Review Flashcards

1
Q

Executive Branch

A

Federal level = president
State level = governor

Power to make laws or approve (sign) or disapprove (veto) proposed laws, bills

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2
Q

Legislative Branch

A

Lawmaking body
Congress
Laws are written and passed or denied

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3
Q

Judicial Branch

A

Court system
Laws are interpreted
Legal disputes are decided

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4
Q

Common Law

A

Body of principles and rules of action arising from usages and customs or from judgements of courts that recognize affirm and enforce custom.

Unwritten law in that it has never been enacted into statutory law

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5
Q

Stare decisis

A

Once a court has decided a dispute, the decision was used as a reference or precedent.
Following established precedent
Provides stability and continuity by eliminating inconsistencies from the law

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6
Q

Statues

A

Each law that is enacted by the legislative branch

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7
Q

How do courts decide cases?

A

Applying relevant laws to individual facts of each case.

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8
Q

Administrative agencies

A

Organizations created by law to carry out specific legislative activities

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9
Q

Judicial Review

A

Reviewing certain actions taken by federal and state administrative agencies
Protects personal interest that may be affected by an agency

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10
Q

Litigation

A

The practice of taking a legal action

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11
Q

Jurisdiction

A

Authority or power of a court to hear a certain case

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12
Q

Court of Original Jurisdiction

A

Court of first instance

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13
Q

Appellate Court

A

If cases are not satisfactorily settled they may be appealed to this court
Has no original jurisdiction
Exists only to review judgements made by courts with lesser authority

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14
Q

Doctrine

A

Principle of law established through past decisions and interpretations made by the courts

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15
Q

Jurisprudence

A

Process of distinguishing between what is legislation and what is doctrine

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16
Q

Lex fori

A

Law of the forum

Has to do with specific procedures that the parties to a case are required by the courts to follow

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17
Q

Lex loci

A

Law of the place

Used to determine the rights of the parties to an action

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18
Q

Federal Courts Jurisdiction

A

Federal laws
Raise federal questions
Constitution
When United States is a very plaintiff or defendant
Maritime jurisdiction and admiralty
Between residents of two different states who claim land under grants from different states
Between residents of different states when the dollar amount in damages is greater than $75,000

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19
Q

What federal court is established by the US Constitution?

A

US Supreme Court

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20
Q

District Courts

A

Courts that have original jurisdiction receive most of the cases in federal system
District Courts are considered trial courts at the federal system
Original jurisdiction in certain kinds of cases such as admiralty and maritime law and exclusive jurisdiction over some matters such as patent cases

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21
Q

Circuit Court

A

A decision made by a district court may be appealed to the appropriate circuit court.
These courts serve to relieve the Supreme Court of much of its appellate work

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22
Q

Appeals

A

An appeal may only be taken to determine questions of law not questions of fact.

Appeal may
Uphold lower court decision
Reverse/overturn lower court decision
Send case back to lower court for a new trial

