Court Reporting Terminology Flashcards
Federal and state statutes to protect trade and commerce from unlawful restraint, prior discrimination, price-fixing, and monopolies.
Anti-trust laws
A conversation held by attorneys with the judge out of the hearing of the jury, may also be called a sidebar.
Bench conference
The last page to appear within a transcript, dated and signed by the Court Reporter, who took the matter, attesting that the transcript is true and accurate.
Certificate page
A question extracted from a deposition and transcript by the reporter, to be taken to a judge, having jurisdiction in the matter for a ruling.
Certified question
Professional responsibility of reporter, to not disclose testimony to others; confidentialities extends to scopists, transcribers, and office staff.
Confidentialities
Jury selection, opening statement, examination of witnesses, physical evidence, plaintiff rest motion for direct verdict, defendant’s, case in chief, defendants rest, plaintiff’s rebuttal, defendant’s, surrebuttal, closing arguments, jury instructions, jury deliberations, and verdict, entry of judgment.
Elements of civil trial
Jury selection, opening statements, plaintiff’s case in chief defendant’s case in chief, prosecution, rebuttal, and defense surrebuttal, closing arguments, jury instructions, jury, deliberations, inverted, polling of jury.
Elements of criminal trial
Title, index, stipulations, body, exhibit, certificate.
Elements of transcript
A page separate from the transcript, upon which a deponent is permitted to correct any errors he or she claims are present in a transcript.
Errata page
Material items of physical evidence introduced by attorneys to corroborate and confirm oral testimony, or to introduce new evidence, which are marked for identification, so they can be discussed.
Exhibit
A portion of the federal rules of civil procedure, which defines matters pertinent to the taking of depositions; many states pattern the rules pertaining to depositions after this rule.
Federal Rule 30
Self-employed reporter, or one who works for an agency to report depositions and other proceedings as a subcontractor. 
Freelance reporter 
Professional responsibility, a reporter, to be fair and unbiased to each participant in a proceeding, and to be alert to, and disclose any potential conflict of interest.
Impartiality
Proceedings in which a non-English-speaking witness testifies through an interpreter, following an oath administer to the interpreter that he or she will truly interpret the testimony for the witness.
Interpreted proceedings
Extra services an individual reporter or agency offers, clients, including instant viewing, ASCII disks, keyboard, indexing, condensed transcripts, and print options.
Litigation support services 
A form of attestation by which a person calls upon his god is to witness truth of his testimony, called affirmation, when all reference to god is omitted; also referring to a swearing the witness.
Oath
During a deposition, a discussion held by attorneys, which is not reported; requires the agreement of all attorneys present.
Off the record
A reporter who works in a courtroom setting or does reporting for governmental agencies.
Official reporter
An expression or statement added to a transcript by the reporter, to explain non-verbal situation or movements, which occurred during a proceeding.
Parenthetical notation
Having high standards in one’s career, the ability to work with great skill, and treating all persons in a fair, impartial, and unbiased manner.
Professionalism
An order issued by court to permit, one party to temporary hold back certain documents, or information, or to protect a person from harassment or service of process, may also be used when interrogatories or request for production are oppressed or burdensome.
Protective order
A reporter may be requested to read back portions of testimony, following an objection, when a question needs to be rephrased, or following, a brief recess in the proceedings.
Readback (noun); read back (verb):
A preprinted form that is filled in at the time of the proceeding, or from the reporters notes, which indicates date, time, and location of the proceeding, appearances, exhibit, and witnesses, as well as any other information, pertinent for billing or contact, may also be called information sheet, poop sheet, dope sheet, dog, and control sheet.
Reporter’s worksheet
A transcript which is not fully edited, and may contain errors, does not include a title page, appearance page, or certificate page, but should contain a disclaimer and header or footer, stating that it is a rough draft.
Rough draft transcript
The title or style of the case includes the name of the parties, the venue of the matter, and the case number, may also be called the caption or the headings.
Style of the deposition
Examination by attorneys of prospective jurors with regard to qualifications, lack of prejudice, and general knowledge and understanding; at depositions or at trial, examination by, attorneys, of an expert witness with regard to qualifications as an expert.
