Legal Terms and Concepts Review

This set of flashcards covers key legal terms and concepts important for understanding trial processes, ethics in law, administrative law, and constitutional provisions.

Burden of Proof

The legal standard that must be met for a party to prevail in a trial.

Venire

The pool of potential jurors from which a jury is selected.

Voir Dire

The process of questioning potential jurors to determine their qualifications and biases.

For Cause Challenge

A legal objection to a juror based on a stated reason (bias or conflict).

Peremptory Challenge

The right to dismiss a juror without stating a reason, except for discriminatory purposes.

Hung Jury

A jury that cannot reach a unanimous verdict, resulting in a mistrial.

Judgment Notwithstanding the Verdict (JNOV)

A request for the court to overturn the jury's verdict as a matter of law.

Mediation

A process where a neutral third party facilitates negotiation between parties to help them reach a resolution.

Arbitration

A dispute resolution process where a neutral third party makes a final decision after hearing evidence.

Choice of Law Clause

A contract provision specifying which jurisdiction’s laws will govern in case of a dispute.

Forum Selection Clause

A clause that designates the location in which disputes will be resolved.

Conflicts of Interest

Situations where personal interests may conflict with professional obligations or duties.

Insider Trading

Buying or selling stock based on non-public information, violating securities laws.

Foreign Corrupt Practices Act

US legislation prohibiting bribery of foreign officials and requiring accurate record-keeping.

Meritless Lawsuits

Lawsuits that are not legally or ethically justified, often aimed at harassing another party.

Falsification of Government Documents

Altering or fabricating official documents, which carries serious legal and ethical implications.

Subpoena ad testificandum

A subpoena requiring a person to testify before a court or agency.

Subpoena duces tecum

A subpoena requiring a person or entity to produce documents for inspection.

Judicial Review of Agency Decisions

The process by which courts review the final orders of agencies to ensure they comply with legal standards.

Tenth Amendment

Part of the US Constitution stating that powers not delegated to the federal government are reserved for the states.

War Powers Resolution

Legislation restricting the President's ability to deploy military forces without congressional approval.

Full Faith and Credit Clause

A constitutional provision requiring states to recognize and respect the public acts, records, and judicial proceedings of other states.

Privileges and Immunities Clause

Prevents states from discriminating against citizens of other states regarding fundamental rights.

Commerce Clause

A constitutional provision allowing the federal government to regulate interstate and some intrastate commerce.