Basic Legal Vocabulary

Question 1

hearing (n.)

Answer 1

A relatively formal proceeding similar to a trial, with one or more legal issues to be agreed upon or determined — see trial

Question 2

hearing (n.) (e.g.)

Answer 2

The lawyer presented new evidence during the hearing that could potentially change the outcome of the case.

Question 3

Hold (v.) ir. (held, held)

Answer 3

to decide, rule (when the subject is « the court » or « the judge ») — see rule

Question 4

hold (v.) (e.g.)

Answer 4

The court held that the defendant was guilty of the charges.

Question 5

holding (n.)

Answer 5

a determination of matter of law that is essential to a judicial decision. Courts make findings of fact and holdings of law (opp. dictum, plural dicta) see ruling

Question 6

holding (n.) (e.g.)

Answer 6

It used to be the case that an endless investigation of the difference between holding and dictum was a central preoccupation of the first year of law school.

Question 7

homicide (n.)

Answer 7

Homicide n. all occasions where one human being, by act or omission, takes away the life of another. Murder and manslaughter are different kinds of homicides. Executing a death-row inmate is another form of homicide, but one which is excusable in the eyes of the law. Another excusable homicide is where a law enforcement officer shoots and kills a suspect who draws a weapon or shoots at that officer.

Question 8

homicide (n.) (e.g.)

Answer 8

Homicide rates in the city have been steadily decreasing over the past decade. The number of homicides in the city has risen sharply.

Question 9

human rights (n.)

Answer 9

Rights thought to belong to all people simply because they are human beings.

Question 10

human rights (n.) (e.g.)

Answer 10

Access to education and healthcare are considered basic human rights.