Voir dire
The proper transcription of the name of a witness, as it appears within the transcript, referring to the information that appears between the time a witness is called, and when he or she begins testimony; includes the calling of the witness, the oath is transcribed, his or her name, keyed, in spread-heading format, and who the witness was called for or whether he or she is the plaintiff, or defendant, and may also include asking the witness to state his, or her name, and address for the record.
Witness setup
Also known as; frequently used in captions.
a/k/a (a/k/a)
Estate law – a lapse in succession during what there is no person in whom title is vested.
Abeyance
Excerpts from the official records, containing the essential information to show the chain of title to real estate and the facts of record that bear upon its marketability.
Abstract of title
The clause of a writ or declaration containing statements of damages claimed.
Ad damnum
For only the particular case at hand.
Ad hoc
The rendering of a decision, sometimes the decision itself.
Adjudication
For the purpose of the suit.
Ad litem
A solemn and formal declaration of asservation that an affidavit is true, that the witness will tell the truth, etc., being substituted for an oath in certain cases.
Affirmation
With greater reason or more convincing force.
A fortiori
From another source; from outside.
Aliunde
The claim of fact that a party makes in a pleading.
Alligation
Formality of courts inquiry of prisoner as to whether he or she has any legal cause to show why judgment should not be pronounced against him or her on verdict of conviction.
Allocution
Friend of the court, one who volunteers information, with the court ‘s permission, on matters of the law.
Amicus curiae
Auxiliary, supplementary.
Ancillary
The case summaries which follow and construed the statutes printed in the commercially produced status books. They are not official.
Annotations
The defendant’s, pleading, which response to the plaintiffs petition or complaint.
Answer
Listed prior in same index or material
Ante
The act of submitting oneself to the court officially, usually with the attorney, filing with the clerk.
Appearance
The party seeking a change in the lower courts, decision, or administrative order by an appeal to a higher court.
Appellant
In criminal law, the formal hearing at which the defendant is called before the judge to plead to the charge.
Arraignment
Money which is overdue and unpaid.
Arrearage
A written order of the court, which is made on behalf of the state, or United States, and is based upon a complainant issue, pursuant to statute and/or court rule and which command law enforcement officer to arrest a person and bring him to magistrate.
Arrest warrant
A carrying away; felonious, removal of goods.
Asportation
A procedure, where, by the plaintiff secures a lien against the property of the defendant to satisfy an obligation which may not yet be determined.
Attachment
The attorney, whose name appears in the official record as a lawyer, representing the party.
Attorney of record
The process of taking some security to guarantee that accused person with a person appear at a hearing or trial. 
Bail
The courtroom attendant who maintains order and facilitates the conduct of the trial.
Bailiff
A number stamped on each page of exhibits, in preparation of a case for trial.
Bates stamp
Intentional and wrongful physical contact with a person without his or her consent that entails some injury or offensive touching.
Battery
One who benefits from the act of another.
Beneficiary
Evidence from the most reliable source; an original as against a copy.
Best evidence
A statement for a defendant of the specific acts charged.
Bill of particulars
In the document that a lawyer files with the court arguing the law and facts in support of his/her case.
Brief
The duty that falls upon a party, to prove a fact affirmatively.
Burden of proof
System of correlated rules are standards.
Canon
The heading on a feeding, containing name of court, county, parties, and the title of the document.
Caption
In contemplation of death.
Causa mortis
Warning.
Caveat
Let the buyer beware.
Caveat emptor
Appellate review, proceeding, examining action of inferior court for further information; a writ of review or inquiry.
Certiorari
A judge’s office.
Chambers
Moving a case from one county to another.
Change of venue
An item of personal property.
Chattel
An item a personal property so affixed to the real estate as to be considered a part they of; a fixture.
Chattel real
Indirect evidence; evidence from which you can draw a conclusion, but it, it’s self, does not establish the fact.
Circumstantial evidence
An order issued by the police, or a court of competent jurisdiction commanding a person to appear before a judge or magistrate on a day named.
Citation
Relating to private rights and remedy, stop by suit, distinct from criminal proceedings.
Civil
An action brought by a group of people, having common characteristics from which arises a common legal position such that the court can efficiently and fairly adjudicate in any single proceeding.
Class action
Kindness, mercy, forgiveness, leniency, usually relating to criminal acts e.g., a communication from death sentence to life imprisonment.
