|
Glossary of Personal Injury Law
Terms
A
B
C
D
E
F
G H
I
J
K L
M
N
O P
Q R
S
T
U V
W
X Y Z #
- O -
Legal
Glossaries Index
Oath: Written or oral pledge by a person to
keep a promise or speak the truth.
Obiter Dictum: Remark by a judge in a legal opinion that is irrelevant to
the decision and does not establish precedent . Often used in the plural, dicta.
Objection: In a trial, a reason stated on the record
by an attorney that a matter or proceeding is illegal. Making objections in open
court is important for purposes of making a record for appeal.
Occupational Disease: An illness resulting from long-term employment in a
particular type of work, such as those employees exposed to asbestos, who later
develop cancer.
On a Person's Own Recognizance: Release of a person from custody
without the payment of any bail or posting of bond, upon the promise to return
to court.
Opening Statement: The initial statement made by attorneys for each
side, outlining the facts each intends to establish during the trial.
Opinion: Written statement by a judge or court of the decision in a
case which describes the law applied to the facts of the case and the reasons
for the decision.
Oral Argument: An opportunity for lawyers to summarize their position
before the court and also to answer the judges' questions.
Order: Written direction or command made by a court or judge, and not
included in a judgment. See also decree.
Ordinance: Commonly, a regulation passed by a municipal legislative body.
Original jurisdication: The first court to which a legal dispute is
referred.
Out-of-Court Settlement: An agreement reached between a plaintiff and
a defendant to resolve a lawsuit privately and without a judge's authorization
or approval.
Overrule: A judge's decision not to allow an objection. Also, a
decision by a higher court finding that a lower court decision was in error.
|
