Legal Terminology P-Q Flashcards
parity
relative equality as in status, amount, or value
pecuniary damages
a money award in compensation for damages sustained
percipient witness
a witness with firsthand knowledge of a matter who observed the events
peremptory challenge
rejecting a prospective juror without having to reveal any reason why
plaintiff
a person bringing an action against another party
pleadings
a document presented to a court by a plaintiff which cites alleged wrongdoing on the part of a defendant and requests specific relief
precedent
a prior court ruling or opinion, whether by the same or another court
prejudice
bias or preconceived opinion formed before the evidence is fully heard
preponderance of evidence
the standard for winning in a civil matter
presumption of innocence
the principle that a defendant in a criminal matter is considered innocent of a crime until sufficient evidence to the contrary has been presented in court
privity of contract
the contractual relationship between parties
probable cause
sufficient reason for law enforcement agents to obtain a search warrant or to detain someone suspected of committing a crime
probation
releasing a person found guilty of an offense, but under strict supervision
proof hearing
a hearing where the plaintiff presents the actual evidence supporting a position
punitive damages
a money award to a plaintiff above and beyond actual damages suffered designed to both punish the defendant and to warn others against pursuing such a course of action