Clemency
Compilation of all existing law, in effect under a system of subjects in a particular jurisdiction.
Code
Secret cooperation for a fraudulent purpose.
Collusion
Law evolving from ancient custom, from judicial decision and casual statutes, as contrasted with a concerted plan of statutory enactments.
Common law
The party making complaint, thus instigating prosecution in a legal action.
Complainant
The first document filed in a lawsuit by the plaintiff setting forth claim or case.
Complaint
The taking of private property for public use upon the payment of compensation.
Condemnation
In contract law, value given or received; can be money, services of property, or mutual performance is; the factor that makes a contract binding.
Consideration
Acts which impede the court. It can be failure to carry out an order, or it can be disrespectful conduct.
Contempt of court
The lawyer must win to get paid.
Contingent fee
Stubborn resident to authority.
Contumacy
The body of the crime; that is, the physical object upon which the crime was committed.
Corpus delicit
That which strengthens or confirms.
Corroboration
The expenses of a trial, or proceeding, which may be charged to one or both of the parties – usually does not include the attorney’s fees.
Costs
A distinct statement of plaintiffs cause of action; a complaint or indictment may contain one or more counts.
Count
The claim that the defendant may make against a plaintiff in the plaintiff’s action against him.
Counterclaim
A change or revocation of orders, authority, or instructions previously issued.
Countermand
Court which is required to make a record of and preserve its proceedings.
Court of record
A complainant by defendant, setting forth any cause of action he against any of the parties who filed a complaint against him and/or any cause of action, he has against a person alleged to be liable thereon.
Cross-complaint
Interrogation of a party, or a witness by the other side, to test, knowledge, observation, and credibility.
Cross-examination
Doing business as.
d/b/a
The monetary redress which one seeks to recover from another.
Damages
One which simply declares the right of parties or expresses opinion of the court on a question of law without ordering anything to be done. It is distinguish from other actions in that it does not seek execution or performance from the defendant or opposing parties.
Declaratory judgment
A decision, or order of a court often a dissolution of marriage.
Decree
An instrument effecting a transfer of real estate.
Deed
In fact, indeed, actually.
De facto
Usually in pleading, a failure to take a required step within a specified time; can result in a judgment, against one who failed to act.
Default
One against who the action is brought.
Defendant
Already seen; the illusion of having previously experience something actually encountered for the first time.
Déjà vu
Descriptive of a condition in which there has been total compliance with all requirements of law; right; legitimate; lawful.
De jure
Insignificant; minute; frivolous.
De minimums
A pleading, which says, “I admit, for the purpose of argument, that your claimed facts are true, but those facts do not give you a valid claim against me.“
Demurrer
A new; starting over as though not done before.
De novo
Taking a testimony outside the courtroom before a court reporter with the other side present for purpose of cross-examination. The testimony is given under oath, and reduced to writing.
Deposition
Any court’s decision, the statement of a rule, or principle of law, which is not essential to the determination of the issues any particular case, but is used to explain the court’s reasoning.
Dictum
A multi-volume collection of abbreviated cases summaries arranged by subject matter. A research tool.
Digest
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.
Directed verdict
That offered by eyewitnesses as contrasted to circumstantial evidence, from which conclusions are drawn.
Direct evidence
Interrogation of one’s own party or witness.
Direct examination
Repudiation or renunciation of a claim, or power vesting in a person; refusal or rejection of an estate of right offered to a person; disavowed or denial.
Disclaimer
The pretrial process, whereby one side seeks to discover facts known by the other side. May be done by means of deposition, written interrogatories, physical examination, or production of books and records.
Discovery
Dismissal without trial which permits party to bring another civil action for the same cause, unless civil action is otherwise barred.
Dismissal without prejudice
Dismissal without trial which bar is the assertion of the same cause of action or claim against the same party.
Dismissal with prejudice
The opinion of a judge who does not agree with the majority of the court.
Dissent
Termination; frequently used in “dissolution of marriage.“
Dissolution
To deprive or dispossess especially of property, authority, or title.
Divest
A formal recording entered in brief, of the proceedings in a court of justice.
Docket
A rule, principal, theory, or tenant of the law.
