Legal Terminology 5 (copy)

Caveat

Warning.

De novo

Anew; starting over as though not done before.

Damages

The monetary redress which one seeks to recover from another.

Directed verdict

A verdict that the judge instructs the jury to return which it must do. Used when there are no factual issues for the jury to decide.

In camera

In chambers.

Judge pro tem

Lawyer appointed by judge to sit on the bench when the regular judge cannot be there.

Mala fide

With bad faith (opposite of bonafide).

Extradition

Surrender of an alleged criminal by one state to another.

Dissent

The opinion of a judge who does not agree with the majority of the court.

Equity

As used in property or contract law, means the interest that a person has in property he/she is mortgaging or is buying; the amount remaining over and above the amount of the mortgage thereon or balance due on the purchase price under the contract to buy the same.

Res judicata

A thing or point formerly in controversy but now judicially settled.

Statute

The written law as enacted by the legislature.

Prima facie

On the first appearance. A prima facie case is such as will suffice until contradicted and overcome by other evidence.

Ordinance

A municipal statute.

Security agreement

A lien on goods or personal property to secure payment on the purchase price of goods on the installment plan; replaces the old chattel mortgage.