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Opening Statements
A preview provided by lawyers to the jury about what they anticipate the evidence will be, without arguing about the evidence.
Jury Selection
The process of eliminating potential jurors to find those who will serve in a trial.
Direct Examination
Questioning of a witness by the party who called the witness to testify.
Cross Examination
Questioning of a witness by the opposing party to challenge their testimony.
Redirect Examination
Questioning of a witness by the original party after cross examination, focusing on clarifying points made during cross examination.
Evidence Presentation
The phase of a trial during which both parties present their evidence through witness testimony and exhibits.
Motion for Directed Verdict
A request made by a party for the judge to rule, before a case goes to the jury, that the other party has not proven their case.
Affirmative Defense
A defense raised in a responsive pleadings that, if proven, negates liability even if the claims against the defendant are true.
Rebuttal
The evidence presented by a party to counter or disprove evidence presented by the opposing party.
Hearsay
An out-of-court statement offered to prove the truth of the matter asserted, generally inadmissible as evidence.
Relevance
The quality of being closely connected or appropriate to the matter at hand, a key criterion for the admissibility of evidence.
Discovery
The pre-trial phase in a lawsuit during which parties exchange information and gather evidence for trial.
Judgment Notwithstanding the Verdict (JNOV)
A motion to reverse the jury's verdict on the grounds that the jury could not have reasonably reached that verdict based on the evidence presented.
Verdict
The formal decision made by a jury on the matters or questions presented to them in a trial.
Judicial Resources
The time and money spent by the court, judges, and jury during legal proceedings.
Negligence
Failure to take proper care in doing something, leading to damage or injury to another.
Prejudicial Evidence
Evidence that is too inflammatory or biased, which may unfairly sway the jury's decision.
ADR (Alternative Dispute Resolution)
Methods used to resolve disputes outside of litigation, such as negotiation, mediation, and arbitration.
Mediation
A form of ADR where a neutral third party helps the disputing parties reach a mutually satisfactory solution.
Arbitration
A method of resolving disputes outside of court, where a neutral third party makes binding decisions.
Execution of Judgment
The process of enforcing a court's judgment, often involving the seizure of property or garnishment of wages.
Preponderance of the Evidence
The standard of proof in most civil cases, meaning that the evidence shows that something is more likely true than not.
Trial Court
The court in which a case is originally tried.
Appellate Court
A court that reviews the decisions of lower trial courts to ensure the law was applied correctly.
Jury Instructions
Guidelines given by the judge to the jury about the legal standards they should apply when deliberating.
