Legal Support Legal Terminology 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What does 'statute of limitations' mean?
- The time limit for filing a legal claim (Correct answer)
- A law passed by the legislature
- A court's jurisdictional boundary
- A mandatory sentencing guideline
Correct answer: The time limit for filing a legal claim
The statute of limitations is the maximum period of time after an event within which legal proceedings may be initiated.
Question 2: What is 'hearsay' in legal terms?
- An out-of-court statement offered to prove the truth of the matter asserted (Correct answer)
- A witness's direct testimony
- Expert witness opinion
- A written court order
Correct answer: An out-of-court statement offered to prove the truth of the matter asserted
Hearsay is an out-of-court statement offered in evidence to prove the truth of the matter asserted, generally inadmissible under the Federal Rules of Evidence.
Question 3: What does 'affidavit' mean?
- A written sworn statement of fact (Correct answer)
- A court's written decision
- A legal contract
- A jury's verdict
Correct answer: A written sworn statement of fact
An affidavit is a written statement of facts voluntarily made by an affiant under oath or affirmation before a notary or other authorized officer.
Question 4: What is 'discovery' in civil litigation?
- The pre-trial process of exchanging information between parties (Correct answer)
- The jury's finding of fact
- The judge's sentencing decision
- The filing of a complaint
Correct answer: The pre-trial process of exchanging information between parties
Discovery is the pre-trial phase in which each party can obtain evidence from the opposing party through depositions, interrogatories, and requests for production.
Question 5: What does 'motion in limine' mean?
- A pre-trial motion to exclude certain evidence (Correct answer)
- A motion for summary judgment
- A motion to dismiss the case
- A post-trial motion for new trial
Correct answer: A pre-trial motion to exclude certain evidence
A motion in limine is a pre-trial motion requesting that the court exclude certain evidence from being presented at trial.
Question 6: What is 'estoppel' in legal terms?
- A principle preventing a party from asserting something contrary to prior conduct (Correct answer)
- A court order to stop an action
- A method of document authentication
- A type of contractual clause
Correct answer: A principle preventing a party from asserting something contrary to prior conduct
Estoppel is a legal principle that prevents a person from asserting a claim or fact that is inconsistent with a position they previously took.
Legal Support Legal Terminology 2
What does 'statute of limitations' mean?