Module 2 Terminology - Historic/Latin Terminology

Vocabulary flashcards covering historic and Latin legal terminology from Module 2.

voir dire

The examination of a witness or expert to establish qualifications, or the examination of prospective jurors to determine their qualifications for the jury panel.

sic

A term used to indicate that what appears on the written record actually was said, even though it is obviously in error.

stare decisis

Let the decision stand; the principle that prior court rulings should be followed.

res judicata

Decided thing; a matter acted upon or decided finally, representing a conclusive decision by a court.

mens rea

A guilty mind; having criminal intent.

non compos mentis

Not of sound mind.

nolo contendere

A criminal plea neither admitting nor denying the charges, but accepting consequences to avoid future civil liability.

venue

Referring to a court's jurisdiction.

duces tecum

A subpoena indicated for a witness to bring all documents or items of evidence pertaining to the case with them.

mal-

A word construct meaning bad.

de novo

A new trial or hearing a case from the beginning.

en banc

On the bench.

escheat

The reversion of property to the state when there are no legal heirs.

in limine

Immediately before or at the very beginning of a trial; often used for motions regarding topics that cannot be brought up in front of the jury.

ad litem

To the suit; for the purposes of a lawsuit.

in pro per / pro se

Pleading a case on one's own behalf without an attorney.

in camera

In chambers; in private.

habeas corpus

A writ issued to release someone from improper imprisonment or to bring a prisoner to court.

ad curiam

At court.

ante-

A word construct meaning before.

amicus curiae

Friend of the court; a person who assists the court although they do not represent the accused person.

super-

A word construct meaning above.

sine-

A word construct meaning without.

inter-

A word construct meaning between.

curriculum vitae (C.V.)

Essentially a resume.

infra-

A word construct meaning below.

culpa

Fault.

ad hoc

For this purpose only.

certiorari

A writ from a higher to a lower court ordering a transcript of proceedings for appellate review.

caveat emptor

Let the buyer beware.

bona fide

In good faith.