GLOSSARY

The following on-line legal dictionaries and glossaries may be helpful (most allow
word searches). Be aware that web sites frequently change addresses or shut
down without notice . Try a net search with “legal glossary” or “legal definitions.”
These sites were current in October 2007 (Ben Carroll - [email protected]).
www.nolo.com/lawcenter/dictionary/wordindex.cfm www.lectlaw.com/def.htm
www.uscourts.gov/library/glossary.htm www.duhaime.org/diction.htm
www.id.uscourts.gov/glossary.htm http://dictionary.lp.findlaw.com
www.citylegalguide.com/glossary.cfm http://dictionary.law.com

ADR: Abbreviation for alternative dispute resolution. Affidavit: A written statement of fact in which a person
Abode service: Accomplished under the Hawaii Rules (called the affiant) swears that the statement is true. A
of Civil Procedure (HRCP) or federal rules (FRCP) written statement of facts made under oath in the
when process server leaves summons and complaint presence of a notary public.
with competent person at defendant's place of residence. Affirmative defense: A defense that is based on new
Ad Damnum: The amount of damages claimed in the factual allegations by the defendant not contained in the
complaint prayer. plaintiff's allegations. A set of facts or a legal restriction
that goes beyond the allegations of the complaint and
Adjudication: The process by which a court resolves a
that, if established to the satisfaction of the court, would
legal dispute through litigation. The verb is adjudicate.
constitute a valid defense even if the allegations of the
Administrative agency: Governmental institution complaint were true.
established by statute and intended to implement stated
Agent for service of process: The person designated by
legislative policy.
a corporation to accept service of process.
Administrative hearing: Adjudication or rule-making
Alternative dispute resolution: The various methods of
hearing of an administrative agency.
private dispute resolution, such as arbitration, mediation,
Administrative law: Generic name given to the rules, conciliation, etc. Alternatives to litigation.
regulations, guidelines, and procedures of administrative
“Ambulance Chasing”: (pejorative term) Aggressively
agencies.
pursuing potential plaintiffs (e.g., personal injury
Administrative law judge: Sometimes called Hearing victims) to encourage them to hire a particular attorney.
Officer. The quasi-judicial presiding officer at an Some of these activities are subject to ethics codes.
administrative hearing.
Amended pleading: Under HRCP or FRCP, a pleading
Admissible: Appropriate to be admitted into evidence at filed which alters the allegations and/or responses of an
trial. The oral, written, or physical items of evidence that earlier pleading based upon something other than newly-
the court allows to be introduced at trial to prove a case. occurring transactions.
Admission: (1) An acceptance of the truth of an Amicus curiae brief: A friend-of-the-court brief. A
allegation in a claim for relief. (2) an acceptance of the brief filed in an appeal by an interested outside third
truth of an assertion in a Request for Admission. A party.
discovery (information gathering) tool by which one
Answer: The pleading filed by a defendant to respond
party to the lawsuit asks another party to admit or deny
to the allegations of the complaint, identify defenses,
the truth of certain important facts. (3) An out-of-court
and state any additional relevant claims.
statement made by a party to the litigation that is
inconsistent with a position the party is taking in the Answer to Cross-claim: The response of a co-party to
litigation. (An exception to the hearsay rule.) a cross-claim filed against it.
Advance Sheet: A pamphlet that comes out before (in Appeal: A review of the actions of a lower court by a
advance of) a later volume. higher court.
Adversarial System: Legal system based on the premise Appearance: (1) Going to court to act on behalf of a
that justice and truth have a greater chance of emerging party to the litigation. (2) A document often filed with
when parties to a controversy appear before a neutral the court by an attorney to establish representation of the
judge and jury to argue their conflicting positions. client in a pending lawsuit.

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Appellant: The party filing an appeal. Bench trial: Non-jury trial in which the judge is the
Appellant's brief: The brief filed by the appellant on trier-of-fact (see also court trial and non-jury trial).
appeal. Sometimes called Opening Brief. Best Evidence Rule: Requires that, if available, the
Appellate brief: A generic name for a brief filed on original of a document must be offered into evidence,
appeal (by appellant, appellee, or amicus curiae). rather than a copy.
Appellate jurisdiction: The jurisdiction of a court to Bill: A proposed statute.
hear and decide an appeal of the actions of a lower Billable hour: An hour in which tasks are performed by
court. an attorney or paralegal on behalf of a specific client;
Appellee: The party against whom an appeal is filed. the value of the time is then billed to the client.
Appellee's brief: The brief filed by an appellee on Boilerplate: Standard language that is commonly used
appeal. Sometimes called Answer or Answering Brief. in a certain kind of document.
Application (Motion) for Entry of Default Judgment: Bond: A payment or surety filed by an appellant to
Under the HRCP or FRCP, filed after a default is protect the opposing party against the costs incurred
entered, seeking entry by the judge of a judgment. should the appeal fail.
Arbitration: A means of dispute resolution utilizing a Brief: A formal memorandum of law filed with a court
neutral third party (arbitrator or panel of arbitrators) setting forth legal arguments with citations to legal
whose decision is generally binding. Arbitration can be authorities, often including a statement of facts and
private or court-annexed. Often considered faster and possibly other sections as well. A brief is usually
less expensive than settling a dispute in a court. submitted in connection with an application, motion,
trial, or appeal.
Arbitrator: The neutral third-party decision maker in an
arbitration, whether private or court-annexed. Burden of proof: The responsibility of proving a fact at
trial. Basically, the requirement that one party or the
Associate justices: The justices of the United States or
other must provide a certain level of evidentiary support
Hawaii Supreme Court other than the Chief Justice.
for a given issue; failure to so provide leads to judgment
Associates: Salaried lawyers without ownership or for the opposing party.
"partner" status in a law firm.
Caption: The informational area found at the top of
Attachment: A pre-judgment remedy providing for the pleadings, motions, and other documents filed with the
seizure of property to satisfy a judgment which might court in a pending lawsuit.
ultimately be rendered in a pending civil action.
Cause of action: A legally acceptable reason for suing.
Attorney-Client Privilege: Protection allowing a client A legal claim which, if proven, and if no successful
and attorney to refuse to disclose communications defenses are raised, is sufficient to lead to judgment.
between them whose purpose was to facilitate the
Certificate of service: Component of a pleading,
provision of legal services for the client.
motion, or other paper filed with the court in which the
Attorney of Record: The attorney who has filed a filing party certifies that a copy has been provided to all
notice of appearance. See also Appearance. other parties.
Attorney work-product: Materials prepared by an Chain of custody: A thorough accounting of the
attorney in anticipation of litigation, to assist the whereabouts of a piece of evidence from the time
attorney in pursuing his client's interests. Discoverable obtained through the trial.
only upon a showing of substantial need and undue
Challenge for cause: A request to exclude someone
hardship.
from a jury for a specified reason. Used by counsel to
Authentication: The process by which evidence is attempt to disqualify a juror who is biased or who knows
shown to actually be what the offering party claims it is. the parties, or is otherwise unfit to serve; the judge
Authority: Anything that a court could rely on in makes the final decision whether to disqualify.
reaching its decision. Charge to jury: Instructions to the jury on how to go
Authorization forms: Signed by the client to authorize about determining the facts and reaching its verdict.
release to his attorneys of confidential information Chief justice: The presiding justice in the United States
(often medical or employment information). Supreme Court or Hawaii Supreme Court.
Bailiff: The official charged with maintaining order in Choice of forum: When concurrent jurisdiction exists,
the courtroom. Usually announces judge. the decision to be made as to the court in which to file a
Bench: Raised podium area at the front of a courtroom complaint.
where a judge sits. “Chinese Wall”: Steps taken to prevent an employee

