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Most Popular Legal Definitions

opening statement

A lawyer's initial remarks at trial. Generally, it is directed at the judge or jury to set out the theory behind their case.

appellant

the party who appeals a trial court decision they have lost

after-acquired title

title to property acquired after the owner attempts to sell or or transfer the title to another person before they actually got legal title; when the title is acquired by the seller in this paper shuffle, title automatically goes to the person to whom it was sold, passing through the person who acquired the title on it's way to the buyer

affix

1) to attach something to real estate in a permanent way, including planting trees and shrubs, constructing a building, or adding to existing improvements; affixed items are permanent and cannot be picked up and moved away 2) to sign or seal, "affix a signature or a seal"

pro bono

Done or donated without charge.

directed verdict

When the Court stops a trial determining that an essential fact has not been proven.

exculpate

Something that excuses or justifies a wrong action

admission to bail

order of a court in a criminal case allowing the defendant to be freed pending trial if he/she posts bail in an amount set by the court; although the U.S. Constitution guarantees the right to bail, in extreme cases (murder, rape, or treason) the court is not required to admit a prisoner to bail of any amount due to the likelihood of the defendant fleeing the area or causing greater harm

legalism

The rigorous and ruthless adherence to the word of the law.

letters rogatory

A request of a judge in one jurisdiction to a court of another, to examine a specific witness.