NYS Legal Terminology and Principles 5

Question 1

What does 'ex parte' mean in legal proceedings?

Accepted Answer

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

Answer

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

Question 2

What is 'perjury'?

Accepted Answer

Lying under oath during a legal proceeding

Answer

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

Question 3

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

Accepted Answer

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

Answer

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

Question 4

What does 'sua sponte' mean?

Accepted Answer

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

Answer

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

Question 5

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

Accepted Answer

The value of the stolen property

Answer

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

NYS - Court Officer Exam Practice Test