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(attorney, paralegal, or secretary) from having any controlling statutory law or other higher law.
contact with a particular case or client in the office. Compensatory damages: Money damages designed to
May result from a conflict of interest or from prior reimburse the wronged party for the amount of the
knowledge gained representing an opposing party. quantifiable damages (including special damages and
Circumstantial evidence: Offered to prove a secondary general damages).
fact from which the trier-of-fact must draw an inference Competent (evidence): Capable of giving testimony
to find the primary fact. because the person understands the obligation to tell the
Citation: A reference to any written material. It is the truth, has the ability to communicate, and has knowledge
"address" where the material can be found in the library. of the topic of his or her testimony. Not related to
Also called a cite. mental competence or ability.
Citator: A book containing lists of citations that can Complaint: The formal statement of a plaintiff's cause
help you assess the current validity of an item and can or causes of action seeking a legal or equitable remedy
give you leads to additional laws. against one or more defendants, which when filed with
Civil action: A lawsuit. One private party suing another, the court and served upon the defendants in the required
or a private party suing the government, or the manner successfully commences a lawsuit. the first
government suing a private party for a matter other than pleading filed with the Court (your lawsuit). It contains:
the commission of a crime. (1) a statement of the Court's jurisdiction over the
parties, such as "diversity of citizenship" jurisdiction for
Civil action number: The number assigned by the court
federal courts (lawsuit between citizens of different
to a lawsuit, for purposes of internal control (also called
states), and the subject matter (facts); (2) a statement of
a docket number).
claims/causes of action against the Defendant(s); and (3)
Civil cover sheet: Filed with the court along with a request(s) for relief, such as monetary damages.
complaint, in order to provide the court with basic
Compulsory counterclaim: A claim by a party brought
background information.
against an opposing party which arises out of the
Civil litigation: Utilizing the court to resolve a private transaction that is the subject matter of the original
dispute. The process by which the non-criminal disputes claim; it must be filed, or is waived.
of opposing parties are administered by a neutral third
Conciliation: A form of alternative dispute resolution
party, where the neutral third party has the power to
where the neutral third party ("conciliator") is a go-
render a resolution of the dispute binding upon. the
between for parties who wish no contact; the conciliator
disputants, and where the dispute centers upon the
has no authority to render a binding resolution.
determination of the bounds of certain alleged rights,
privileges, and/or obligations of the disputants. Concurrent jurisdiction: Exists where two courts (for
example, state and federal) could potentially exercise
Claim: The assertion you make in your complaint
jurisdiction over a dispute.
(lawsuit) of a right to property or money from the other
party to the lawsuit. Concurring Opinion: An opinion written by less than
a majority of the judges on the court that agrees with the
Class action: Lawsuit in which a large number of
result reached by the majority but not with all of its
parties act as a group, with their claims joined together
reasoning.
and pursued by a "representative party"; the group
(called a "class") can also be made up of defendants. Confidentiality: The privacy maintained with regard to
the client's situation, and the law firm's strategy, in a
Clear and convincing evidence: A high burden of proof
legal matter.
sometimes required in a civil case involving serious
allegations, such as fraud. Falls between “beyond a Conflict of interest: Arises when an attorney or
reasonable doubt” and “preponderance of the evidence.” paralegal has a vested interest of some sort which is
against the client's interest.
Clerk's office: The office in a courthouse where
pleadings are filed and other administrative tasks are Conflict of laws: An area of the law that determines
performed. what law applies when a choice must be made between
the laws of different, coequal legal systems, e.g., two
Code: A set of laws or rules, organized by subject
states. Situation arising when it is not absolutely clear
matter, e.g., Hawaii Penal Code, or C.F.R. (next entry).
which laws apply to a dispute (for example, such a
Code of Federal Regulations: The annual publication situation might arise in a dispute over a contract which
of the federal government in which federal regulations was signed in one state but performed in another).
in force are arranged by topic. Abbreviated “C.F.R.”
Conflicts check: Effort by a law firm to ensure that no
Common Law: Judge-made law in the absence of conflict of interest exists before accepting a new case. A

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check of the client files of a law firm to help determine Covenant not to sue: An agreement or provision, often
whether a conflict of interest might exist between a included in a settlement, negating the possibility that the
prospective client and current or past clients. signing party will again file suit on the same claim.
Consent Judgment: A judgment the terms of which Crimes: Offenses against the public at large, prosecuted
have been agreed upon by the parties (also called a by the government.
stipulated judgment). Criminal litigation: Litigation involving the
Consolidation of Actions: The act of combining several prosecution and punishment of crimes.
causes of action into one trial when the actions involve Cross-appellant: Party who, after the filing of an appeal
the same parties and substantially the same issues and by an opposing party, proceeds to appeal the same
defenses. decision on other grounds.
Constitution: The fundamental law that creates the Cross-claim: A claim for relief asserted against a co-
branches of government and that identifies basic rights party.
and obligations.
Cross-examination: Questioning by one who did not
Contempt of Court: An act or failure to act which the originally call the witness; follows direct examination.
Court believes obstructs its administration of justice. A
Cross-motions for summary judgment: Competing
court has the power to punish by fine or imprisonment
motions for summary judgment filed by opposing sides
such contempt of its authority.
in a lawsuit; sometimes submitted on stipulated facts.
Contested: Opposed, as where a motion engenders
Damages: Losses suffered by an injured party as a result
opposition.
of wrongful behavior by another. Monetary
Contingent fee case: Case where the fee charged by compensation sought or recovered in court by any
lawyers varies depending on the result in the case. person who has been injured by the action of another.
Continuance: A delay sought for the purpose of Damages may be collected for personal injury, property
postponing a scheduled trial. damage, etc.
Contract law: That broad field of substantive law Deadlines: Time by which an act must be completed, or
concerned with the interpretation and enforcement of else be waived.
contracts. Declarant: In the context of hearsay law, person who
Copies: Photocopies (or historically carbon copies) of made an out-of-court statement.
an original document; to be distinguished from Declaratory judgment: A court decision establishing
duplicates (see also duplicates). the rights and obligations of the parties but not ordering
Counsel tables: Where opposing counsel (and them to do or to refrain from doing anything.
sometimes clients and paralegals) sit in the courtroom “Deep Pocket”: Slang for a person or organization with
during a trial. enough money or other assets to be able to pay a
Count: A single cause of action stated in a complaint, judgment.
counterclaim, or the like. Default: Under the HRCP or FRCP, an official
Counterclaim: Claim filed by a party against an recognition by the court that a party against whom a
opposing party in a responsive pleading, usually by a claim has been raised has failed to plead or otherwise
defendant against a plaintiff. defend against the claim.
Court-annexed arbitration: Alternative program that Default judgment: A judgment for the plaintiff because
is part of the official judicial system, in which the the defendant failed to appear or to file an answer before
presiding officer and decision maker (called the the deadline. Judgment entered subsequent to, and based
arbitrator) is someone other than a judge or jury. upon, a default.
Counterclaim: a claim/cause of action stated by the Defendant: The party against whom a complaint raises
defendant against the plaintiff, and is either contained in a claim.
defendant’s answer or is a separate pleading. Defense: a denial or answer offered by the defendant to
Court reporter: In a deposition, a private individual diminish or defeat plaintiff’s causes of action.
who records the transcript; in a trial, an official Demonstrative evidence: Physical evidence used to
employee who records the transcript. illustrate, demonstrate, or explain something relevant to
Court trial: A trial in which there is no jury; the judge a case, although it did not itself play a role in the case.
decides questions of fact (also called a bench trial or Denial: Disputing the truth of an allegation in a
non-jury trial). complaint, or of an assertion in a Request for