Doctrine
In patent infringement law, if two devices, do the same work in substantially the same way and accomplish substantially the same results, they are the same, even though they differ in name, form, or shape.
Doctrine of equivalence
The actual place that is home to the person. It is stronger than residence. You may have several residences simultaneously, but only one.
Domicile
Being prosecuted twice for the same crime.
Double Jeopardy
According a person, all of the rights and privileges afforded by the law.
Due process
Exempli gratis; for example
e.g,
A right of access onto, over, under, or across real property.
Easement
Freed of parental control, although not yet having reached age of majority.
Emancipation
Fraudulent use of money and trusted to one’s care.
Embezzlement
The power to take private property for public use through condemnation proceedings and compensation.
Eminent domain
All of the judges on one court sitting together.
En banc
A claim, lien, charge, or liability attached to and binding real property.
Encumbrance
Usually to stop a person from doing some act by court order.
Enjoin
As used in trial work, means a system of justice for causes of action, not governed by specific statutes of law; negligence is a law action; injunction is an equity action. As used in property or contract law, means the interest that person has in property he/he 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.
Equity
Held by a third-party until an a great event takes place.
Escrow
The total probate assets of a deceased person.
Estate
And others.
et al.
And following
Et seq
And wife.
et ux.
Pertaining to the rules of evidence or the evidence in a particular case.
Evidentiary
A hearing called to examine and rule on evidence intended to be presented at trial.
Evidentiary hearing
A Legal objection to ruling of court.
Exception
Where evidence has been obtained in violation of the search, and seizure, protections granted by the United States Constitution, the illegally obtained evidence cannot be used at the trial of the defendant.
Exclusionary rule
Refers to evidence and or statements, which tend to clear, justify, or excuse a defendant from an alledge, fault or guilt.
Exculpatory
By virtue or because of an office.
Ex officio
By or for one person, not adversary.
Ex parte
Upon relation of information; legal proceedings, which are instituted by the Attorney General (or other proper persons), in the name and behalf of the state, but on the information, and at the instigation of an individual who has a private interest in the matter, and said to be taken “on the relation“ (ex relatione) of such person, who is called the ”realtor;” such a cause, is usually entitled test: state ex rel Doe v. Roe.
Ex relatione
Surrendered of an alleged criminal by one state to another.
Extradition
The crime of knowingly making untrue statements for the purpose of obtaining money or property fraudulently.
False pretenses
A serious crime, established by statutes; punishable by imprisonment.
Felony
A broad term for one who has a trust to perform; trustees, guardians, and agents are all fiduciaries.
Fiduciary
Action to take possession of mortgage property, and to collect for amounts, still due and owing thereon when the condition set forth in the mortgage have not been met
Foreclosure
The false, making, or the material altering of a document with the intent to defraud.
Forgery
To take by legal authority.
Garnishee
Action compelling a third-party (usually an employer) to pay some of the defendants money to the plaintiff.
Garnishment
Hears criminal accusations and holes for trial, or refuses to indict.
Grand jury
One appointed by the court, to be responsible for the person and or property of another.
Guardian
Appointed to protect a minor defendant’s interest during specific litigation.
Guardian ad litem
Writ for the release of a prisoner.
Habeas corpus
A course of conduct directed at a specific person that causes substantial emotional distress in such a person and serves no legitimate purpose.
Harassment
The paragraph material which proceeds the opinion of the court describing the issue any particular decision.
Headnote
One who inherits the property of another by operation of law, rather than by will.
Heir
Those principles of law which are known generally to all, and are free from doubt and ambiguity.
Hornbook law
Witness, who manifests so much hostility, or prejudiced, under examination, in chief, that the party who has called witness, is allowed to cross, examine him/her; i.e., to treat witness as though he/she had been called by the opposite party.
Hostile witness
One which cannot agree on a verdict.
Hung jury
A question asking an expert witness to assume proven facts and eliciting witness’ opinion based on those facts.
Hypothetical question
I’d est; that is.
i.e.,
Destruction of witness’ credibility.
Impeachment
In chambers.
In camera
That which tends to incriminate or bring about a criminal conviction.
Inculpatory
A formal charge by a grand jury.
Indictment
In the face of the court.
