Legal Terms and Definitions

Glossary of Legal Terms

Pardon Action by an official of an executive branch of government relieving a criminal from a conviction. Hypothetical question A form of question generally used for expert witnesses. The examiner states a factual foundation (often based on disputed facts) and asks the expert to draw conclusions based on the hypothetical foundation. The hypothetical question includes only facts already in evidence. Estate A collective term meaning all real and personal property owned by a person. Leading question One that virtually instructs a witness how to answer or puts into his mouth words to be echoed back; one, which suggests to the witness the answer, desired. Ordinarily prohibited on direct examination, although allowed on cross-examination. Multiplicity of actions Numerous and unnecessary attempts to litigate the same issue. res judicata Literally, "a thing that speaks for itself." In tort law, the doctrine, which holds a defendant guilty of negligence without an actual, shows that he or she was negligent. Its use is limited in theory to cases in which the cause of the plaintiff's injury was entirely under the control of the defendant, and the injury presumably could have been caused only by negligence. Criminal case A case brought by the government against a person accused of committing a crime. Litigant A party to a lawsuit; one engaged in litigation.

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	Did You Know?
	Mediation is a process that involves a mediator Neutral third party who helps the disputing parties achieve a resolution that satisfies both of them. The mediator's primary function is to create constructive communication between parties and provide a forum where disputants can create a mutually satisfactory agreement. Mediators do not impose decisions; instead, they help people craft solutions that will work for them.