General Legal Terms

Question 1

Accountability

Answer 1

The obligation to disclose details for evaluation; commonly
used to mean “to be held responsible for.”

Question 2

Affidavit

Answer 2

Voluntary statement of facts sworn to be true before an
authority.

Question 3

Allegation

Answer 3

A statement one expects to prove true.

Question 4

Battery

Answer 4

Intentional nonconsensual touching.

Question 5

Bona fide

Answer 5

In good faith or innocently.

Question 6

Case Law

Answer 6

All legal decisions reported on a given legal subject.

Question 7

Complaint

Answer 7

First pleading filed by plaintiff’s attorney in a negligence
action.

Question 8

Defamation

Answer 8

Injury to an individual’s reputation or character caused by
false statements to a third party (inclusive of libel and slander).

Question 9

Slander

Answer 9

Speaking falsely about another with resulting injury
to his/her reputation. (Oral Defamation.)

Question 10

Libel

Answer 10

Defamatory words that are printed, published, written
which affect the character or reputation of another in that it tends to hold him/her up to ridicule, contempt, shame,
disgrace or to degrade him/her in the estimation of the community. (Written defamation.)

Question 11

Defendant

Answer 11

In criminal cases, the person accused of the crime; in civil
matters, the person or organization that is being sued.

Question 12

Deposition

Answer 12

A method of pretrial discovery in which questions are answered
under oath.

Question 13

Federal Law

Answer 13

Jurisdiction is given to federal courts in cases involving the
interpretation and application of the U.S. Constitution, acts of Congress,
and treaties.

Question 14

Guardian

Answer 14

Court-appointed protector for an individual incapable of making his or her own decisions.

Question 15

Iatrogenic Injury

Answer 15

An injury resulting from the activity of health care
professionals.

Question 16

Indictment

Answer 16

Formal written accusation from a grand jury.

Question 17

Jury

Answer 17

A group of citizens who decide the outcome of a criminal or civil
trial.

Question 18

Larceny

Answer 18

Taking another’s property without consent.

Question 19

Law, Common

Answer 19

Principles that have evolved and continue to evolve on the
basis of court decisions.

Question 20

Law, Statutory

Answer 20

Any law prescribed by the action of a legislature.

Question 21

Liability

Answer 21

An obligation to do or not do something; also, an obligation
potentially or actually incurred as a result of a negligent act.

Question 22

Liability, Corporate

Answer 22

An obligation to do or not do something that falls on
the corporate body.

Question 23

Liability, Personal

Answer 23

An obligation to do or not do something that falls on
the individual.

Question 24

Malpractice

Answer 24

Professional misconduct that results in harm to another,
negligence of a professional.

Question 25

Negligence

Answer 25

Omission (not doing) or commission (doing) of an act that a reasonable and prudent individual would not do under the same conditions; may be associated with the phrase “departure from the standard of care.”

Question 26

Negligence, Criminal

Answer 26

Reckless disregard for the safety of another; willful indifference.

Question 27

Perjury

Answer 27

Intentionally providing false testimony under oath.

Question 28

Plaintiff

Answer 28

The person who initiates a lawsuit.

Question 29

Precedent

Answer 29

Legal principle, created by a court decision, which provides an example or authority for judges deciding similar issues later.

Question 30

Standard of Care

Answer 30

Description of conduct that is expected of an individual or professional in a given circumstance.

Question 31

State Law

Answer 31

State statutes, regulations, and principles and rules having the force of law.

Question 32

Subpoena

Answer 32

Court order to appear and testify or produce required documents.

Question 33

Tort

Answer 33

A civil wrong; may be intentional or unintentional.

Question 34

Tort-feasor

Answer 34

One who commits a tort.

Question 35

Trial (10 steps(

Answer 35

1. Opening statements by both sides 2. Plaintiff’s presentation 3. Cross-examination by defendant’s attorney 4. Defendant’s presentation 5. Cross-examination by plaintiff’s attorney 6. Closing statements by both sides 7. Jury instruction by judge 8. Jury deliberation 9. Appeal (possible) 10. Execution of judgment

Question 36

Assault

Answer 36

A threat to do bodily harm.

Question 37

Liability

Answer 37

Responsibility for conduct falling below certain standard which is the causal connection of the plaintiff's injury.

Question 38

Quid-pro-quo

Answer 38

Something for something arrangement. Contract between the patient and health care services.

Question 39

Ethic Malpractice

Answer 39

Professional misconduct considered improper or immoral by the profession as a whole.

Question 40

Standard of Care

Answer 40

Skill and learning commonly possessed by members of the profession.

Question 41

Breach of Duty (negligence)

Answer 41

Conduct contrary to that of a reasonable person under specific circumstances.

Question 42

Nonfeasance (negligence)

Answer 42

Acts of omission. Failure to perform act required by law.

Question 43

Misfeasance (negligence)

Answer 43

Acts of commission. Doing act required by law by improperly.

Question 44

Malfeasance (negligence)

Answer 44

Stepping beyond your scope of duty.

Question 45

Good Samaritan Law

Answer 45

Legal protection given in emergency situation.

Question 46

False Imprisonment

Answer 46

Restraining without consent or an order.

Question 47

Patient's Bill of Rights/Patient Care Partnership

Answer 47

Informs patient what they should expect during their hospital stay. Emphasizes that the patient needs to be involved in their health care. The patient has the right to make decisions concerning their care.

Question 48

Patient Care Partnership has 6 expectations, rights, and responsibilities. What are they?

Answer 48

1. High quality Hospital Care 2. A clean safe environment 3. Involvement in patient's care 4. Protection of privacy 5. Help when leaving the hospital by preparing the patient and family 6. Help with insurance claims

Question 49

What are 10 common acts of negligence or malpractice?

Answer 49

1. Overlooked sponges, instruments, needles etc. 2. Burns 3. Falls 4. Wrong medications or wrong dosage 5. Defects in apparatus/equipment 6. Failure to observe symptoms 7. Abandonment 8. Stepping beyond one's authority 9. Failure to communicate when necessary 10. Infections due to negligence