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Click
on the first letter of the word from the list
above to go to the appropriate section of the
glossary.
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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.
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