Terms

Legal Terminology

1. Legal Terms

    -Plaintiff

   - Defendant
   - Pro bono
   - Subpoena
   - Affidavit
   - Deposition
   - Motion to Dismiss
   - Discovery

2. Legal Concepts:
   - Burden of Proof
   - Precedent
   - Statute of Limitations
   - Jurisdiction
   - Double Jeopardy
   - Due Process
   - Prima Facie Case

3. Court Procedures:
   - Filing a Complaint
   - Preliminary Injunction
   - Summary Judgment
   - Trial Procedure
   - Appeals Process
   - Settlements and Negotiations

4. Common Legal Forms:
   - Complaint
   - Answer
   - Counterclaim
   - Motion
   - Subpoena
   - Affidavit
   - Discovery Requests

5. Ethics and Professional Responsibility:
   - Confidentiality
   - Conflict of Interest
   - Competence
   - Zealous Representation
   - Duty of Candor
   - Attorney-Client Privilege

6. Client Management:
   - Initial Consultation
   - Retainer Agreement
   - Billing and Fees
   - Client Communication
   - Case Management Systems

7. Legal Research and Writing:
   - Case Law
   - Statutory Law
   - Legal Briefs
   - Legal Memoranda
   - Research Databases (e.g., Westlaw, LexisNexis)

8. Litigation Strategy:
   - Case Analysis
   - Evidence Gathering
   - Witness Preparation
   - Trial Strategy
   - Appeal Considerations

This list can help provide a quick reference for common aspects of legal practice and procedures.

1. Legal Terms

Plaintiff: The party who initiates a lawsuit.  

Defendant: The party being sued or accused.  

Pro bono: Legal work done voluntarily and without payment.  

Subpoena: A legal order requiring someone to attend court or produce evidence.  

Affidavit: A written statement confirmed by oath or affirmation.  

Deposition: Oral testimony given under oath before a trial.  

Motion to Dismiss: A request to terminate a case for specific reasons.  

Discovery:The pre-trial process of exchanging evidence between parties.

2. Legal Concepts

Burden of Proof: The obligation to prove one's assertion in a legal dispute.  

Precedent: Previous court decisions that influence future cases.  

Statute of Limitations: The time limit for bringing legal action.  

Jurisdiction: The authority of a court to hear a case.  

Double Jeopardy: The principle that prevents being tried twice for the same crime.  

Due Process: Fair treatment through the judicial system.  

Prima Facie Case: The presentation of sufficient evidence to support a case.

3. Court Procedures

Filing a Complaint: The formal initiation of a lawsuit.  

Preliminary Injunction: A temporary court order to prevent harm before a final decision.  

Summary Judgment: A ruling based on the facts that prevent a case from going to trial.  

Trial Procedure: The process and rules followed during a trial.  

Appeals Process: The process of challenging a court's decision.  

Settlements and Negotiations: Agreements reached between parties to resolve a dispute without trial.

4. Common Legal Forms

Complaint: A document outlining the plaintiff’s allegations.  

Answer: The defendant’s response to the complaint.  

Counterclaim: A claim made by the defendant against the plaintiff.  

Motion: A formal request for a court order.  

Subpoena: A document requiring someone to attend court or provide evidence.  

Affidavit: A sworn written statement.  

Discovery Requests: Documents seeking evidence from the opposing party.

5. Ethics and Professional Responsibility

Confidentiality: The duty to keep client information private.  

Conflict of Interest: A situation where personal interests could affect professional duties.  

Competence: The obligation to provide knowledgeable and skilled legal services.  

Zealous Representation: The duty to represent a client with vigor and dedication.  

Duty of Candor: The requirement to be honest with the court.  

Attorney-Client Privilege: The right to keep communications between attorney and client confidential.

6. Client Management

Initial Consultation: The first meeting between a lawyer and a prospective client. 

 

Retainer Agreement: A contract for legal services and payment terms.  

Billing and Fees: The methods and amounts charged for legal services.  

Client Communication: Interaction between lawyer and client regarding case details.  

Case Management Systems: Tools and processes for managing case information and workflow.

7. Legal Research and Writing

Case Law: Judicial decisions that interpret laws.  

Statutory Law: Laws enacted by legislatures.  

Legal Briefs: Documents presenting arguments and legal reasoning.  

Legal Memoranda: Written analysis of legal issues and applicable laws.  

Research Databases: Online resources for accessing legal information (e.g., Westlaw, LexisNexis).

8. Litigation Strategy

Case Analysis: Evaluating the strengths and weaknesses of a case.  

Evidence Gathering: Collecting information and documents to support a case.  

Witness Preparation: Preparing witnesses for testimony.  

Trial Strategy: Planning the approach to presenting a case in court.  

Appeal Considerations: Factors to consider when deciding whether to appeal a case.

9. Additional Legal Documents

Criminal Complaint: A document outlining criminal charges.  

Arrest Warrant: A legal document authorizing the arrest of an individual.  

Bail Agreement: Terms set for securing release from custody before trial.  

Plea Agreement: An arrangement where the defendant pleads guilty to a lesser charge.  

Indictment: A formal accusation of a crime.  

Summons: A notice to appear in court. 

 

Trust Contract: An agreement establishing a trust.  

Minutes Contract: A record of meeting proceedings.  

Verdicts: The final decision or judgment in a case.