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Search legal terms and plain-language reference explanations.

Reference boundary: Meaning can vary by jurisdiction and context. Verify current controlling authority before relying on a term in legal work.

U.S. Courts Glossary ↗ · Cornell LII Wex ↗

22 results

Evidence & Procedure

Affidavit

A written statement made under oath or affirmation.

U.S. Courts / Cornell LII Wex reference framework
Procedure

Appeal

A request for a higher court to review a lower court decision.

U.S. Courts / Cornell LII Wex reference framework
Evidence

Burden Of Proof

The responsibility to establish disputed facts under the applicable standard.

U.S. Courts / Cornell LII Wex reference framework
Research

Case Law

Law developed through judicial decisions and precedent.

U.S. Courts / Cornell LII Wex reference framework
Civil Litigation

Cause Of Action

A legal basis supporting a claim for judicial relief.

U.S. Courts / Cornell LII Wex reference framework
Civil Litigation

Damages

Money awarded as a legal remedy for loss or injury; categories vary by claim and jurisdiction.

U.S. Courts / Cornell LII Wex reference framework
Appellate

De Novo

Anew; often used for review that gives no deference on the issue being reviewed.

U.S. Courts / Cornell LII Wex reference framework
Discovery

Deposition

Sworn out-of-court testimony recorded for discovery or later permitted use.

U.S. Courts / Cornell LII Wex reference framework
Procedure

Discovery

The pretrial process used to obtain information and evidence.

U.S. Courts / Cornell LII Wex reference framework
Court Administration

Docket

The chronological record of filings and proceedings in a case.

U.S. Courts / Cornell LII Wex reference framework
Constitutional

Due Process

Legal protections associated with fair procedures when government action threatens protected interests.

U.S. Courts / Cornell LII Wex reference framework
Evidence

Hearsay

An out-of-court statement whose use may be governed by evidence rules, including exclusions and exceptions.

U.S. Courts / Cornell LII Wex reference framework
Courts

Jurisdiction

A court's legal authority to hear and decide a matter or category of matters.

U.S. Courts / Cornell LII Wex reference framework
Research

Precedent

A prior judicial decision that may guide or control later cases depending on hierarchy and jurisdiction.

U.S. Courts / Cornell LII Wex reference framework
Torts

Proximate Cause

A causation concept used to evaluate whether the legal connection between conduct and harm is sufficient for liability; formulation varies.

U.S. Courts / Cornell LII Wex reference framework
Civil Procedure

Res Judicata

A doctrine concerning the preclusive effect of a final judgment on later litigation.

U.S. Courts / Cornell LII Wex reference framework
Legislation

Statute

A law enacted by a legislative body.

U.S. Courts / Cornell LII Wex reference framework
Procedure

Statute Of Limitations

A legally prescribed period for commencing a claim or prosecution; the applicable period varies.

U.S. Courts / Cornell LII Wex reference framework
Procedure

Subpoena

A court-authorized command requiring testimony, documents, or specified compliance.

U.S. Courts / Cornell LII Wex reference framework
Civil Procedure

Summary Judgment

A procedure for judgment without trial when the governing legal standard is satisfied without a material factual dispute requiring trial.

U.S. Courts / Cornell LII Wex reference framework
Courts

Venue

The legally appropriate geographic place for a case or proceeding.

U.S. Courts / Cornell LII Wex reference framework
Trial

Voir Dire

The process of questioning prospective jurors concerning qualification and potential grounds for challenge.

U.S. Courts / Cornell LII Wex reference framework