what is it called in law term when an attorney

by Elfrieda Towne 10 min read

What is the legal terminology?

Specialized terminology refers to words that are specific to the legal profession. Some specialized terms originated within the legal system for the purpose of conveying meanings specific to law.

What are terms for lawyers?

Synonyms of lawyeradvocate,attorney,attorney-at-law,counsel,counselor.(or counsellor),counselor-at-law,legal eagle.

What is an example of legal jargon?

Bar - general term referring to a group of attorneys - example: "The Bar of the 26th Judicial District is active in community issues." Bench - term used to refer to judges or the court - example: "Please approach the bench" refers to approaching the judge. Biological Father – the natural father of a child.

What is it called when an attorney argues?

Oral arguments are spoken presentations to a judge or appellate court by a lawyer (or parties when representing themselves) of the legal reasons why they should prevail.

What is another term given to case law?

common law; precedent; law; jurisprudence. civil law.

What is another name for trial attorney?

What is another word for trial lawyer?legal representativelawyerattorneysolicitorbarristerbriefnotarypublic prosecutorcounseladvocate34 more rows

Why do lawyers use jargons?

They read the written rulings from the old cases and use them to guide their decisions in the current ones. This helps to bring predictability and consistency to the law. It also makes it easier for lawyers to predict the outcome of similar cases they are handling for clients.Oct 6, 2015

What is literary jargon?

Jargon is a literary term that is defined as the use of specific phrases and words in a particular situation, profession, or trade. These specialized terms are used to convey hidden meanings accepted and understood in that field.

What is the final version of a legal document called?

noun. legal a legal document that explains what you want to happen to your money and possessions after you die. This is often more formally called a last will and testament.

What is an argument in legal terms?

A legal argument is merely an argument using at least one law as a. reason in support of the conclusion. Other reasons used to support the conclusion of a legal argument. include ethical reasons, religious reasons, economic reasons, and political (power) reasons.

What does the term writ of certiorari mean?

to be more fully informedA type of writ, meant for rare use, by which an appellate court decides to review a case at its discretion. The word certiorari comes from Law Latin and means "to be more fully informed." A writ of certiorari orders a lower court to deliver its record in a case so that the higher court may review it.

How do lawyers argue?

Lawyers stick with the topic. Subjective opinions are not objective facts. No matter what strategies the opposing side uses to distract you from the main issue, or how tempting it is to draw in other connections, a good lawyer always brings the argument back to the original point.Jun 15, 2015

What is a kangaroo court?

Kangaroo Court: A term, which refers to a bogus court or sham legal proceedings that deny the basic rights of a party to a case. This term may denote an unauthorized court or an authorized one, which conducts its proceedings without taking into account the principles of law and justice.

What is case law?

A case law is a collection of reported judicial decisions related to specific topics, and is an important part of the modern legal rules. Causa Mortis: A Latin term which means, “in expectation of the approaching death”. This term is mainly used to denote gifts, which are given by a person who is expecting death.

What is an unalienable right?

Unalienable: A thing or a right, which cannot be transferred to another. While some rights like the right to life cannot be transferred, the transfer of some things are prohibited by law (for example, pension granted by the government cannot be sold or transferred).

What is safe harbor law?

Safe Harbor: Legally speaking, a safe harbor refers to that provision or clause in a statute that eliminates or lessens the liability of a party to the case under the law , considering the fact that the actions of the party were in good faith.

What is qualified immunity?

Qualified Immunity: A legal doctrine that is used to protect state and federal officials from liability of civil damages, in case of violation of an individual’s federal constitutional rights, of which a reasonable person would have known. The defense of qualified immunity is developed by the US Supreme Court, in order to shield and protect state and federal officials from the fear of litigation while performing discretionary functions, entrusted to them by law. So, even if a violation of a constitutional right has occurred, the official will be protected, if the said right was not clearly established or the official could have reasonably believed that his conduct was lawful.

What is a paralegal?

Paralegal: A paralegal is a person who performs substantive and procedural legal work as authorized by law, without a law license, which would have been performed by an attorney in the absence of the paralegal. Parens Patriae: The term Parens Patriae is derived from a Latin word meaning ‘parent of his country’.

What is an obligation?

Obligation: A legal requirement to do what is imposed by law, contract, or as a result of unlawful harm caused to the person or property of another. In a more technical meaning, it is a duty to do something agreeably to the laws and customs of the country in which the obligation is made.

