Legal English Quiz 5.6.2025

Which term refers to the person or party who brings a legal case against another in a court of law?

• The appellee in the initial legal proceeding

• The defendant facing the legal action

• The appellant seeking a higher court review

• The plaintiff initiating the court action

• The judge presiding over the courtroom

Answer explanation

The term 'plaintiff' refers to the person or party who initiates a legal case against another in court, making 'The plaintiff initiating the court action' the correct choice.

In a legal context, what does the term 'defendant' signify?

• The individual who files the original complaint

• The party against whom a lawsuit is filed

• The attorney representing the prosecution

• The witness providing testimony in court

• The court official who records proceedings

Answer explanation

In a legal context, a 'defendant' refers to the party against whom a lawsuit is filed. This distinguishes them from the plaintiff, who initiates the case.

What is the meaning of 'jurisdiction' in the legal field?

• The process of appealing a court's decision

• The official power to make legal decisions and judgments

• The collection of previous court rulings

• The act of bringing a case before a judge

• The legal obligation imposed by a contract

Answer explanation

In the legal field, 'jurisdiction' refers to the official power to make legal decisions and judgments. This means a court has the authority to hear a case and render a verdict, distinguishing it from other legal concepts.

Which term describes a legal principle or rule created by an appellate court decision?

• A governmental statute enacted by legislators

• A contract agreed upon by two parties

• A precedent that guides future rulings

• A tort committed causing civil harm

• A form of civil litigation procedure

Answer explanation

The correct choice is 'A precedent that guides future rulings' because it refers to a legal principle established by an appellate court that influences subsequent cases, unlike statutes, contracts, torts, or litigation procedures.

What is a 'statute'?

• A legally binding agreement between parties

• A civil wrong causing harm or injury

• A law enacted by a legislative body

• A court order requiring specific action

• A claim filed in a court of law

Answer explanation

A 'statute' is defined as a law enacted by a legislative body, making it the correct choice. The other options describe different legal concepts, but only a statute refers specifically to laws created through legislation.

The term 'litigation' refers to:

• The settlement of a dispute outside of court

• The process of taking legal action

• The negotiation of contract terms

• The enforcement of a legal judgment

• The drafting of legal documents

Answer explanation

The term 'litigation' specifically refers to the process of taking legal action, which involves resolving disputes through the court system, distinguishing it from other options like settlement or negotiation.

What is a 'contract'?

• A civil wrong causing damage or injury

• A set of laws passed by the government

• A legally binding agreement between two or more parties

• A formal accusation in a criminal case

• A ruling made by a judge in court

Answer explanation

A 'contract' is defined as a legally binding agreement between two or more parties, which distinguishes it from other legal terms like civil wrongs or court rulings.

In law, what does 'tort' mean?

• A breach of a contractual agreement

• A criminal act punishable by the state

• A civil wrong that causes a claimant to suffer loss or harm

• A dispute over property ownership rights

• A formal challenge to a legal statute

Answer explanation

In law, a 'tort' refers to a civil wrong that results in harm or loss to a claimant, distinguishing it from criminal acts or contractual breaches. Thus, the correct answer is that a tort is a civil wrong.

What is 'negligence' in a legal context?

• Intentionally causing harm to another person

• Failing to exercise reasonable care, resulting in harm

• Defaming someone's character in public

• Trespassing on private property without permission

• Breaching a specific duty outlined in a contract

Answer explanation

In a legal context, 'negligence' refers to failing to exercise reasonable care, which leads to harm. This distinguishes it from intentional harm or other legal issues like defamation or trespassing.

'Due process' refers to:

• The right to remain silent when questioned by police

• The requirement that legal proceedings be fair

• The process of selecting a jury for a trial

• The method for filing an appeal in court

• The system for enforcing court judgments

Answer explanation

'Due process' ensures that legal proceedings are conducted fairly, protecting individuals' rights. This makes 'The requirement that legal proceedings be fair' the correct choice, as it directly defines due process.