Legal Terminology Flashcards

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Appeal

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To ask a higher court to reverse the decision of a trial court after final judgment or other legal ruling.

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Appellate Jurisdiction

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When a court hears a case on appeal from a lower court.

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Arraignment

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A proceeding in which a criminal defendant is brought into court, told of the charges, and asked to plead guilty or not guilty.

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Bail

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The release, prior to trial, of a person accused of a crime, under specified conditions to assure appearance in court. Also refers to the bond money posted as a financial condition of pretrial release.

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Class Action

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A lawsuit in which one or more members of a large group, or class, of individuals or other entities sue on behalf of the entire class.

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Dissenting Opinion

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Written by Justices that disagree with Majority Opinion.

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Common Law

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An unwritten law made by a judge that has developed over centuries from accepted ideas of right and wrong that have gained judicial recognition.

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Criminal Case

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A case involving someone that violated a law.

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Civil Case

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A case involving a noncriminal matter such as a contract dispute or dispute over money.

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Damages

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Money that a defendant pays a plaintiff in a civil case if the plaintiff has won. Can be compensatory or punitive.