How to Read a Legal Opinion Terms Flashcards
Civil Suit
Between people - Usually someone suing someone else for wronging them. Usually gets money if they win
Criminal Case
Person is charged for a crime against the community or state, brought to court and found guilty/not guilty and sentenced
Litigation
A process of taking legal actions
Plaintiff
The person who brings the case against someone else in court
Defendant
A person, company or institution sued/accused in court
Trial Court
A court of law where cases are tried the first time
Appellate Court or Appeals Court
A court of law where they hear an appeal, second time around from the trial court
District Court
State of federal trial court
Circuit Courts of Appeals
Determine whether or not the law was applied correctly in the trial court - 3 judges and NO jury
Appellant
Person who applies to a higher court for reversal of a decision in a lower court
Appellee
Respondent in a case appealed in a higher court
Petitioner
Person who makes a formal application for judicial action in a suit
Respondent
Defendant in a lawsuit, especially one in an appeals or divorce case
Affirm
Accept/confirm the validity of a judgement/argreement
Reverse
The decision of a court of appeal that the judgement in the lower court was incorrect and therefore reversed