Legal Terms Flashcards

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De facto

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Latin, meaning 'in fact' or 'actually.' Something that exists in fact but not as a matter of law.

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De jure

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Latin, meaning 'in law.' Something that exists by operation of law.

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Defendant

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In a civil case, the person or organization against whom the plaintiff brings suit; in a criminal case, the person accused of the crime.

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Evidence

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Information presented in testimony or in documents that is used to persuade the fact finder (judge or jury) to decide the case in favor of one side or the other.

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Judgment

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The official decision of a court finally resolving the dispute between the parties to the lawsuit.

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Jurisdiction

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The legal authority of a court to hear and decide a certain type of case. It also is used as a synonym for venue, meaning the geographic area over which the court has territorial jurisdiction to decide cases.

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Mistrial

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An invalid trial, caused by fundamental error. When a mistrial is declared, the trial must start again with the selection of a new jury.