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Admission. a final resolution of some aspect of a case, or possibly
Deponent: Person who is examined at a deposition. even the entire case; the granting of such a motion might
be appealed, but the issues involved will not be further
Deposition: Procedure by which the oral testimony of a
considered by the trial court.
party or non-party witness is taken, prior to trial, in
response to questions, with the proceedings recorded in Dissenting Opinion: An opinion that disagrees with the
a transcript. result and the reasoning used by the majority.
Deposition digest: Summary of deposition transcript Diversity of Citizenship: The parties to the litigation
prepared by a law firm for its internal use. are from different states, and the amount in controversy
exceeds the amount specified by federal statute. The
Deposition upon oral examination: Common form of
basis of federal jurisdiction over cases between citizens
deposition, where the examination is made up of oral
of different states (such as when the Plaintiff is from
questions; allows for follow-up questions.
Hawaii and the Defendant is from California), or
Deposition upon written questions: Less common between a citizen of a state and an alien (anyone who is
form of deposition, where examination is based upon not a citizen or national of the United States).
written questions, with no opportunity for follow-up.
Diversity jurisdiction: Federal jurisdiction conferred by
Designation: Identifies the purpose of a pleading or virtue of the diverse citizenship of the parties and the
motion; often appears just below (or as a part of) the amount in controversy.
caption.
Docket: A formal record containing brief entries of all
Dictum: A statement made by a court that was not court proceedings.
necessary to resolve the specific legal issues before the
Docket number: See civil action number.
court. The plural of dictum is dicta.
Domestic relations law: That broad field of substantive
Digests: (1) Volumes that contain summaries of court
law dealing with marital status, child custody, and other
opinions. These summaries are sometimes called
circumstances of the family relationship.
abstracts or squibs. (2) Volumes that contain summaries
of annotations in A.L.R., A.L.R.2d, etc. Duplicates: Documents conformed with an original
signature, as contrasted to copies.
Direct evidence: Evidence as to a fact in dispute not
requiring the trier-of-fact to draw an inference. Elements: Essential components of a cause of action.
Direct examination: Questions posed by the attorney or Et al.: And others. Used in captions and citations.
party who calls a witness or who noticed a deposition. Et Seq.: And following. Used in statutory references.
Discoverable: Obtainable through one of the devices of Evidence: testimony, writings, or physical objects
pretrial discovery, e.g., interrogatories. presented at the trial to prove or disapprove a certain
Discovery: Rules, methods, and procedure by which the point or fact. A separate determination must be made on
parties to a lawsuit are authorized to request (and, by whether a particular item of evidence is relevant or
seeking a court order, to compel) the disclosure of irrelevant, admissible or inadmissible, etc.
factual information held by opposing parties (or, in some Equitable remedies: Remedies that involve something
instances, non-party witnesses). other than money damages, such as an injunction.
Discovery conference: Meeting at which attorneys and Exception: Under some court rules, a brief statement
judge work out a plan (followed by a corresponding made on the record at trial which preserves the right to
court order) for the orderly progression of the discovery appeal an adverse evidentiary ruling.
process. Exclusive jurisdiction: Jurisdiction of a court when no
Dismissal: Order of the court disallowing further concurrent jurisdiction exists; such court is the only
litigation of a complaint or other claim for relief, or court empowered to hear that case.
some individual cause of action raised in a complaint or Execution: Enforcing a judgment by obtaining
claim for relief. possession and title of the losing party's assets.
Dismissal without prejudice: A dismissal that does not Exhaustion of administrative remedies: Pursuing all
preclude the party asserting the claim dismissed from available methods of resolving a dispute within the
raising it again at a later time. administrative agency before asking a court to review
Dismissal with prejudice: A dismissal that precludes what the agency did. Completing the final stage of the
the party asserting the claim dismissed from raising it administrative adjudication process; prerequisite to
again at some later time. judicial review.
Dispositive motions: Motions that, if granted, constitute Exhibits: Documents or physical evidence entered into

