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Negotiation
The process of discussing an issue to reach a settlement or agreement.
Settlement
A mutual agreement between two sides in a civil lawsuit that settles or ends the dispute.
Arbitration
A way of settling a dispute without going to trial.
Mediation
The act or process of resolving a dispute between two or more parties.
Ombudspersons
Individuals who investigate complaints and help achieve fair settlements.
Trial courts
Courts that listen to testimony, consider evidence, and decide the facts in a disputed situation.
Parties
People directly involved in a legal matter.
Plaintiff
The injured party who brings legal action in a civil case.
Prosecutor
The government's attorney in a criminal case.
Defendant
The person against whom a claim is made.
Adversarial system
The judicial system used in the United States.
Inquisitional system
A European method where the judge plays an active role in handling disputes.
Plea bargain
Negotiations between the prosecutor, defendant, and defendant’s attorney in a criminal case.
Voir dire
The process where opposing lawyers question prospective jurors.
Removal for cause
Part of jury selection where attorneys may request removal of jurors incapable of rendering a fair verdict.
Peremptory challenges
Attorneys' right to dismiss potential jurors without reason, except based on race.
Appeals court
Court where appeals from trial-court decisions are heard.
Error of law
Mistake made by a judge in legal procedures or rulings during a trial.
Precedent
Court decision guiding future cases with similar questions.
Dissenting opinion
Written opinion of minority judges who disagree with the majority decision.
Concurring opinion
Additional written opinion where a judge agrees with the decision for different reasons.
Probate
The process of proving a will is genuine to a court.
Inherent powers
Congress's assumed powers logically resulting from those listed in the U.S. Constitution.
Delegated powers
Powers specifically granted to Congress by the Constitution.
Petitions for certiorari
Formal application to have a lower court decision reviewed by the U.S. Supreme Court.
Stare decisis
Rule stating that precedent must be followed for legal system predictability.
Litigators
Trial attorneys or barristers.
Bar associations
Organizations licensing lawyers.
Retainer
Down payment by a client to hire an attorney.
Contingency fee
Fee paid to an attorney based on a percentage of the client's lawsuit award.
Privilege
Right to withhold information due to special status or confidentiality.
Disbarred
To take away an attorney's license due to illegal or unethical conduct.
Legal malpractice
Lawsuit against a lawyer for loss caused by error or failure to meet legal practice standards.
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