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23
Q

State courts have exclusive jurisdiction over

A

All matters that are not under the jurisdiction of the federal courts

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24
Q

Courts of limited jurisdiction

A

Court only authorized to hear specific and limited types of cases

County courts
Municipal courts
Specialized courts such as probate

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25
What branch of government is responsible for signing a bill into law?
Executive branch
26
Stati decisis means
The process of following established precedent
27
A written law is called
A statue
28
The court system
Settles civil controversies among individuals and punishes criminal offenses Interprets and applies existing law in the process of deciding cases Reviews certain actions taken by federal and state administrative agencies
29
A courts power and authority to hear a specific case is referred to as its
Jurisdiction
30
A principle of law established through past court decisions and interpretations is
Doctrine
31
What is the process of distinguishing between lawmaking and doctrine?
Jurisprudence
32
What are the 3 branches of the US Government?
Executive, legislative and judicial
33
What is the difference between the court if original jurisdiction and the appellate court?
Original jurisdiction hears case first | If cases not satisfactory settled can be heard by appellate courts
34
Federal Court System
Supreme Court of the United States ⏫ Specialized US Courts Appeals Federal Of Appeals From state Courts. 11 Circuits Courts ⬆️ Administrative Agencies ➡️ US District Courts
35
Typical State Court System
``` State Supreme Court ⬆️ State Court of Appeals ⬆️ District Courts ⬆️ Municipal ➖County Courts ➖Specialized Courts ```
36
Public Law
Governs the relationship between government and the individual ``` Includes: Criminal law International law Constitutional law Administrative law ```
37
Private Law
Governs the relationship between individuals or between individuals, corporations, partnerships and other legal entities. Also known as civil law Business affairs Transfer of property Collection of money for persons injured through the fault of others
38
Criminal Law
Most common form of public law is criminal law Criminal law defines the acts that society considers so harmful to the public welfare that government is responsible for prosecuting and punishing perpetrators.
39
International law
Involves relationships between nations
40
Constitutional Law
Involves problems arising in relation to the U.S. Constitution and state constitutions
41
Administrative Law
Involves rules developed by administrative agencies of the government such as the Federal Trade Commission(FTC), Federal Communications Commission(FCC), & the Food and Drug Administration(FDA)
42
The law exists on 2 levels
Federal and state
43
Federal Law
Includes the entire country
44
State Law
Applies specifically to the state in which the law is enacted
45
Federal Statutes
Written laws that are developed and enacted by the federal legislative body, US Congress in an attempt to focus on the public interest
46
Sherman Antitrust Act
1890 Federal statute that prohibited trade restraints and disallowed the creation of monopolies Applied to any business that was subject to federal law in any state. Insurance at the time was not subject to federal law
47
McCarran-Ferguson Act
Provided insurance business with a partial exemption from the Sherman Antitrust Act. Otherwise sharing certain information-sharing practices of insurers such as sharing loss statistics to determine rates would of been found in violation of federal law
48
State Statutes
Written laws enacted by a state legislature | May be more strict than federal statutes
49
Regulations
Define specific practices that must be carried out to meet the statute's intent
50
Administrative Procedure Act (APA)
Outlines the procedures that federal administrative agencies must follow when drafting regulations
51
Model State Administrative Procedure Act (MSAPA)
Most states follow these guidelines Provides a notice of intent to issue a regulation Provides an opportunity for public comment on the proposed regulation Publish the final regulation
52
Department of Insurance
State administrative agency that not only develops insurance regulations but also serves in the adjudication of disputes involving insurance.
53
Uniform laws
Laws that are basically the same for every state
54
Uniform Commercial Code
Adopted by all states except Louisiana | Regulates commercial transactions and the sale of goods among states
55
Legislative Act
Group of laws relating to one subject that are written and presented at one time Workers Compensation Insurance Operating an automobile
56
Unfair Claims Settlement Practices
Provides protection to the public by setting guidelines for handling claims Describe prohibited practices Impose penalties for anyone who engages in any of the listed practices such as fines, license suspension or revocation, jail sentences Penalties become more severe if violations were willful
57
Civil Law
Covers the rights and duties of members of society with respect to each other A violation is called a civil offense Involves legal action taken by one individual or group against another to recover for damages suffered from a private wrong
58
Contract
Voluntary agreement made by 2 or more persons that is enforceable by civil law
59
Contract Law
Law that ensures a contract is legally valid and that legal obligations of the contract are carried out
60
Tort
A civil wrong that arises from the violation of a legal or natural right that is not created by a breach of contract