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evidence at trial, or marked at a deposition. oral examination; enable an examining attorney to
Expedited transcript: Transcript received from court explore the deponent's response.
reporter on an accelerated schedule at additional Form books: Official or commercial compilations of
expense. model pleadings and motions.
Ex Parte Hearing: A hearing at which only one party is Forum: the place (site of court) where a case is heard
present. A court order issued at such a hearing is an ex and determined.
parte order. Foundation: Background information establishing that
Expert witness: Witness whose qualifications have a witness has knowledge sufficient to justify the
been accepted by the court as sufficient to justify testimony to come, or that a piece of physical evidence
scientific, technical, or specialized opinion testimony on is what it is asserted to be.
a relevant issue. Expert witnesses usually are used to Freedom of Information Act: (FOIA). Statute that
help the jury understand difficult and technical subjects gives citizens access to certain information in the
which the average person is not familiar with. possession of the government.
FRAP: Abbreviation for Federal Rules of Appellate Garnishment: An execution on property owned by a
Procedure. Hawai`i’s equivalent is HRAP. judgment debtor but held by some third party.
FRCP: Abbreviation for Federal Rules of Civil General appearance: An appearance held to constitute
Procedure. an admission that the court has personal jurisdiction.
Fact Finder: A person or a group of persons who (Most courts have eliminated this category of
determine the facts of a case. In a jury trial, the jurors appearance; see also special appearance.)
are the fact-finders; in a bench-trial, the judge is the fact- General damages: Those compensatory damages that
finder. are not subject to precise calculation, such as damages
Fact-pleading: Strict requirement that all significant for pain and suffering.
facts be pleaded; requires more detail than notice- General jurisdiction: The power of the court (within its
pleading. geographic boundaries) to hear any kind of case, with
Federal Courts: The courts of the United States, as certain exceptions. Empowered to hear cases covering
distinguished from the courts of individual states. There a broad spectrum of subject matters.
are three levels of federal courts: the District Courts General release: A document by which a party releases
(such as the Hawaii District Court), the Courts of all future rights to bring an action against another party
Appeals (such as the Ninth Circuit Court in San based upon prior occurrences.
Francisco), and the Supreme Court in Washington, D.C.
General verdict: Decision of a jury in which the
Federal Question Jurisdiction: A legal question that decision identifies, in the most simple and
arises from the application of the United States straightforward fashion, which party has won and the
Constitution, a statute of Congress, or a federal amount of applicable damages (if any).
administrative regulation. The basis of federal
Grounds for appeal: The specific errors of the lower
Jurisdiction over cases in which what Is In dispute is the
court that an appealing party asserts justify remedial
meaning or application of something in the Constitution
action by the appellate court.
of the United States (such as civil rights violation of
privacy, etc.), acts of Congress, or treaties. HRS: Abbreviation for Hawaii Revised Statutes.
Federal Register: Daily publication of federal HRCP: Abbreviation for Hawaii Rules of Civil
government containing information with regard to Procedure.
administrative agencies. Harmless error: Error committed by a lower court that
Federal Rules of Civil Procedure: (FRCP) The set of does not, in the view of the appellate court, justify any
procedural rules governing all civil actions in the U.S. remedial action.
District Courts. In addition to this body of rules, each Hawaii Revised Statutes: (HRS) Comprehensive
District Court usually has its own local rules. For collection of statutes (laws) passed by Hawai`i
example, the Hawaii District Court has made its own legislature, organized by subject and numbered.
rules: the Rules of the United States District Court for Hawaii Rules of Civil Procedure: (HRCP) The set of
the District of Hawaii (known as “Local Rules.”). procedural rules governing civil actions in the circuit
Finding: the decision reached by a judge or jury on court of Hawaii. Additional rules are contained in the
issues of facts. Circuit Court rules.
Follow-up questions: Available at a deposition upon Hearsay: A statement made out-of-court but offered in

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the court to establish the truth of the facts contained in Investigation: The gathering of facts in general, and
the statement. more particularly the gathering of facts admissible in
Hearsay Rule: Evidentiary rule that hearsay is evidence.
inadmissible; there are, however, many exceptions. Irreparable harm: Injury suffered that cannot be
High court: Highest court in a particular court system. compensated by money damages which are easily
calculable or readily identifiable.
“Hired Gun”: (pejorative term) Expert witness who
makes a living testifying in trials, often for only one John/Jane Doe: a fictitious name used in legal
side. proceedings to name a party before its real name is
known; most complaints name as 'Doe Defendants,
Id.: (or Ibid). Same citation as immediately above.
corporations, partnerships, government entitles, etc.
Impaneled: Selected, sworn in, and seated.
Joinder: Combining of claims; combining of parties.
Impeach: To challenge, to attack the credibility of. To
Joinder of claims: Combining two or more claims in
discredit the testimony of a witness.
one lawsuit.
Impleader: Third-party complaint practice (see third-
Joinder of parties: The right of two or more plaintiffs
party complaint).
to pursue common claims in one lawsuit; the right to file
Inadmissible: Inappropriate to be admitted into one lawsuit against two or more defendants.
evidence at trial.
Joint and Several Liability: liability owed to a third
In banc: Before all the judges of an appellate circuit. party by two or more parties collectively or individually.
Indigent: Poor, unable to pay for needed services. Joint Liability: liability shared by two or more parties.
Inferior Court: A lower court. Judgment: The final decree of a court, resolving the
Information and Belief: “To the best of my knowledge; contested issues of law and fact.
good faith understanding.” Judgment by default: Final decree entered by the court
Infra: Below, mentioned or referred to later in the based upon the entry of a prior default.
document. Judgment creditor: The party to whom damages must
In-hand service: Method by which a process server be paid. One who is owed money under the terms of a
places a summons and complaint directly in the hands of judgment.
a defendant. Judgment debtor: One who owes money under the
In Issue: In dispute or question. terms of a judgment.
Initial client interview: The first interview of a client Judgment lien: An interest in property of a judgment
by a law firm at the beginning of a new matter. debtor asserted subsequent to entry of judgment.
In rem jurisdiction: Jurisdiction over a thing (such as Judicial branch: The branch of government which is
land). made up of the court system.
Injunction: An order of the court that a party perform a Judicial review: The right of the courts to determine the
certain act, or refrain from performing a certain act. meaning of statutes and regulations, and to determine
Interlocutory appeal: An appeal occurring prior to the constitutionality of the actions of the other branches
judgment in the trial court; such appeals are authorized of government (including the constitutionality of statutes
only under limited circumstances. passed).
Intermediate appellate court: In a typical court system, Jurisdiction: The authority of a court to decide and
hears appeals from the trial court, and renders decisions administer cases.
which can be reviewed by the high court. Jurisdictional statement: Statement setting forth the
Interpleader: An action brought by a plaintiff to avoid jurisdictional basis for a lawsuit; required by the FRCP
the possibility of double or multiple liability (often (and the rules of some states, not Hawai`i) to appear in
involving a "stakeholder" situation). a complaint.
Interrogatories: (1) Written questions posed as part of Jurors: Members of the jury who decide questions of
the formal discovery process, by one party to another, fact in jury trials.
and requiring written responses; (2) questions Jury box: Where the jury sits in a courtroom.
propounded to the jury to elicit a "general verdict with Jury demand: Filed by a party who seeks a jury trial
interrogatories." with regard to a disputed issue of fact.
Intervention: Procedure by which an outside third party Jury instructions: Guidelines submitted by the judge to
can participate in a pending lawsuit.

