Legal Terminology and Principles Flashcards

What does 'ex parte' mean in legal proceedings?

Answer: Involving or on behalf of only one party without the other present

Ex parte refers to proceedings or communications involving only one party without notice to or participation by the other party.

What is 'perjury'?

Answer: Lying under oath during a legal proceeding

Perjury is the criminal offense of knowingly making a false statement under oath in a judicial proceeding.

What is the 'chain of custody' in criminal cases?

Answer: The documented chronological record of who collected, handled, and stored evidence

Chain of custody documents the handling of evidence from collection through trial to ensure its integrity and admissibility.

What does 'sua sponte' mean?

Answer: On the court's own initiative without a motion by either party

Sua sponte describes an action taken by a judge on their own initiative without being requested by either party.

What is 'grand larceny' distinguished from 'petit larceny' by?

Answer: The value of the stolen property

Grand larceny involves theft of property exceeding a specified dollar threshold, while petit larceny involves lesser amounts.

What is an 'injunction'?

Answer: A court order requiring a party to do or refrain from a specific act

An injunction is an equitable court order that compels or prohibits a party from taking a specific action.

What does 'probable cause' mean in the context of arrests and searches?

Answer: A reasonable belief based on articulable facts that a crime has occurred or evidence will be found

Probable cause requires a reasonable basis supported by facts for believing a crime occurred or that evidence of a crime will be found in a specific place.