Trivia Flashcards

Which organization administers the Certified Paralegal (CP) credential in the United States?

Answer: National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA)

NALA administers the Certified Paralegal (CP) exam, formerly known as the CLA exam.

What is the primary purpose of the attorney-client privilege in US law?

Answer: To encourage open communication between clients and their attorneys

Attorney-client privilege exists to foster candid communication by assuring clients that their disclosures to counsel remain confidential.

Under the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, how many days does a defendant generally have to respond to a complaint after service?

Answer: 21 days

FRCP Rule 12(a)(1)(A)(i) gives a defendant 21 days after being served with a summons and complaint to file an answer.

Which doctrine holds that a court will follow its own earlier decisions and those of higher courts in the same jurisdiction?

Answer: Stare decisis

Stare decisis (Latin: 'to stand by decided matters') requires courts to follow precedent established by prior decisions.

A paralegal who discloses confidential client information without authorization has most likely violated which ethical duty?

Answer: Duty of confidentiality

Unauthorized disclosure of client information breaches the duty of confidentiality, which paralegals share with supervising attorneys.

Which type of jurisdiction refers to a court's authority to hear a case as the first court to consider it?

Answer: Original jurisdiction

Original jurisdiction is the authority of a court to hear and decide a case before any other court does.

What does the term 'pro se' mean in a legal context?

Answer: Representing oneself without an attorney

Pro se is a Latin term meaning 'for oneself,' describing a party who represents themselves in court without a lawyer.