What is bail in court?

Bail - Cash or surety posted to procure the release of a defendant in a criminal proceeding by insuring his/her future attendance in court, and compelling him/her to remain within the jurisdiction of the court.

What is an appeal bond?

Appeal Bond - A sum of money posted by a person appealing a judicial decision (appellant). Appearance – (1) The formal proceeding by which a defendant submits to the jurisdiction of the court. (2) A written notification to the plaintiff by an attorney stating that s/he is representing the defendant.

What is an affidavit of insolvency?

Affidavit of Insolvency - A detailed form signed by the defendant, under oath, attesting to his/her indigency (inability to pay for private legal counsel).

What is an arrest warrant?

Arrest Warrant – An order by a judge that gives permission for a police officer to arrest a person for allegedly committing a crime. Assault - Threat to inflict injury with an apparent ability to do so. Also, any intentional display of force that would give the victim reason to fear or expect immediate bodily harm.

What is an appeal in civil court?

Appeal - An application to a higher court for review of an order of conviction or of a civil judgment against a party.

What does amend mean in court?

Amend – Improve, correct or change a complaint or other pleading. Amicus Curiae - A friend of the court. One not a party to a case who volunteers, or is asked by the court, to offer information on a point of law or some other aspect of the case to assist the court in deciding a matter before it.

What is the meaning of aid and abet?

Aid and Abet - To actively, knowingly or intentionally assist another person in the commission or attempted commission of a crime. Alford Plea - A plea to a criminal charge that does not admit guilt, but admits that sufficient evidence exists to obtain a conviction.

What is negligence in law?

More precisely, conduct which falls below the standard of care established by law for the protection of others against unreasonable risks of harm. In order to prevail in a negligence action, the plaintiff must prove, by a preponderance of the evidence, the following four elements: (1) that the defendant owed the plaintiff a duty of care; (2) that the defendant breached that duty; (3) that the defendant's breach of his or her duty of care caused the plaintiff's injury; (4) that the plaintiff suffered injury.

How long does it take for an employer to pay notice of injury?

Once a notice of compensation payable is filed, benefits would begin to be paid, and must begin to be paid, no later than 21 days after the employer receives notice of an employee's injury. Notice of Injury.

What is an amicus curiae?

Amicus Curiae. (Latin: "friend of the court.") Person or organization that files a legal brief with the court expressing its views on a case involving other parties because it has a strong interest in the subject matter of the action. Admissible Evidence.

What does "ad litem" mean in Latin?

A Latin term meaning for the purposes of the lawsuit. For example, a guardian "ad litem" is a person appointed by the court to protect the interests of a minor or legally incompetent person in a lawsuit. Allegation. The claim made in a pleading by a party to an action setting out what he or she expects to prove.

How long does it take to get a reinstatement petition?

A reinstatement petition must be filed within three years of the date of the last workers compensation payment.

What is an administrator in court?

Administrator or Administratrix. Person appointed by a court to administer a deceased person's estate. The person may be male (in which case, he would be referred to as the "administrator") or female (in which case, she would be referred to as the "administratrix"). Adversary Proceeding.

What is an accepted claim?

Accepted Claim. A claim in which the insurance company accepts that your injury or illness will be covered by workers compensation. Acknowledgment. 1. A statement of acceptance of responsibility. 2. The short declaration at the end of a legal paper showing that the paper was duly executed and acknowledged. Action.

What is a lawyer?

What exactly is a lawyer? A lawyer (also called attorney, counsel, or counselor) is a licensed professional who advises and represents others in legal matters. Today’s lawyer can be young or old, male or female.

How do lawyers spend their time?

Most lawyers normally spend more time in an office than in a courtroom. The practice of law most often involves researching legal developments, investigating facts, writing and preparing legal documents, giving advice, and settling disputes.

What is a lawyer called?

In some countries, a lawyer is called a “barrister” or a “solicitor.”.

How long does it take to become a lawyer?

Before being allowed to practice law in most states, a person must: Have a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent. Complete three years at an ABA-accredited law school. Pass a state bar examination, which usually lasts for two or three days. The exam tests knowledge in selected areas of law.

Can a lawyer practice in more than one state?