61
Tort Law
Concerned with compensating an individual for the losses resulting from the conduct of others that is considered to be socially unreasonable Compensation for damages is given in the form of money
62
Tortfeasor
The party that commits a tort | The wrongdoer
63
The insurance industry is primarily regulated by
Individual state governments
64
What type of law involves cases are n which the state prosecutes an individual, in the interest of society, for violating a law?
Criminal Law
65
What is the most common public law?
Criminal law
66
What are two types of civil law?
Contract | Tort
67
Negligence
The lack of reasonable care that is required to protect others from unreasonable chance of harm
68
Legal liability
Liability imposed by law, as opposed to liability arising from an agreement or contract
69
Reasonable Care
Includes the due care that a reasonable person would provide in order to eliminate the chance of harm to others
70
Negligence per se
An act that is presumed to be negligent as a matter of law, such as an action that violates a statute
71
Degree of care
Extent of the legal duty owed by one person to another
72
Reasonable person standard
Principle of law that states each person must behave like a prudent person, following those ordinary considerations that guide human affairs. Also known as prudent person standard
73
Four Elements of Negligence
There was a legal duty owed There was a breach of legal duty owed The party sustained actual damages as a result of the breach of legal duty owed The breach of legal duty owed was the proximate cause of the loss
74
Proximate Cause
Action that in a natural and continuous sequence produces a loss
75
Gross Negligence
Total disregard for the safety of others | Reckless, wanton and willful misconduct
76
Guest Statutes
Law that prohibits a passenger Ina car from suing the driver for injuries caused by the driver unless the actions of the driver are willful and in the complete disregard of the safety of others They do not apply in every state
77
Survival statutes
Allows deceased person's estate to recover damages from the liable third party for expenses incurred between the time of injury and the time of death
78
Contributory negligence
Common law defense against negligence that states that if an individual contributes to his or her own loss in any way, then someone else cannot be held liable for the loss
79
Comparative Negligence
Legal principle that reduces a plaintiff's damages to the extent of the plaintiff's degree of negligence. Negligence on the part of the plaintiff does not altogether bar recovery
80
Assumption of risk
Known danger exists Voluntarily expose self to risk Defense against liability based on the common law principle that a person who has been made aware of a risk and voluntarily exposes himself or herself to the risk assumes the risk of loss and cannot attitude the loss to someone else
81
Last clear chance
Possible defense to a charge of contributory negligence, provides that the party who has the last clear chance to avoid damage or injury to another is liable for any resulting loss, because negligence in failing to take this opportunity is the proximate cause of the loss
82
Avoidable consequences
Mitigation of damages Denies recovery for any damages that could have been avoided by reasonable conduct on the part of the person who suffered a loss
83
Intentional torts
An action performed by an individual with a deliberate intent to harm another person or another person's property
84
Absolute liability
Liability imposed for an event that injuries the public but which does not involve negligence or the intent to cause harm Involves certain activities that could be judged especially hazardous An individual may be held liable for damages of another even though the individual was not negligent
85
Vicarious liability
An individual might be responsible for the negligent acts of another person Also known as imputed liability
86
Agency
Employer/employee relationship arises when one person, an agent, acts on behalf of another, a principle A principle is liable for the acts of the agent because the agent acts on behalf of the principle.
87
Independent contractors
When the employer does not control the details of the job | The negligence of the contractor would not be inputed on the employer
88
Family purpose doctrine
Doctrine under which the owner of an automobile is held liable for damages resulting from the negligence of an automobile operated by members of his or her family
89
Ownership statute
Law that imposes vicarious liability on automobiles owners for the actions of others who drive the owner's car applies to anyone who drives the vehicle with the owner's permission
90
Bailment
Arises when a bailor transfers possession of personal property to a Bailee for a specific purpose with the agreement that the property will be returned to the bailor Goes into effect when the bailor delivers the property into the possession of the Bailee and ends when the Bailee returns the property
91
Bailor
Person who transfers possession of personal property to a bailee
92
Bailee
Person who takes possession of a bailor's property for a specific purpose
93
Invitee
A person who is invited onto premises for some purpose involving potential financial benefit to the property owner A property owner is most likely held liable for injury to the invitee
94
Licensees
When a visiting party is present on the property of another for his or her own convenience and is not forbidden to be there Duty owed by property owner is less than that owed for a invitee
95
Attractive Nuisance