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the jury which must be followed by the jury as they long-arm jurisdiction (e.g., HRS § 634-35).
conduct their deliberations and reach their conclusion. Looseleaf Service: A three-ring (or post) binder
Jury panels: A group of potential jurors from whom a containing pages that can be easily inserted or taken out.
jury is selected. The service covers current information on a broad or
Jury trial: A trial in which the trier-of-fact is the jury. narrow topic.
Justices: The "judges" of a high court. Magistrate: A judicial officer having some but not all
the powers of a judge.
Key-Word Search: A search through a list of specified
words that function like an index to a database. Mail notice: Service of process, pleading, motion, or
discovery request accomplished by mail.
Law clerk: (1) Non-lawyer employee of a law firm
(often a law student); (2) law students or recent law Mandate: Issued by federal court of appeals twenty-one
school graduates who work for a judge for a one- or two- days after the judgment of that court is entered;
year period. incorporates judgment, written opinion (if any), and
costs.
Law Review: A legal periodical published by a law
school. Sometimes called a law journal. Majority Opinion: The opinion whose result and
reasoning is supported by at least half plus one of the
Lawsuit: A civil action in which a plaintiff and
judges on the court.
defendant, and possibly other parties, litigate their
dispute in the courts. Malpractice: Serious wrongful conduct committed by
an individual, usually a member of a profession.
Lay witness: A non-expert witness.
Materiality: The extent to which a fact to be proven is
Leading question: A question that suggests the answer
of consequence to the determination of a civil action.
as part of the question.
Mediation: Form of alternative dispute resolution in
Legal remedies: Remedies that involve money
which the neutral third party (called a "mediator")
damages.
assists the parties in their face-to-face negotiations, but
Legislation: (1) The process of making statutory law. has no power to bind the parties.
(2) A statute.
Mediator: Neutral third party in a mediation
Legislative History: All of the events that occur in the
Medical report: A written evaluation of the medical
legislature before a bill is enacted into a statute.
situation of a patient prepared by a treating physician.
Limited jurisdiction: Jurisdiction of a court empowered
Memorandum of law: (1) Written document filed with
to hear only certain specified types of cases.
the court in support of a motion, referencing judicial
Lis pendens notice: Filed on the land records with opinions, statutes, or other applicable facts and law; (2)
regard to the property of a defendant, to notify the world research memorandum prepared for internal firm use.
that title to the property is subject to judgment in a
Memorandum Opinion: A court opinion that does not
pending lawsuit.
name the judge who wrote the opinion.
Litigants: Parties to litigation.
Military affidavit: Required to show that a party
Litigation: The formal process of resolving legal against whom a default judgment is sought is not in the
controversies through special tribunals established for military service of the United States.
this purpose. The major tribunal is a court. The process
Motion: A request to a court for an order of some sort.
by which the disputes of opposing parties are
A motion can be made before trial (such as a motion to
administered by a neutral third party, where the neutral
dismiss), during trial (such as a motion for directed
third party has the power to render a resolution of the
verdict), or after trial (such as a motion for judgment
dispute binding upon the disputants.
notwithstanding the verdict).
Litigation strategy: The "big picture" view of a dispute
Motion calendar: Proceeding at which many pending
which drives the decision-making processes of the party.
motions are heard by the court (also called a motion
Local rules: Rules of an individual court in addition to day); also applied to the document scheduling such a
those rules that apply throughout a court system (for proceeding.
example, each U.S. District Court has "local rules" in
Motion day: Proceeding at which many pending
addition to the FRCP).
motions are heard by the court (also called motion
Long-arm jurisdiction: Jurisdiction over an out-of-state calendar).
defendant.
Motion for Extension of Time: Motion by which a
Long-arm statute: Statute that establishes and defines party can request additional time, beyond a current

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deadline, to complete an act. of the judgment or the inclusion of some additional
Motion for Judgment as a Matter of Law: Pursuant to findings.
Rule 50 of the HRCP or FRCP, a motion made at a jury Motion to Compel: See Motion for Order Compelling
trial by which a party requests that the judge enter Discovery.
judgment in its favor. Motion to Dismiss: A motion filed seeking the
Motion for Judgment on Partial Findings: Motion dismissal of one or more claims for relief; see, for
pursuant to Rule 52 of the HRCP or FRCP, by which a example, Rules 12(b) and 41 of the HRCP or FRCP.
party in a bench trial requests that judgment be entered Motion to Strike: Under Rule 12(f) of the HRCP or
in its favor after the opposing party has been fully heard. FRCP, a motion seeking an order compelling the
Motion for Judgment on the Pleadings: Under Rule removal from a pleading of any insufficient defense or
12(c) of the HRCP or FRCP, a motion by which a party any redundant, immaterial, impertinent, or scandalous
requests that judgment be entered in its favor based upon matter.
the application of legal analysis to the facts as Movant: The party who formally requests a court to do
established by the pleadings alone. something.
Motion for More Definite Statement: Under Rule Non-jury trial: A bench trial, in which questions of fact
12(e) of 'the HRCP or FRCP, a motion by which a party are decided by a judge (see bench trial and court trial).
seeks correction of vague or ambiguous assertions in a
Notice of Appeal: Document filed by a party seeking an
previous pleading to which a response is required.
appeal by right (see Rule 3 of the Hawai`i or Federal
Motion for New Trial: A request for a new trial that, Rules of Appellate Procedure).
under the HRCP or FRCP, must be served not later than
Notice of Deposition: Document provided to parties in
10 days after the entry of judgment.
a pending lawsuit that officially schedules a deposition
Motion for Order Compelling Discovery: Under Rule and that identifies the deponent, place, and time of the
37 of the HRCP or FRCP, a motion seeking an order that deposition, etc.
instructs the opposing party to comply with a previous
Notice of Hearing: A document that may be required in
discovery request (also called a Motion to Compel).
order to schedule oral argument on a pending motion.
Motion for Order Compelling Physical or Mental
Notice-pleading: A short and plain statement of the
Examination: Under Rule 35 of the HRCP or FRCP, a
claim showing that the pleader is entitled to relief.
motion seeking an order authorizing the physical
Requirement that pleading place opposing party on
examination of a party (or person in the custody or legal
notice of the claim or defense; less strict than fact-
control of a party).
pleading requirement.
Motion for Protective Order: Under Rule 26(c) of the
Numbered paragraphs: The manner in which
HRCP or FRCP, a motion seeking an order limiting or
averments of claim or defense are set forth in a pleading,
regulating an opposing party's discovery rights.
and in which statements are set forth in a motion.
Motion for Sanctions: (1) Under Rule 26(c) of the
Objections: Asserted in opposition to inappropriate
HRCP or FRCP, a motion seeking an order imposing a
questions posed to a witness, inadmissible materials
penalty against an opposing party who has failed to obey
offered into evidence, or inappropriate discovery
an order compelling a discovery response; (2) a motion
requests.
seeking an order imposing a penalty under Rule 11 of
the HRCP or FRCP (related to the obligation of an Of counsel: An attorney affiliated with a firm in some
attorney to sign a pleading or other court document only way other than full-time employment, such as a retired
after reasonable inquiry, and in good faith). (but still somewhat active) attorney, or an occasional
advisor.
Motion for Summary Judgment: A motion seeking the
entry of judgment in favor of the moving party as a Offer of judgment: Under Rule 68 of the HRCP or
result of there being no genuine issue of material fact, FRCP, an official offer to settle a case made by one
and the moving party being entitled to judgment as a party to another. If refused, there are certain potential
matter of law. HRCP / FRCP Rule 56. repercussions for the party refusing.
Motion in Limine: A motion filed prior to trial seeking Opening statement: Statement made by counsel to the
a preliminary ruling or order with regard to some issue jury just prior to the presentation of evidence at trial.
of evidence expected to arise at trial. Opinion testimony: Testimony by a witness as to his or
Motion to Amend the judgment: Under the HRCP or her opinion with regard to a situation, as opposed to
FRCP, a motion filed not later than 10 days after entry testimony with regard to a fact.
of the judgment of the trial court, seeking modification Opinion: A court's written explanation of how and why