Not automatically. To become licensed in more than one state, a lawyer must usually comply with each state’s bar admission requirements. Some states, however, permit licensed out-of-state lawyers to practice law if they have done so in another state for several years and the new state’s highest court approves them. Many states also have provisions for lawyers to participate in specific cases in states where they are not licensed. The lawyer in such a case is said to be appearing pro hoc vice, which means “for this one particular occasion.”

Can a paralegal represent you?

Not necessarily – you may represent yourself. And, in some specialized situations, such as bringing a complaint before a government agency (for example, a dispute over Social Security or Medicare benefits), nonlawyers or paralegals may be qualified to represent you. (Paralegals are nonlawyers who have received training that enables them to assist lawyers in a number of tasks; they typically cannot represent clients in court.) If you are in this situation, ask the government agency involved what types of legal representatives are acceptable.#N#There are many matters you can deal with yourself, if you know how to go about it. For example, you can represent yourself in traffic or small-claims court, or engage in negotiations and enter into contracts on your own. But if you are not sure about the consequences of your actions or are uncertain about how to proceed, getting some quick legal advice from a lawyer could be very helpful in preventing problems down the road.

Is legalese a foreign language?

These words and phrases, many rooted in Latin, are often jokingly referred to as a foreign language—legalese. Although some legalese may be necessary in order to communicate certain ideas precisely, a document that is understood by very few of its readers is just plain poor communication.

What does acceleration mean in a contract?

acceleration. n. 1) speeding up the time when there is vesting (absolute ownership) of an interest in an estate, when the interest in front of it is terminated earlier than expected; 2) in a contract or promissory note, when the payment of debt is moved up to the present time due to some event like non-payment of...

What is accommodation in business?

accommodation. n. 1) a favor done without compensation (pay or consideration), such as a signature guaranteeing payment of a debt , sometimes called an accommodation endorsement. Such accommodation is not the smartest business practice, since the holder of the note can go after the accommodator rather than the debt...

What does "accretion" mean in real estate?

n. 1) in real estate, the increase of the actual land on a stream, lake or sea by the action of water which deposits soil upon the shoreline. Accretion is Mother Nature's little gift to a landowner. 2) in estates, when a beneficiary of the person who died gets more of the estate than he/she was mean...

What is accounts receivable?

n. the amounts of money due or owed to a business or professional by customers or clients. Generally, accounts receivable refers to the total amount due and is considered in calculating the value of a business or the business's problems in paying its own debts. Evaluation of the chances of collectin... accretion.

What is the meaning of "writting"?

1) receiving something from another with the intent to keep it, and showing that this was based on a previous agreement. 2) agreeing verbally or in writing to the terms of a contract, which is one of the requirements to show there was a contract (an offer and an acceptance of that offer). A writt...

What is a title search?

n. the written report on a title search which shows the history of every change of ownership on a piece of real estate, and any claims against the property , such as easements on the property, loans against it, deeds of trust, mortgages, liens, judgments, and real property taxes.

What is an able-bodied person?

able-bodied. adj. physically capable of working at a job or in the military.

What is the Alford doctrine?

Alford Doctrine: A plea in a criminal case in which the defendant does not admit guilt, but agrees that the state has enough evidence against him or her to get a conviction. Allows the defendant to enter into a plea bargain with the state. If the judge accepts the Alford Plea, a guilty finding is made on the record.

What is adult probation?

Adult Probation: A legal status, applied to people 16 years of age and older, who have been convicted of a crime and placed under the supervision of a probation officer for a period of time set by the court.

What is a juvenile in criminal law?

Delinquent: In civil or family cases, failing to pay an amount of money when due: In juvenile cases, a child who violated a law, local ordinance, or an order of the Superior Court.

What is adult court transfer?

Adult Court Transfer: The transfer of juveniles who are at least fourteen years old to regular criminal dockets in Geographical Area or Judicial District courts. Also involves the transfer from a Juvenile Detention Center to the State Department of Correction.

What collateral is required for a surety bond?

Surety bond: The court requires cash, real estate or a professional bail bondpersons signature as collateral before releasing the defendant back into the community. (The court may allow the defendant to post ten percent of the bond in cash to secure his or her release.)

What is an annulment in court?

Annulment: A court order declaring that a marriage is invalid. Answer: A court document, or pleading, in a civil case, by which the defendant responds to the plaintiff's complaint. Appeal: Asking a higher court to review the decision or sentence of a trial court because the lower court made an error.