In facie curiae
In the character or manner of a popper; describes permission given to a poor person, or indigent to proceed without liability for court fees or cost.
In forms pauperis
An accusation exhibited against a person for some criminal offense, without an indictment; presented by competent public officer on his oath of office, instead of a grand jury on their oath.
Information
Below, later in this document.
Infra
After arrest, the first appearance of the accused before a judge or magistrate.
Initial appearance
A court order prohibiting some action.
Injunction
On or at the threshold; at the very beginning; preliminary.
In limine
Against a person to impose a liability or obligation.
In personam
Design, resolve, or determination, with which a person acts; a state of mind in which a person seeks to accomplish a given result through a course of action.
Intent
Among other things.
Inter alia
Amending of pleading or motion by written insertion between words or lines already typed or printed.
Interlineation
Temporary or immediate; not final.
Interlocutory
A proceeding to determine the rights of rival claimants to property held by a third person having no interest therein.
Interpleader
Written questions, propounded by one party, and served on adversary, whom I serve within, answers there to under oath.
Interrogatories
Among the living, done during the lifetime.
Inter vivos
Not pertinent; does not relate to the matter at issue.
Irrelevant
A point of dispute between the parties to a lawsuit.
Issue
Coupling or joining together; uniting with another person in some legal step or proceeding.
Joinder
An ownership of property by two or more persons, when one joint tenant dies, his/her entrance passes to the other tenant.
Joint tenancy
Formal decision given by court.
Judgments
Lawyer appointed by a judge to sit on the bench when regular Judge cannot be there.
Judge pro tem
Synonymous with acknowledgment; place on document for signature to be notarized.
Jurat
The powers of court to inquire into facts, apply the law, make decisions, and declare judgment.
Jurisdiction
Philosophy and science of law.
Jurisprudence
A document evidencing the transfer of the use of property for a limited time.
Lease (noun)
One who leases property from another; tenant.
Lessee
One who leads property to another; landlord.
Lessor
Imposition of a tax. Season of property to record order.
Levi
The law of the place.
Lex loci
Responsible; chargeable with.
Liable
Defamation by writing.
Libel
A charge against property.
Lien
A pending lawsuit.
Lis pendens
To carry on legal contest by judicial process.
Litigate
Evil doing; ill conduct.
Malfeasance
With bad faith.
Mala fides
Order of a higher court directly a lower court to take certain action.
Mandamus
A private, informal dispute resolution in which a neutral third-party helps the parties reach an agreement.
Mediation
Intermediate.
Mesne
The requirement that a person receives certain warnings related to privilege against self-incrimination (right to remain silent) and right to the presence and advice of an attorney before any custodial interrogation by the law enforcement authorities.
Miranda warnings
Offense, not punishable by imprisonment in the penitentiary.
Misdemeanor
An erroneous or invalid trial of an action which cannot stand in law because of want of jurisdiction, or a wrong drawing of jurors, or disregarding of some other fundamental requisite before during the trial.
Mistrial
One who takes a mortgage (lender).
Mortgagee
When who gives a mortgage.
Mortgagor
An application made to a court judge for purpose of obtaining a rule or order direction, some act to be done in favor of the applicant.
Motion
Latin, for “threshold,“ a motion made at the start of a trial, requesting at the judge rule that certain evidence may not be introduced in trial.
Motion in limine
Applicant for rule, or order in court.
Movant
Trial court where tried to jury as distinguished from appellate court.
Nisi Prius
The equivalent of a guardian, but not appointed as such; usually seen in litigation brings the action on behalf of a minor.
Next friend
(Commonly nolle pros) an entry on the record to noting that the plaintiff or prosecutor will proceed no further in action or suit.
Nolle prisequi
Means “I do not contest the claim.”
Nolo contendere
Not of sound mind; insane.
Non compos mentis
Fallacy; it does not follow.
Non sequitur
Entered at a time, subsequent with retroactive effect.
Nunc pro tunc
Method of directing attention to an error in the court of the trial.
Objection
When court is in session.
Open court
Mandate, command, or direction of a court or judge made, or entered, in writing, which determines some point or directs some step in the proceedings.
Order
A municipale statute.
Ordinance
Oral or verbal evidence.
Parol evidence
The persons actively concerned in the prosecution and defense of a legal proceeding, such as plaintiff and defendant. This does not include counsel.
