For the public good. Lawyers representing clients without a fee are said to be working pro bono publico.
"Let the master answer." The doctrine which holds that employers are responsible for the acts and omissions of their employees and agents, when done within the scope of the employees' duties.
The doctrine that courts will follow principles of law laid down in previous cases. Similar to precedent.
Translated: "under the law"; the holding of a case by a court under consideration, sometimes to await the filing of a document, such as a presentence investigation report or memorandum of law, or to write an opinion.
A court order commanding a witness to bring certain documents or records to court.
A writ issued by an appellate court to preserve the status quo pending review of a judgment, or pending other exercise of its jurisdiction.
A new trial or retrial held in an appellate court in which the whole case is heard as if no trial had been heard in the lower court or administrative agency.
A writ summoning persons to court to act as jurors, Also refers to the people summoned for jury duty.
"To speak the truth": the preliminary examination which the court and attorneys make of prospective jurors to determine their qualification and suitability to serve as jurors.
One who represents oneself in a court proceeding without the assistance of a lawyer. Also known as pro se. See also IN PROPIA PERSONA.
A Latin term meaning “on one's own behalf”; in courts, it refers to persons who present their own cases without lawyers. See IN PROPIA PERSONA and PRO PER.
Expression means "as much as he deserves," and describes the extent of liability on a contract implied by law.
What for what; something for something; giving one valuable thing for another.
A writ issuable by the state, through which it demands an individual to show by what right he or she exercises an authority which can only be exercised through grant or franchise from the state or why he or she should not be removed from office.
The ground or reason of the decision in a case.
Literally, "a thing that speaks for itself." In tort law, the doctrine which holds a defendant guilty of negligence without an actual showing that he or she was negligent.
A rule of civil law that once a matter has been litigated and final judgment has been rendered by the trial court, the matter cannot be relitigated by the parties in the same court, or any other trial court.