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it applied the law to the specific facts before it to reach Petition for Permission to Appeal: Filed in the federal
its decision. Also called a case. Opinions are printed in courts by a party seeking to bring an interlocutory
volumes called reporters. appeal.
Oral argument: Formal argument by counsel to a judge Petition for Rehearing: Filed by a party seeking a
in open court, as on a motion or on an appeal. reconsideration of the decision of a United States Court
Order: A formal command or directive of the court. of Appeals.
Ordinance: A law passed by the local legislative branch Physical evidence: Non-testimonial evidence. That
of government (e.g., city council). which can be seen or touched. Also called tangible
evidence.
Original jurisdiction: The power of a court to hear a
particular kind of case initially. A trial court has original PI Cases: Personal injury (tort) cases.
jurisdiction to hear a case from the filing of the Plaintiff: The party who commences a lawsuit by filing
complaint through the completion of the trial. a complaint.
Panel: (1) A group of potential jurors; (2) a group of Plead: To deliver a formal statement or response.
appellate judges; (3) a group of arbitrators. Pleading: Any one of the documents listed in Rule 7(a)
Panel of arbitrators: A group of arbitrators acting of the HRCP or FRCP, each of which represents an
together as the neutral third party deciding an assertion by a party as to that party's legal and factual
arbitration. positions on matters at issue, made in anticipation of
Parallel Cite: An additional citation where you can find trial, requiring resolution at trial, and immediately
the same written material in the library. operative for the purpose of defining the matters at issue
without any need of further court order. Note that certain
Partial summary judgment: Summary judgment as to
states may identify certain other pleadings beyond those
less than all the issues presented by a lawsuit.
identified in Rule 7(a) of the HRCP or FRCP.
Parties: Litigants or disputants.
Pocket Part: An insert that fits into a small pocket built
Partner: One of the senior attorneys having ownership into the inside back cover of a bound volume.
status and a voice in the management of a law firm.
Police report: Document filed by investigating police
Pendent jurisdiction: jurisdiction of a court to hear all officer with his police department with regard to his
causes of action which exist between the parties as long investigation of an accident.
as at least one of the causes of action justifies
Post-judgment discovery: Procedures by which a,
jurisdiction and all such causes of action would
judgment creditor can compel a judgment debtor to
ordinarily be tried together.
reveal the existence of assets available to satisfy the
Per Curiam: By the court. A court opinion that does not judgment. In Hawai`i, known as examination of
name the particular judge who wrote the opinion. judgment debtor.
Peremptory challenge: Used by a party to Prayer for relief: The "wherefore clause" in a
automatically disqualify a potential juror without stated complaint or related pleading, in which the party filing
reason; each party is entitled to only a limited number of the pleading sets forth the nature of the relief sought.
peremptory challenges. The request for damages or other form of relief.
Permanent injunction: An injunction entering pursuant Preliminary injunction: Injunction obtained after a
to a judgment after trial, of theoretically infinite pretrial hearing which remains in force during the
duration. pendency of the action.
Permissive joinder: Concept regulating the rights of Preponderance of the evidence: A standard of proof
multiple plaintiffs to join together in one action, or the which is met when more of the evidence favors
rights of a plaintiff to sue multiple defendants in one plaintiff’s position than the Defendant’s. Usual standard
action (see, for example, Rule 20 HRCP / FRCP). with regard to the burden of proof at a civil trial.
Personal jurisdiction: Authority of a court to exercise Presumption: An assumption that a certain fact is true.
its powers over the specific parties involved in the case. It is rebuttable if the court will consider evidence that it
Persuasive Authority: Whatever a court relies on in is false, and nonrebuttable if no such contrary evidence
reaching its decision when it is not required to do so. will be considered.
Petition for Certiorari: Filed by a party seeking review Pretrial conference: A meeting between the parties to
in the United States Supreme Court of an adverse a lawsuit presided over by a Magistrate or a judge prior
decision of the lower federal courts, or of the state high to trial in order to narrow the issues to be tried, discuss
courts. trial logistics and possible settlement, and resolve any

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other matters. Under HRCP / FRCP Rule 16, a meeting Punitive damages: Damages in excess of the amount
prior to trial between and among the judge, the attorneys necessary to compensate the injured party, intended to
in a case, and any unrepresented parties, at which are punish the wrongdoer or to discourage like behavior in
discussed such things as the status of discovery and the future.
motions, scheduling issues, settlement, etc. Quash: To render a subpoena ineffective and
Pretrial memorandum: Document often required in unenforceable.
conjunction with a pretrial conference, prepared by one Quasi-judicial: Like or similar to a court.
or more of the parties and related to the issues to be
Quasi-legislation: A regulation of an administrative
addressed in the conference.
agency that has characteristics of the legislation
Private arbitration: A form of alternative dispute (statutes) of a legislature.
resolution, occurring outside the judicial system, in
Real evidence: Physical evidence that played a direct
which a private arbitrator renders a binding decision.
role in the events at issue in a lawsuit.
Privilege: A special benefit, right, or protection. In the
Reasonable Person: a hypothetical person who
law of evidence, a privilege is the right to refuse to
exercises the same level of care or judgment as an
testify or to prevent someone else from testifying. A
ordinarily prudent and competent person would exercise
right to prevent testimony as to certain past
under similar circumstances. This term is usually used to
communications between certain individuals whose
describe a standard of proof.
relationship fits into a protected category, such as
husband/wife or attorney/client. Rebuttal: Evidence put on by the plaintiff after the
defendant has finished presenting his case; limited to
Probative value: The tendency of proffered evidence to
refuting arguments raised by the defendant.
make a material fact more or less probable.
Record: Pleadings, trial transcript, evidence, and other
Pro bono: Performed without a fee, or for a reduced fee.
exhibits from the trial court which are filed with the
Procedural rules: The rules that govern the mechanics appellate court on an appeal.
of resolving a dispute in court or in an administrative
Relevancy: The tendency of evidence to make the
agency, e.g., a rule on the time a party has to respond to
existence of any fact that is of consequence to the
a complaint. Rules (such as the HRCP or FRCP) that
determination of a lawsuit more probable or less
establish the manner in which a lawsuit is administered.
probable than it would be without the evidence.
Process: The "package" of documents (usually the
Relief: The legal or equitable remedy sought in a claim.
summons, complaint, and any other related documents)
served on a defendant at the outset of a lawsuit. Remand: The order by which a higher court sends an
appealed case back to the lower court for further action.
Process server: A person (such as a sheriff) who
delivers to the defendant the summons, complaint, and Remedy: A legal resolution to a problem.
other related documents which constitute the "process" Removal: The transfer of a case filed in state court to
served at the outset of a lawsuit. the federal court for the federal district in which the
Production of Documents: a discovery tool which state court is located, provided there is concurrent
enables a party to a lawsuit to inspect documents another jurisdiction and provided further that certain other
party or nonparty has in its possession or control. statutory conditions are met.
Professional codes of ethics: Canons or rules governing Reply brief: The optional brief filed by an appellant in
the actions of professionals (such as attorneys or, in a response to the appellee's brief.
growing trend, paralegals) in the conduct of their Reply to Counterclaim: Pleading which represents
profession. essentially an "answer" to the claims raised in a
Property law: That broad field of substantive law counterclaim.
concerning interests related to land (known as "real Reporters: Volumes containing the full text of court
property") and other tangible things (known as “personal opinions. Also Official Reporter.
property"). Request for Admissions: Discovery device by which a
Proposed order: Accompanies a motion, identifying the party can compel an opposing party to admit or deny the
order sought from the court. truth of certain facts, or certain statements applying law
Pro se appearance: Appearance filed by a party who is to fact.
not represented by an attorney. Request for Entry of Default judgment: Under Rule
Pro se party: A party who is not represented by an 55 of the HRCP or FRCP, the document filed with the
attorney. court seeking entry by the clerk of judgment based upon

