.

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Majority Opinion

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A judicial opinion agreed to by more than half of the members of a court, setting forth the decision of the court.

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Dissenting Opinion

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An opinion in a legal case written by one or more judges expressing disagreement with the majority opinion.

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Concurring Opinion

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An opinion that agrees with the court's decision but is written to express a particular judge's reasoning.