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Glossary
Much of the language used in law is written for a unique audience. Use our glossary below to brush up on your legalese!
Acquittal: A jury verdict of not guilty" or a finding of insufficient evidence by a judge
Admissible: A term used to describe evidence that is allowable by a court or judge
Affidavit: A written statement bound by oath
Controversy: The legal basis for (Federal) litigation
Certiorari: An appeal granted by the Supreme Court to hear and rule on a controversy
De Facto: To be legitimized or declared through society (unofficial)
De Jure: To be legitimized or declared through law (official)
Executive Order: A Presidential order, that has the power of law, directing the Executive Branch of the federal government and its contractors.
FLOTUS: First Lady of the United States
Impeachment: The two-step process of charging and trying the President, Vice President, or Supreme Court Justices who have committed bribery, High Treason, or not so "good behaviour."
Indictment: A formal charge issued by a grand jury or a judge
Injunction: A preventative court order requiring the cessation of an action
Issue: The question or matter before the court of which the court is asked to resolve
Judgment: The official ruling or decision by a Court or jury, ending the litigation.
Jurisdiction: The legal or geographic area controlled or patrolled by an agency or entity.
Jurisprudence: The study of law, legal language, and the legal system
Litigation: A legal case or controversy. A lawsuit
Oath: An irrevocable promise to complete an action or perform a duty
POTUS: President of the United States
SCOTUS: Supreme Court of the United States
Standing: The legal basis for (State) litigation
Summary Judgement: A court order that rules a case in favor of a party without going to trial (determined by evidence, statements, and other information).
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