Parties
While suit is pending.
Pendente lite
By the head; all eligible share and share alike.
Per capita
Excusing a prospective juror, without explanation or reason.
Peremptory challenge
Faults swearing.
Perjury
A formal written request to a governmental authority.
Petition
One making written request for relief in court.
Petitioner
The ordinary jury, distinguished from grand jury.
Petit jury
Theft of literary property.
Plagiarism
The person or company or corporation, or any legal entity named in caption of lawsuit as bringing the action.
Plaintiff
A pleading in a civil or criminal case.
Plea
An instrument used to frame the issue in a lawsuit.
Pleading
After a verdict to examine each juror separately as to concurrence in the verdict.
Poll
Written authorization to act as one’s agent.
Power of attorney
Any of various writs commanding a person to do something or to appear and show cause why he/she should not.
Praecipe
A request that the court will grant relief desired.
Prayer
First appearance before a judge, for purpose of determining whether there are grounds for prosecution.
Preliminary hearing
Greater wait, said of evidence.
Preponderance
A study of a defendant made by investigation by probation or parole officer prior to sentencing.
Pre-sentence
Prima facie evidence, or evidence, which is not conclusive and admits of explanation or contradiction.
Presumptive evidence
On the first appearance. A prima facie case is such as will suffice until contradicted and overcome by other evidence. 
Prima facie
Evidence having the effect of proof, tending to prove, or actually proving an issue.
Probative evidence
For this location.
Pro hav vice
Order of a higher court, ordering a lower court, or official, to refrain from taking certain action.
Prohibition
For oneself; in one’s own behalf.
Pro se
A document, published by corporation or its agents, setting forth the nature and objects of an issue of share, debenture, or other securities.
Prospectus
Pro tempore; for the time being; temporarily provisionally.
Pro tem
Monetary compensation awarded to plaintiff in a lawsuit, an excess of what compensates for property loss, awarding the redress for mental anguish, suffering from defendant’s misconduct, or to punish defendant for wrong and evil actions.
Punitive damages
Commonly accepted or supposed.
Punitive
To set aside as void.
Quash
Part judicial, or judicial character; often said of administrative agencies.
Quasi judicial
One equivalent for another.
Quid pro quo
To release or relinquish a claim; deed releases, right or title to another without professing validity of title.
Quitclaim
State of trial proceedings, demonstrating evidence of previous witnesses as untrue; the evidence itself.
Rebuttal
Habitual criminal.
Recidivist
A mutual shared interest or legal action by each up two judicial areas.
Reciprocal
An obligation entered into the court requiring a performance of an act, such as appearance in court.
Recognizance
The official proceedings of a trial.
Record
Any revision or editing; in the legal sense, redaction indicates the alteration of a confession to excise reference by one joint, defendant to any code, defendant.
Redaction
Satisfaction for any injury or damages, sustained.
Redress
The method of disapproving an argument by showing that it leads to an absurd consequence.
Reducto ad absurdum
Needlessly repetitive.
Redundant
The pleading that response to an answer.
Reply
Temporary relief from a postponement of criminal punishment or sentence.
Reprieve
Literally, the thing; i.e., the trust res is the property held in trust.
Res
Things done; especially the acts and declarations admissible in evidence that form the environment of a litigated issue, considered, as exception to hearsay rule.
Res gestae
The thing speaks for itself.
Res ipsa loquitur
A thing a point formally in controversy, but now judicially settled.
Res judicata
Person against whom relief is asked, who opposes prayer of petition.
Respondent
An equitable remedy, under which a person is restored to his or her original position prior to loss or injury.
Restitution
The arrangement (or the fee) where a lawyer undertakes to represent a client; usually refers to a continuing arrangement.
Retainer
The annulling or setting aside by an appellate court of a decision of a lower court.
Reversal
Rigidity of muscles occurring after death.
Rigor mortise
Rights which accrue to owner of land on the banks of waterway.
Riparian rights
A written order, it should by it, justice, or other magistrate, in the name of the state, directing and authorizing a sheriff or other officer to search for and seize any property that constitutes evidence of the commission of a crime, contraband, fruits of a crime, or things, otherwise criminally possessed.
