Legal jargon refers to the specialized language used in the legal profession that can be difficult for laypeople to understand. Here are 300 words of legal jargon:
- Jurisdiction – the authority of a court to hear and decide cases within a particular geographic area or subject matter.
- Due process – the legal requirement that the government must respect all of a person’s legal rights and ensure that the proper procedures are followed before depriving a person of their life, liberty, or property.
- Habeas corpus – a legal action through which a person can seek relief from unlawful detention or imprisonment.
- Stare decisis – the principle that courts should follow the precedent of earlier cases when deciding similar cases.
- De facto – a Latin term meaning “in fact” or “in reality.” It is used to describe a situation that exists in reality, even if it is not legally recognized.
- Adjudication – the process of resolving a legal dispute through a decision or judgment by a court or administrative agency.
- Mens rea – a Latin term meaning “guilty mind.” It is used to describe the mental state required to commit a crime.
- Prima facie – a Latin term meaning “at first sight” or “on the face of it.” It is used to describe evidence that is sufficient to establish a fact or raise a presumption of fact until rebutted.
- Res ipsa loquitur – a Latin term meaning “the thing speaks for itself.” It is used to describe a situation in which negligence is inferred from the circumstances, without the need for direct evidence.
- Subpoena – a legal order requiring a person to appear in court or produce documents or other evidence.