An artificial structure or condition that is especially attractive to children and capable of resulting in injury to children A property owner must use ordinary care to protect trespassing children from injury
96
No-fault concept
Allows for prompt and direct payments to automobile accident victims regardless of who was at fault for the accident
97
Modified plan
Limits right to sue but doesn't actually eliminate it Injured person is entitled to recovery of medical expenses and loss wages from his or her own insurance company but can sue in case of serious injuries
98
Add-on plan
Does not limit the right to sue | Expands Medical Payments coverage offered under a typical auto policy
99
Voluntary plan
Is no created by legislation | Insurers have the option of offering no-fault benefits and insureds have the option of purchasing them
100
Specialized Courts in Federal Court System
``` Court of Claims Customs Court Court of Customs and Patent Appeals Tax Court Bankruptcy Court Court of Military Appeals ```
101
Courts of Limited Jurisdiction
County courts Municipal courts Specialized courts such as probate
102
Criminal law
Encompasses standard of conduct by defining what acts are harmful to the public welfare Government is responsible for prosecution violator
103
Affirmative defenses
Assumption of risk Last clear chance Avoidable consequences- mitigate damages
104
Contract
Legal agreement between 2 competent parties that promises a certain performance in exchange for a certain consideration
105
The insured is what party in a contract?
1st party
106
The insurance company is what party in a contract?
2nd party
107
Contract law
Ensures that a contract is legally valid and that the legal obligations of the contract are carried out
108
Privity of Contract
The relationship that arises when 2 parties form a contract
109
Breach of contract
Failure to perform a contract without legal excuse
110
Elements of a valid contract
Competent parties Legal purpose Offer and acceptance (agreement) Consideration
111
Competent party
A person who is a minor, insane or under the influence of alcohol or drugs is considered incompetent
112
Legal Purpose
A contract that is against public policy or in violation of constitutional or statutory law is not legally enforceable
113
Offer and Acceptance
Offer is promise that requires an act or another promise in exchange Acceptance occurs when the other party agrees to the offer or does what is proposed in the offer
114
Consideration
A thing of value exchanged for the performance promised in the contract
115
Indemnity
When a loss occurs, an individual should be restored to the approximate financial condition he or she was in before the loss, no more no less.
116
Insurable interest
Lawful economic interest in the safety or preservation of the subject of insurance from loss or destruction
117
An insurance policy is what kind of nature?
Personal | It does not insure property, it insures the person who owns the property
118
Aleatory
An insurance policy is aleatory | It is contingent on an uncertain event, a loss
119
Adhesion
One party has greater power over the other party in drafting the contract The insurance company ultimately draws up and issues the policy
120
Ambiguity
Occurs when the insurer does not make the terms and agreements of the policy perfectly clear Because an insurance policy is a contract of adhesion, the courts usually resolve any ambiguity in policy wording in favor of the insured
121
Unilateral
On sided contract Only the insurance company is legally bound to perform its part of the agreement If a insured pays a premium and a loss occurs, the insurer is legally bound to pay for loss under terms of the policy If insured doesn't pay insurer can cancel policy but cannot take insured to court for breaking contract
122
Contract of utmost good faith
Insurance company relies on the truthfulness and integrity of the applicant when issuing a policy
123
Fraud
A deliberate misrepresentation that causes harm
124
For what reasons can a contract be voided
Fraud Misrepresentation Concealment Breach of warranty
125
Insurance fraud
Insurance fraud may be committed to: Obtain an insurance policy (contract fraud) Be charged a lower premium (premium fraud) Obtain payment on a claim for a loss that never occurred or for a loss that has been padded or exaggerated to receive a higher claim payment (claim fraud)
126
Representations
Statements that the applicant believes are true
127
Misrepresentation
Written or verbal misstatement of a material fact involved in the contract on which the insurer relies Differs from fraud in that it involves only one particular fact rather than an all-out effort by one party to deceive and cheat the other Policy can only be voided if the misrepresentation concerns a material fact
128
Concealment
Involves withholding a material fact
129
Warranties
Specific agreement between two parties to a contract that becomes a part of the contract
130
Affirmative Warranty
States that certain conditions exist when the contract is made
131
Promissory warranty
States that a certain condition will continue to be met or that certain things will be done during the policy period
132
Subrogation
Substitution of one party in place of another with respect to a legal right or claim
133
Waiver
Intentional relinquishment of a known right
134
Express waiver
Written or oral statement that specifically relinquishes a right
135
Implied waiver
Implied by misleading conduct
136
Estoppel
If an insurance professional intentionally or unintentionally creates the impression that a certain fact exists when it does not and an innocent party relies on that impression and is damaged as a result, the insurance company will be estopped or prevented from denying this fact