What is a family relations counselor?

Family Relations Counselor: A person who mediates disagreements and negotiates agreements in custody, visitation and divorce cases. At the request of the judge, a family relations counselor may evaluate a family situation by interviewing each parent and the children in the family.

What is compensatory damages?

(English common law is the basis of state legal systems in the U.S., with the exception of Louisiana.) compensatory damages: Damages that are recovered for injury or economic loss.

What is a demurrer in law?

demurrer (dee-muhr-ur): A formal response to a complaint filed in a lawsuit, pleading for dismissal and saying , in effect, that even if the facts are true , there is no legal basis for a lawsuit. Examples include a missing necessary element of fact, or a complaint that is unclear.

What is a felony in the US?

felony: A serious crime punishable by death or at least one year in a state or federal prison. Felonies include arson, rape, perjury and homicide. When theft is involved, the value of that which was stolen determines whether the offense is considered a misdemeanor or felony.

What does "it's all Greek to me" mean?

You’ve probably heard the metaphor, “It’s all Greek to me,” when someone doesn’t understand or is totally flummoxed by a subject or situation. The law is “Greek” to many people: it’s frequently misunderstood and legal terminology is misused by most people.

What does the party at fault have to pay for?

For instance, if someone is injured in a car accident and the party who injures them has to pay compensatory damages, the party at fault must cover cost of things such as the ambulance, doctors’ bills, hospital stays, medicine, physical therapy and lost wages.

What do paralegals need to know?

As a paralegal you will need to become familiar with legal terms and especially familiar with terms used in the field of law you end up working in. Should you work for a public defender, prosecutor or criminal defense attorney you will be dealing with more terms relating to criminal law.

What does diligence mean in medical terms?

diligence: Reasonable care or attention to a matter; for instance, looking both ways before proceeding after stopping at a stop sign, washing your hands before cooking food in a restaurant or operating in a hospital or checking brakes and other mechanical components on tour buses at regular intervals.

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Overview

Terminology

In practice, legal jurisdictions exercise their right to determine who is recognized as being a lawyer. As a result, the meaning of the term "lawyer" may vary from place to place. Some jurisdictions have two types of lawyers, barrister and solicitors, while others fuse the two. A barrister is a lawyer who specializes in higher court appearances. A solicitor is a lawyer who is trained to prepare cases and give advice on legal subjects and can represent people in lower co…

Responsibilities

In most countries, particularly civil law countries, there has been a tradition of giving many legal tasks to a variety of civil law notaries, clerks, and scriveners. These countries do not have "lawyers" in the American sense, insofar as that term refers to a single type of general-purpose legal services provider; rather, their legal professions consist of a large number of different kinds of law-train…

Education

The educational prerequisites for becoming a lawyer vary greatly from country to country. In some countries, law is taught by a faculty of law, which is a department of a university's general undergraduate college. Law students in those countries pursue a Master or Bachelor of Lawsdegree. In some countries it is common or even required for students to earn another bachelor's degree at t…

Career structure

The career structure of lawyers varies widely from one country to the next.
In most common law countries, especially those with fused professions, lawyers have many options over the course of their careers. Besides private practice, they can become a prosecutor, government counsel, corporate in-house counsel, administrative law judge, judge, arbitrator, or law professor. There are also man…

Professional associations and regulation

In some jurisdictions, either the judiciary or the Ministry of Justice directly supervises the admission, licensing, and regulation of lawyers.
Other jurisdictions, by statute, tradition, or court order, have granted such powers to a professional association which all lawyers must belong to. In the U.S., such associations are known as mandatory, integrated, or unified bar ass…

Cultural perception

Hostility towards the legal profession is a widespread phenomenon. For example, William Shakespeare famously wrote, "The first thing we do, let's kill all the lawyers" in Henry VI, Part 2, Act IV, Scene 2. The legal profession was abolished in Prussiain 1780 and in France in 1789, though both countries eventually realized that their judicial systems could not function efficiently wit…

Compensation

In the United States, lawyers typically earn between $45,000 and $160,000 per year, although earnings vary by age and experience, practice setting, sex, and race. Solo practitioners typically earn less than lawyers in corporate law firms but more than those working for state or local government.
Lawyers are paid for their work in a variety of ways. In private practice, they m…