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a default which has previously been entered. Scope: In witness examination, the breadth of the
Request for Production of Documents and Things or questioning of the previous questioner which limits the
Entry Upon Land: Under the HRCP or FRCP, a current questioner; for example, the allowable questions
discovery request seeking the right to inspect and copy on cross-examination are limited to the scope of direct
documents, enter upon land, inspect and perform tests examination. (See also scope of discovery.)
upon tangible things, etc. Scope of discovery: The breadth of allowable
Res Judicata: A judgment on the merits will prevent the discovery, as established by Rule 26 HRCP / FRCP;
same parties from relitigating the same cause of action generally described as liberal.
on the same facts. Second Chair: A seat at the counsel's table in the court-
Respondeat Superior: “Let the superior answer.” An room used by an assistant to the trial attorney during the
employer is responsible for the wrongs committed by an trial.
employee within the scope of employment. Senior partner: Law firm partner with higher status
Restatements: A series of volumes that attempt to than an ordinary partner, exercising a more powerful
formulate existing law in a given area. voice in firm management or taking a larger share of the
firm's profits.
Rested: Indication that a plaintiff or defendant has
completed presentation of evidence. Service: Delivery, as of a pleading or of the "process"
which is delivered to the defendant at the outset of a
Retainer: (1) The contract of employment between
lawsuit.
attorney and client. (2) An amount of money paid by a
client to make certain that an attorney will be available Service of process: The delivery of a formal notice to a
to work for him or her. (3) The amount of money or defendant ordering him or her to appear in court to
other assets paid by the client as a form of deposit or answer the allegations of the plaintiff. The required
advance payment against future fees and costs. An notification by personal delivery, mail, or publication of
amount paid in advance to an attorney by a client against pleadings (such as complaints and motions) to a person
which amounts are withdrawn as earned. that is involved in some action or proceeding. In Hawaii,
a deputy sheriff is usually hired to serve the complaint
Retainer letter: A letter identifying billing
on a Defendant. Delivery to the defendant of the
arrangements between an attorney and a client, as well
"package" which includes the summons and complaint,
as the fact of representation.
made by a process server or by mail at the outset of a
Return of Service: The method by which a court is lawsuit.
notified that a defendant has been served with a
Settlement: Resolving a lawsuit or other dispute by
summons and complaint.
agreement of the parties prior to the full playing-out of
Reversal: Overturning the decision of a lower court. the litigation process.
Rule 12(b) Motion: A motion filed asserting one of the Settlement Agreement: A document incorporating the
seven defenses set forth in Rule 12(b) HRCP / FRCP. terms on which disputing parties have agreed to resolve
Rule 12 Defense: One of the seven defenses identified their dispute.
in Rule 12(b) of the HRCP or FRCP. Shepardizing: Using the volumes of Shepards'
Sanctions: Penalties (e.g., fines or imprisonment) Citations in order to obtain the data available in these
imposed by the court, as where a pleading is signed in volumes, e.g., whether a case has been appealed,
violation of Rule 11 HRCP / FRCP, or where a party whether a statute has been repealed.
ignores an order compelling compliance with a Sheriff: A public official who is often charged with
discovery request. HRCP / FRCP 37. responsibility for completing service of process, or of
Satisfaction of Judgment: A document filed with a serving subpoenas; may also be called upon to maintain
court by a judgment creditor, indicating that the order in a courtroom.
judgment debtor has paid off the judgment. Signature block: That portion of a pleading or motion
Scheduling conference: A pretrial conference under that is signed by the attorney; often includes the
Rule 16(b) of the FRCP which establishes time limits for attorney's address and phone number, the party
joining parties, amending pleadings, completing represented, and possibly other information as well.
discovery, filing motions, etc. Slip Law: A single act passed by the legislature and
Scheduling order: An order of the court pursuant to printed separately, often in a small pamphlet. It is the
Rule 16 of the FRCP establishing time limits for joining first official publication of the act.
parties, amending pleadings, completing discovery, Slip Opinion: A single court opinion, which for many
filing motions, etc. courts is the first printing of the case.