137
Four elements of fraud
Someone who deliberately lies The intent of the lie is for someone else to rely on that lie Another person relies on that lie The other person suffers harm as a result of relying on that lie
138
Claim
A demand by an individual or cooperation to recover under an insurance policy for loss arising out of events covered by the policy
139
1st party claims
Filed by insured | Recover under insured's own coverage
140
Third party claim
Filed by someone who is not an insured Make a claim against insured to recover under insured's policy
141
Unfair claims settlement practices laws
Ensue that insurance claims are handled promptly and fairly
142
NAIC Model Unfair Claims Settlement Practices
National Association of Insurance Commissioners An organization made up of individual state insurance commissioners whose purpose is to promote uniformity in regulation by drafting model laws and regulations The recommendations are non-binding on individual states, but most states use these recommendations as the basis for developing their insurance laws
143
First party bad faith lawsuits
Filed by insured | Bad faith handling of a first party claim
144
Third party bad faith lawsuit
Filed by insured for the bad faith handling in the defense or settlement of a third-party claim against the insured
145
Comparative bad faith
Also known as contributory bad faith or insured bad faith If an insurer can show that the insured also acted in bad faith in a claim investigation, the insurer may be able to have the bad faith lawsuit dismissed
146
Declaratory judgement
The insurer legal staff files an action with a court to determine whether coverage under the policy exist last and what rights of the parties are under the policy
147
Misrepresentation in claims
There is no requirement that the insurer rely on the misrepresentation
148
Claim fraud
Reliance by the insurer is not necessary for fraud to exist
149
Innocent co-insureds
In most cases, innocent co-insureds are not allowed to recover on the theory that they probably knew about the insured's activities
150
Lex loci delicti
States that the law where the loss occurred applies
151
Rule of Significant Contacts
A court determines which state has a greater interest in protecting its citizens and applies that state's law
152
Res ispa loquitur
The thing speaks for itself Creates a presumption of negligence without any exact, obvious or definite proof Only applied when actual cause of loss is not known Elements Negligence usually involved in such a loss Object that caused loss in defendant's exclusive control Injured party did not contribute to loss
153
Prima facie evidence
Evidence is available that is sufficient on its face to prove a given fact
154
Excited utterance
Declaration or exclamation made spontaneously or immediately following an event that serves to establish the facts of the event This is an exception to the hearsay rule Assumption of risk Last clear chance Avoidable consequences- mitigate damages
155
Principle of single recovery
Because only a single lump sum judgement is usually allowed in a claim for damages, all damages must be considered, past and future
156
Actual Cash Value
ACV=Replacement cost - depreciation
157
Broad evidence rule
Requires that when determining actual cash value, all evidence that could be reasonably be used to estimate the value of the property at the time of the loss must be taken into consideration
158
Market Value
Amount a willing buyer would pay for the property.
159
Replacement cost
Cost to replace a damaged or destroyed item of property without a deduction for depreciation Usually used for losses to buildings Sometimes for personal property
160
Reproduction cost
Cost to rebuild the building at same location using its original specifications and plans
161
Value to owner standard
Requires all relevant facts be taken into consideration and Insured is allowed to testify as to the value of the property
162
Valued policy laws
The value of the property listed on the insurance policy is the amount that must be paid if the property is destroyed, regardless of the property's value at the time of the loss
163
Compensatory Damages
Reimburse the injured party only for losses that were actually sustained
164
Special damages
Special damages include all direct and specific expenses involved in a particular loss such as medical expenses, lost wages, funeral expenses, and cost to repair or replace damaged property
165
General damages
Compensate for such things as pain and suffering, disfigurement and loss of consortium
166
Punitive damages
Exemplary damages | Designed to punish if the defendant acted wantonly or willfully in causing the plaintiff's injuries
167
Nominal damages
May be awarded to acknowledge the damage and vindicate a right Usually a very small amount
168
Collateral source rule
Provides that a plaintiff's award for damages cannot be modified even if plaintiff has other available sources
169
If a court considers bad faith to be a tort instead of a contract violation, the insurance company
May be held liable for more than it was originally obligated to pay under the policy
170
Wha can invalidate an insurance claim?
Misrepresentation Fraud Concealment
171
Who is the 1st party in a claim?
Insured
172
Who is the 3rd party in a claim?
Plaintiff
173
Who is the 2nd party in a claim?
Insurance company
174
Bad faith
Violates the insurance contract
175
What is the first step of a lawsuit?
The complaint is the first pleading of the lawsuit
176
Pleading
