|
A
B C
D E
F G
H I
J
K L M
N O
P Q
R S
T U
V W
X Y Z #
Click on the first letter of the
word from the list above to go to the appropriate section of the glossary.
- O -
Oath: Written
or oral pledge by a person to keep a promise or
speak the truth.
Obiter Dictum:
Remark by a judge in a legal opinion that is
irrelevant to the decision and does not establish
precedent . Often used in the plural, dicta.
Objection: In
a trial, a reason stated on the record
by an attorney that a matter or proceeding is
illegal. Making objections in open court is
important for purposes of making a record for appeal.
Occupational
Disease: An illness resulting from long-term
employment in a particular type of work, such as
those employees exposed to asbestos, who later
develop cancer.
On a Person's Own
Recognizance: Release of a person from custody
without the payment of any bail or posting of bond,
upon the promise to return to court.
Opening Statement:
The initial statement made by attorneys for each
side, outlining the facts each intends to establish
during the trial.
Opinion:
Written statement by a judge or court of the
decision in a case which describes the law applied
to the facts of the case and the reasons for the
decision.
Oral Argument:
An opportunity for lawyers to summarize their
position before the court and also to answer the
judges' questions.
Order: Written
direction or command made by a court or judge, and
not included in a judgment. See also decree.
Ordinance:
Commonly, a regulation passed by a municipal
legislative body.
Original
jurisdication: The first court to which a legal
dispute is referred.
Out-of-Court
Settlement: An agreement reached between a
plaintiff and a defendant to resolve a lawsuit
privately and without a judge's authorization or
approval.
Overrule: A
judge's decision not to allow an objection. Also, a
decision by a higher court finding that a lower
court decision was in error.
|