Search warrant
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.
Security agreement
The act of taking possession of property for a violation of the law, or by virtue of an execution of a judgment.
Seizure
Allowance granted to a spouse for support of the spouse and children while living apart from husband/wife.
Separate maintenance
To separate or isolate.
Sequester
A direction to appear and present reason to court why some order or decree should not take affect or be confirmed.
Show cause
Latin for “thus in the original close quotes;” exact reproduction.
Sic
The position at the side of the judges bench were trial council, and the judges discussion matters out of the hearing of the jury; it is important that such conference be reported if they are to be considered on appeal.
Side-bar
The essential element.
Sine qua non
Original defamation.
Slander
Once elected from a panel to serve as judge in a particular case.
Special Judge
The rule of precedent; that which is decided once will be applied in the future.
Stare decisis
The written law as an acted by the legislature.
Statute
Statute specifying a time period within which something must be done or rights will be lost.
Statute of limitations
A short-term court-order delay in judicial proceedings.
Stay
The agreement of counsel asked to exist of certain facts or circumstances.
Stipulations
Of its own will or motion.
Sua sponte
Under penalty or pain; order of the court, requiring a witness to appear.
Subpoena
Subpoena to testify.
Subpoena ad testificandum
An order of the court for a witness to produce documents or records.
Subpoena duces tecum
The substitution of one person in the place of another, with reference to a lawful claim, demand, or right.
Subrogation
Of one’s own right.
Sui juris
Decision given by court, without delay, or formality of full proceedings.
Summary judgment
A writ of notification requiring the person to appear and defend.
Summons
In one’s own name.
Suo nomine
A bond required of one whom petitions to set aside a judgment or execution, and from which the other party may be made whole, if the action is unsuccessful.
Supersedeas bond
The sums required of a divorce parent for the support of the child of the marriage.
Support
Above, earlier in this document.
Supra
Oversight, superintendence, supervision; police technique, to gather evidence of a crime or accumulate intelligence about suspected crime activity.
Surveillance
Uniform Commercial Code.
UCC
Outside of the scope of authority to act.
Ultra vires
One of the equitable maxims embodied the principle that a party, seeking equitable relief, must not have done any dishonest act in the transaction, upon which she/he maintains an action of equity.
Unclean hands
Charging more than a Legal rate of interest.
Usury
Putting or sending into circulation, such as a forge check; published or putting forth; offering.
Uttering
Buyer.
Vendee
Seller.
Vendor
An entire panel for which jury is drawn.
Venire
The place of jurisdiction.
Venue
Videlicet; namely.
Viz
(Literally, to see, to say) speak the truth; a preliminary examination to determine competency, a witness or juror.
Voir dier
Grossly negligent or careless.
Wanton
A person placed in the care of a guardian by court order.
Ward
A written order directing the arrest of a person or persons, it should by a court, body, or official, having authority to issue a warrant of arrest.
Warrant
A phrase which indicates the relative value of the totality of evidence, presented on one side of a judicial dispute, in light of the evidence presented on the other side.
Weight of evidence
Neck injury, commonly associated with “rear–end” automobile collision.
Whiplash injury
That work done by an attorney in the process of representing the client, which is ordinarily not subject to discovery.
Work product
Court order, commanding, or authorizing some action.
Writ
Refers to evidence and/or statements which tend to clear, justify, or excuse a defendant from alleged fault or guilt.
Exculpatory
A question asking an expert witness to assume proven facts and eliciting witness’ opinion based on those facts.
Hypothetical question
A joint tenancy of two or more people, but when one tenant in common dies, he/her interest passes to his/her heirs, etc., not to other tenants.
Tenants in common
A joint tenancy between husband and wife; each is considered as owning a home; when one dies, the other still owns all the property.
Tenants by entirety
A civil wrong (as compared to a crime) for which a suit for damages may be brought.
Tort
Temporary restraining order; an emergency remedy of refrigeration issued in exceptional circumstances, and only until the trial court can hear arguments or evidence as determined what relief is appropriate.
TRO
An official report other proceedings of a trial.
Transcript
Physical or mental injury to a person caused by external violence.
Trauma
The placing of property in one’s hand for the benefit of another.
Trust
A person who is trusted or trust worthy.
Trusty