Legal papers filed by the parties to a court action that set forth the facts of the case and issues to be considered
177
Complaint
Informs the court and the defendant: Why the plaintiff is suing What legal recourse he or she expects Why the plaintiff has legal grounds to sue the defendant (cause of action) Why the court has jurisdiction over the dispute
178
Summons
Documents that notify a defendant of a complaint and requires the defendant to answer the complaint
179
Motion
Request
180
Motion to dismiss
Motion filed by defendant to a lawsuit to dismiss the case on grounds that the plaintiff does not have legal grounds to sue
181
Demurrer
Another term for motion to dismiss
182
Motion for summary judgment
Motion filed by the defendant to a lawsuit to dismiss the case on the grounds that there is no legal remedy provided under the defendant's complaint
183
Discovery
Pretrial process where each party in the case finds out as much as possible about the evidence the other party plans to present at trial
184
Depositions
Oral examination of witness under oath to obtain information about a legal matter. Is recorded by a court reporter
185
Interrogatories
Written questions that require written answers
186
Motions to produce
Requests to produce physical evidence or documents
187
Affidavit
Voluntary written statement under oath
188
Affiant
Person who makes an affidavit
189
False swearing
Making a false statement of a material fact while under oath during a deposition or while making an affidavit Crime in all states
190
In a jury trial, the jury decides
Question of fact
191
In a jury trial, the judge determines
Questions of law
192
In a trial by judge, the judge determines
Both questions of fact and questions of law
193
Absolute privilege
Legal principle that prevents a person from suing for defamation based on statements made in certain situations. Court proceedings are subject to absolute privilege
194
Burden of proof
Requirement that a plaintiff prove his or her claim against a defendant
195
Preponderance of the evidence
Requirement in civil proceedings | Requires that plaintiff evidence has greater credibility than the defendant
196
Reasonable doubt
Burden of proof in criminal cases
197
Direct evidence
Introduced to prove a specific fact and verifies that fact unless the other party introduces evidence to the contrary
198
Circumstantial evidence
Evidence that proves another fact through inference
199
Documentary evidence
Various types of documents and papers used as evidence such as police reports, letters and records
200
Testimonial evidence
Explanation or description by a witness of what he or she knows as fact
201
Physical evidence
Demonstrative evidence | Evidence of a physical nature such as a damaged car part or skid marks at an accident
202
Admissibility of evidence
Material: evidence must tend to prove or disprove a matter at issue in the case Relevant: must relate to the claim, not to some unrelated matter or event Competent: the person who provides the information must be fit or qualified to do so
203
Judicial notice
Acceptance by a judge of the truth of a certain fact without requiring evidence to support it
204
Adverse witness
Witness whose testimony does not support a particular party's case
205
Friendly witness
Witness whose testimony supports a particular party's case
206
Expert witness
A person who has specialized knowledge, education , training or experience in a certain area, not possessed by the average person
207
Hostile witness
A witness who is openly biased against one of the parties
208
Dismissal with prejudice
Dismissal of cased based on its merit or lack of merit. | Further legal action is prohibited
209
Dismissal without prejudice
Dismissal of a case that is not based on its merits | Further legal action on case is permitted
210
Additur
Occurs when a judge increases the jury's damage award
211
Remittitur
Occurs when a judge decreases the jury's damage award
212
Directed verdict
The judge tells the jury what decision it must make
213
Bifurcated trials
Trial that is divided into two parts | Questions of fact are decided separately from damages
214
Verdict
Finding of fact
215
Reformation
The contract will be changed to reflect the true intent of the parties when they made the contact. Is common if a mistake was made when an oral agreement was put into writing
216
Rescission
The contract is thrown out or cancelled as if it never existed. Can be used in cases of fraud
217
Specific performance
The party who breached the contract is required to perform the actions promised under the contract
218
Injunction
The party who breached the contract is prevented from performing the actions promised under the contract elsewhere during the term of the contract
219
Appeals
An appeal may only be filed if one of the parties believes the lower court interpreted or applied law incorrectly
220
Brief
Written statement that presents legal arguments on particular legal issues
221
A defendant's response to a plaintiff complaint is
An answer
222
A motion to dismiss is based on the defendant's belief that
The plaintiff does not have legal grounds to sue
223
What is the first pleading in a lawsuit?
Complaint
224
Three primary discovery methods
Depositions Interrogatories Motions to produce
225
Who has burden of proof in a trial?
Plaintiff
226
Three types of direct evidence
Documentary Physical (demonstrative) Testimonial(oral)
227
What are the 3 requirements for evidence to be admissible in court?
What are the 3 requirements for evidence to be admissible in court? Material Relevant Competent
228
What are possible remedies that a judge or jury can use besides awarding damages
Reformation Rescission Specific performance Injunction