Let's learn the... Definitions of Some 51 Legal Terms

1. Mandamus
A court order directing a public official or government agency to perform a specific duty or act.

2. Certiorari
A writ issued by a higher court to review a decision made by a lower court.

3. Legal Lacuna
A gap or omission in the law, where there is no specific legislation or precedent to cover a particular situation.

4. Discretion
The power or authority to make decisions or judgments based on individual circumstances.

5. Exercise of Discretionary Powers
The act of using one's discretion to make a decision or take action.

6. Abuse of Discretion
When someone with discretionary powers acts arbitrarily, unreasonably, or unfairly.

7. Habeas Corpus
A writ requiring a person to be brought before a court to determine whether their detention is lawful.

8. Prima Facie
Evidence that, on its face, appears to be sufficient to establish a fact or claim.

9. Sub Judice
A Latin phrase meaning "under judgment," referring to a matter that is currently being considered by a court.

10. Ultra Vires
Acts or actions taken beyond the scope of one's authority or powers.

11. Mala Fide
Acts or actions taken in bad faith or with malicious intent.

12. Res Judicata
A Latin phrase meaning "a matter already judged," referring to a case that has already been decided by a court.

13. Obiter Dictum
A Latin phrase meaning "a remark made in passing," referring to a comment or statement made by a judge that is not essential to the decision.

14. Ratio Decidendi
A Latin phrase meaning "the reason for the decision," referring to the underlying principle or reasoning behind a court's decision.

15. Pro Bono
A Latin phrase meaning "for the public good," referring to free or reduced-fee legal services provided to those in need.

16. Amicus Curiae
A Latin phrase meaning "friend of the court," referring to a person or organization that provides information or expertise to assist a court in making a decision.

17. Caveat
A Latin phrase meaning "let him beware," referring to a warning or notice given to someone to be cautious or aware of potential consequences.

18. Contempt of Court
Behavior or actions that show disrespect for the court or its authority.

19. Default Judgment
A judgment entered against a defendant who fails to respond to a lawsuit or appear in court.

20. Due Process
The principle that individuals have the right to fair treatment and a fair trial.

21. Estoppel
A legal principle that prevents someone from denying or asserting something that is contrary to what they have previously stated or agreed to.

22. Ex Parte
A Latin phrase meaning "on one side only," referring to a court hearing or decision made without the presence or input of the opposing party.

23. In Camera
A Latin phrase meaning "in chambers," referring to a court hearing or proceeding that is held in private.

24. Injunction
A court order requiring someone to do or refrain from doing something.

25. Interlocutory Appeal
An appeal made during the course of a lawsuit, rather than after a final judgment.

26. Judicial Review
The power of a court to review and decide on the validity of a law or government action.

27. Jurisdiction
The authority of a court to hear and decide a case.

28. Locus Standi
A Latin phrase meaning "standing in the place," referring to the right or ability of a person to bring a lawsuit or participate in a court proceeding.

29. Mitigating Circumstances
Factors or circumstances that reduce the severity or culpability of a wrongdoing.

30. Nolle Prosequi
A Latin phrase meaning "we shall no longer prosecute," referring to the decision to drop or discontinue a lawsuit or prosecution.

31. Per Curiam
A Latin phrase meaning "by the court," referring to a decision or opinion issued by the court as a whole.

32. Peremptory Challenge
A challenge made to a potential juror that is not based on any specific reason or cause.

33. Plenary Power
Complete or absolute power or authority.

34. Precedent
A prior court decision or ruling that serves as a guide or basis for deciding similar cases.

35. Preliminary Injunction
A temporary injunction issued before a trial to prevent harm or preserve the status quo.

36. Pro Se
A Latin phrase meaning "for oneself," referring to someone who represents themselves in court without the assistance of a lawyer.

37. Res Ipsa Loquitur
A Latin phrase meaning the thing speaks for itself.

38. Perjury: Lying under oath.

39. Amicus Brief: A legal document filed by a non-party to a case offering relevant information.

40. Cross-Examination: Questioning a witness by the opposing party.

41. Circumstantial Evidence: Evidence that indirectly suggests a fact.

42. Alimony (Spousal Support): Financial support provided by one spouse to the other after a divorce.

43. Class Action: A lawsuit in which a large group of people with similar claims sue as a single group.

44. Libel: Defamation in writing.

45. Slander: Defamation spoken orally.

46. Burden of Proof: The obligation to prove a case, which rests on the prosecutor in criminal cases.

47. Plea Bargain: An agreement between the prosecutor and the defendant to plead guilty to a lesser charge.

48. Miranda Rights: Rights that must be read to a person being arrested, including the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney.

49. Parole: Release from prison before the end of a sentence, under supervision.

50. Misdemeanor: A less serious crime punishable by less than a year in jail.

51. Due Process: The legal requirement that the government respect all legal rights owed to a person.