Ab Initio is a Latin term meaning 'from the beginning'. It is often used to describe a document or agreement that is valid or void from the moment of its creation.
2
What is an 'Affidavit'?
Answer:
A written statement confirmed by oath
An affidavit is a written statement confirmed by oath or affirmation, for use as evidence in court.
3
What does 'Alibi' signify?
Answer:
Evidence of presence elsewhere
An alibi is a claim or piece of evidence that one was elsewhere when an act, typically a criminal one, is alleged to have taken place.
4
What is 'Amicus Curiae'?
Answer:
Friend of the court
Amicus Curiae means 'friend of the court'. It refers to someone who is not a party to a case but assists a court by offering information, expertise, or insight.
5
What does 'Appeal' mean in law?
Answer:
To apply to a higher court for a reversal of a decision
An appeal is a proceeding in which a case is brought before a higher court for review of the decision of a lower court.
6
What is 'Arbitration'?
Answer:
Settling a dispute without a judge
Arbitration is a form of alternative dispute resolution where a dispute is submitted to one or more arbitrators who make a binding decision.
7
What does 'Bail' refer to?
Answer:
Money paid to secure release pending trial
Bail is the temporary release of an accused person awaiting trial, sometimes on condition that a sum of money be lodged to guarantee their appearance in court.
8
What is a 'Beneficiary'?
Answer:
A person who derives advantage from something
A beneficiary is a person who derives advantage from something, especially a trust, will, or life insurance policy.
9
What is a 'Brief'?
Answer:
A written legal argument
A brief is a written legal document used in various legal adversarial systems that is presented to a court arguing why one side should prevail.
10
What is 'Caveat Emptor'?
Answer:
Let the buyer beware
Caveat Emptor means 'let the buyer beware'. It is the principle that the buyer alone is responsible for checking the quality and suitability of goods before a purchase.
11
What is a 'Chattel'?
Answer:
Personal property
Chattel refers to an item of property other than real estate (land/buildings). It usually refers to movable personal property.
12
What is a 'Class Action'?
Answer:
A lawsuit filed by a group of people
A class action is a lawsuit where a person or a group of people sues on behalf of a larger group of similarly affected people.
13
What is a 'Codicil'?
Answer:
A supplement to a will
A codicil is an addition or supplement that explains, modifies, or revokes a will or part of one.
14
What does 'Contempt of Court' mean?
Answer:
Disobedience or disrespect towards the court
Contempt of court is the offense of being disobedient to or disrespectful of a court of law and its officers.
15
What is a 'Contract'?
Answer:
A legally binding agreement
A contract is a legally binding agreement between two or more parties that creates an obligation to do or not do particular things.
16
What does 'De Facto' mean?
Answer:
In fact
De Facto means 'in fact' or 'in practice', whether by right or not. It contrasts with 'De Jure' (by law).
17
What does 'De Jure' mean?
Answer:
By law
De Jure means 'by law' or 'according to rightful entitlement or claim'.
18
What is a 'Defendant'?
Answer:
The person being sued or accused
A defendant is an individual, company, or institution sued or accused in a court of law.
19
What is a 'Deposition'?
Answer:
Sworn evidence given out of court
A deposition is the process of giving sworn evidence to be used in a legal case, typically conducted outside the courtroom before a trial.
20
What is 'Double Jeopardy'?
Answer:
Being tried twice for the same offense
Double Jeopardy is a procedural defense that prevents an accused person from being tried again on the same (or similar) charges following a valid acquittal or conviction.