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Sole practitioner: An attorney who practices alone, a deposition, or trial (see also subpoena duces tecum).
with no partners. Subpoena duces tecum: A subpoena that commands the
Special appearance: An appearance filed for the limited person subpoenaed to produce certain documents and
purpose of contesting jurisdiction. (Most courts have things at a certain place at a certain time. Substantive
eliminated this category of appearance; see also general law: The rules that govern the non-procedural issues
appearance.) presented to the court for decision.
Special damages: Money damages which are capable of Substantive Law: The nonprocedural rules that govern
precise calculation. Special defense: See affirmative rights and duties.
defense. Summary Judgment: Judgment rendered by the Court
Special verdict: Verdict in which the jury is asked to in response to a motion filed by a party who claims that
decide specific individual issues of fact, which are then there is no dispute about the important (material) facts,
incorporated into the judgment of the court. thus making it unnecessary to send the case to a jury or
Specific performance: An equitable remedy, requiring bench trial.
a party to perform the obligations of a contract; Summons: A formal notice from the court ordering the
generally only applied where the object of the contract defendant to appear. Served with a complaint to summon
is "unique." the defendant to appear in court by a certain date, and to
Standing: the right of a party to bring a claim/cause of inform the defendant of the possibility of default if such
action to the Court. This right arises when a party has appearance is not made.
been wronged. Supplemental pleading: Under the HRCP or FRCP, a
Standing pretrial scheduling order: A permanent pleading that modifies an earlier pleading based upon
order of the court applicable to all cases filed and transactions or occurrences taking place subsequent to
relating to the timing of, and deadlines for, such things that earlier pleading.
as discovery, amendments to pleadings, filing of Supplementation: Updating of previously-served
motions, joining parties, etc. discovery responses (see Rule 26(e) HRCP / FRCP, for
Status conference: A pretrial conference occurring after example).
the scheduling conference and before the final pretrial Supra: Above, mentioned or referred to earlier in the
conference, designed to expedite the administration of document.
the case and often focusing on the possibility of TRO: Abbreviation for temporary restraining order.
settlement.
Temporary restraining order: A form of injunctive
Statute of limitations: The deadline, established by relief which may be ordered by the court in an ex parte
statute, by which a cause of action must be asserted in a manner but which remains in force for only a very brief
lawsuit, or be lost forever. time (usually no more than ten days) until a hearing can
Stay: To delay the enforcement or the execution of a be held; abbreviated "TRO."
judgment. Testimony: Statements made by a witness or a party
Stipulated: Agreed to. under oath at a trial in Court or at a deposition out of
Stipulated judgment: A judgment the terms of which court.
have been agreed upon by the parties (also called a Theory of the case: The litigation strategy formulated
consent judgment). by a plaintiff.
Stipulation: an agreement between opposing parties in Theory of the defense: The litigation strategy
a case as to some relevant issue. formulated by a defendant.
Stipulation of facts: A statement setting forth those Third party complaint: A complaint filed by a party
facts which have been agreed upon by the parties. defending a claim against an outside third party who
Structured settlement: Settlement in which the amount may be liable to the defending party for any judgment
of damages agreed upon is paid not in one lump sum, but obtained on the original claim (also called impleader).
in a series of installments over time. Three-judge panel: Group of judges assigned to decide
Subject matter jurisdiction: Jurisdiction of a court a case heard in the U.S. Court of Appeals.
over the type or category of dispute existing between the Tickler system: A method for deadline tracking in
parties. which empty slots in a receptacle correspond to future
Subpoena: A document issued under the authority of the dates, With reminder forms inserted into relevant slots.
court and served upon a person, commanding that person Time sheets: Forms used by most law firms on which
to appear at a certain place at a certain time, usually at attorneys and paralegals enter time spent working on

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various tasks, then identify the client to be billed for Verdict: The decision rendered by the jury with regard
such time. to questions of fact.
Title of the action: Names of the parties as they appear Verification: A signature by the party making
in the caption of a pleading or motion. allegations attesting to their truth, as where a plaintiff
Tort law: That broad field of substantive law concerned signs a verified complaint.
with allegations of one party asserting that another party Verified complaint: A complaint where the truth of the
has wrongfully caused injury to person or property. A allegations has been sworn to by the plaintiff, who then
private wrong or injury other than a breach of contract signs the complaint to that effect.
or the commission of a crime, although some breaches Vicarious Liability: Being responsible because of what
of contract and crimes can also constitute torts. someone else has wrongfully done or wrongfully failed
Transcript: A written verbatim recitation of a to do. See also Respondeat Superior.
deposition or trial, prepared by a court reporter. Voir dire: The oral examination of prospective jurors
Trial: Proceeding in a lawsuit in which evidence is for purposes of selecting a jury. Examination prior to a
presented by the parties and ruled upon by the judge, trial by the Court and/or the attorneys or parties of
after which a decision is made resolving the case. The prospective jurors to determine their qualifications and
trial is the focus of the entire process of litigation in the suitability to serve as Jurors. The process by which
courts. (See also bench trial; jury trial; non-jury trial; potential jurors are questioned so as to identify potential
court trial). bias or other incapacity. Also examination of expert to
Trial court: The court of original jurisdiction in which determine qualifications.
a lawsuit is first filed, and in which a trial will Voluntary dismissal: A dismissal under Rule 41 of the
eventually be held unless the lawsuit is resolved prior to HRCP or FRCP to which the party whose claim is
trial. Only in the trial court do trials take place. dismissed agrees. Unless otherwise specified, such a
Trial de novo: A new trial begun from scratch, with no voluntary dismissal is generally without prejudice to the
direct reliance on a previous record. claim being raised again.
Trial docket: The list of cases awaiting trial; impacts on Waiver: The loss of a right or privilege because of an
the scheduling of cases for trial based upon length of explicit rejection of it or because of a failure to claim it
docket and available courtrooms and judges. at the appropriate time. Under Rule 12(g) and (h) HRCP
/ FRCP, loss of the right to raise subsequent Rule 12
Trial memorandum: Legal memorandum requested by
issues based upon the prior filing of a Rule 12 motion
the trial court judge to explain the parties’ position on
(or a pleading) which omitted such issues.
factual and legal questions at issue in the trial.
With(out) Prejudice: When a lawsuit is dismissed with
Trial notebook: Notebook used by attorney at trial; it
prejudice, that means the same lawsuit cannot be
contains separate sections for easy access to pleadings,
brought to court again; dismissal without prejudice,
discovery materials, jury selection materials, witness
however, allows the same lawsuit to be brought again.
information, model jury instructions, etc.
Witness stand: Area in a courtroom where the witness
Trier-of-fact: The. entity charged with deciding
submits to examination by the attorneys.
questions of fact; in a bench trial the judge is the trier-
of-fact, while in a jury trial the jury is the trier-of-fact. Working copies: Copies made when working with
documents, to avoid marking original documents.
Uncontested: Unopposed, as a motion to which there is
no opposition. Work-Product: Notes, working papers, memoranda, or
similar documents and tangible things prepared by the
United States Courts of Appeal: The intermediate
attorney in anticipation of litigation are not discoverable.
appellate courts in the federal court system.
Work done by an attorney in the process of preparing for
United States District Courts: The trial courts in the trial, which is usually not obtainable through discovery.
federal court system which have the power to hear and
Writ of certiorari: The writ issued by the Supreme
determine cases involving federal laws and/or actions
Court of the United States indicating a willingness to
between citizens of different states. Hawai`i’s single
review a decision for which review had been requested
District Court is located in the Prince Kuhio Federal
by a Petition for Certiorari.
Building, 300 Ala Moana Boulevard in Honolulu.
Writ of execution: The official document required for
Venue: The geographical location where the trial takes
the enforcement of a judgment for the payment of
place. To decide the proper venue for civil cases, the
money (see, for example, Rule 69 of the FRCP).
Court usually considers where the action happened, or
where the parties to the lawsuit live or do their business.

Legal Education Department Glossary (14) Kapiolani Community College