Trivia Flashcards

Which amendment to the US Constitution protects against unreasonable searches and seizures?

Answer: Fourth Amendment

The Fourth Amendment guards against unreasonable searches and seizures and generally requires a warrant supported by probable cause.

In contract law, what is 'consideration'?

Answer: Something of value exchanged between the parties

Consideration is the bargained-for exchange—each party must give something of legal value for a contract to be enforceable.

What is a 'deposition' in the context of civil litigation?

Answer: Out-of-court sworn testimony taken before trial

A deposition is a discovery tool in which a witness gives sworn oral testimony outside of court, recorded for later use.

Which legal concept bars a party from re-litigating an issue that was already decided in prior litigation between the same parties?

Answer: Collateral estoppel

Collateral estoppel (issue preclusion) prevents re-litigation of a specific issue already fully and fairly litigated and decided.

What is the standard of proof required to establish guilt in a US criminal trial?

Answer: Beyond a reasonable doubt

Criminal convictions require the prosecution to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, the highest standard in American law.

Which court is the highest court in the United States federal court system?

Answer: United States Supreme Court

The US Supreme Court sits at the apex of the federal judiciary and has final authority on questions of federal and constitutional law.

What is an 'interrogatory' in civil litigation?

Answer: Written questions submitted to an opposing party who must answer under oath

Interrogatories are written discovery questions submitted to an opposing party, who must respond in writing under oath within a specified time.