A Brief Introduction to Law and Legal Institutions

These flashcards cover key legal terms and concepts from the lecture on law and legal institutions.

Civil Law

A legal tradition that is primarily codified into comprehensive statutes, originating from Roman law and predominant in Europe.

Common Law

A legal system that is based on judicial decisions and precedents rather than statutes, developed in England.

Precedent

A legal principle or rule established in a previous case that courts are generally expected to follow.

Judicial Review

The power of courts to assess whether a law or governmental regulation is in compliance with the Constitution.

Plaintiff

The person who brings a case against another in a court of law.

Defendant

The person accused of a crime or being sued in a court of law.

Diversity Jurisdiction

The ability of federal courts to hear cases where the parties are citizens of different states and the amount in controversy exceeds $75,000.

Adversarial System

A legal system where two advocates represent their parties' positions before an impartial judge or jury.

Inquisitorial System

A legal system where the court is actively involved in investigating the facts of the case and works to uncover the truth.

Judgment Non Obstante Veredicto (J.N.O.V.)

A judgment entered by a judge contrary to the verdict of a jury.

Last Clear Chance Rule

A legal doctrine allowing a plaintiff to recover damages even if they were negligent if the defendant had the last clear chance to avoid the accident.

Bench Trial

A trial by a judge without a jury.

Amicus Curiae

A person or group that is not a party to a legal case but is permitted to assist a court by offering information, expertise, or insights.

Judicial District

A specific geographical area within which a court has jurisdiction and hears cases.

Code Napoléon

A comprehensive set of civil laws established in France under Napoleon, serving as a model for many legal systems in Europe.