Legal Terminology Quiz
Questions: 16 · 10 minutes
1. A judge consults an earlier decision involving similar facts to help decide a current case. What is that earlier decision being used as?
An affidavit
A precedent
An injunction
An indictment
2. Two parties agree on terms that resolve their dispute before the court conducts a full trial. What have they reached?
A precedent
A conviction
A subpoena
A settlement
3. A claimant proves financial loss, and the court awards money intended to compensate for that loss. What is the monetary award called?
An injunction
A deposition
Damages
A statute
4. Which description best defines an affidavit?
An informal summary of arguments prepared by a lawyer
A judge's final instructions to a jury
A written statement confirmed by oath or affirmation
A request for a higher court to review a decision
5. In a trial, one party has the obligation to establish the facts needed to support its case. What is this obligation called?
Judicial review
The burden of proof
Rules of evidence
Legal standing
6. In a civil lawsuit, what is the usual term for the party who starts the case by bringing a claim?
Appellant
Defendant
Witness
Plaintiff
7. A court determines that a business is legally responsible for harm caused by its defective product. Which term describes that responsibility?
Arbitration
Testimony
Jurisdiction
Liability
8. A court declines to hear a dispute because it lacks legal authority over the subject or parties. Which concept is at issue?
Liability
Precedent
Jurisdiction
Settlement
9. Which term generally refers to a law formally enacted by a legislature?
Precedent
Deposition
Verdict
Statute
10. A supplier promises in a valid agreement to deliver goods by June 1 but fails to do so without a legal excuse. What is the most direct term for this failure?
Breach of contract
Negligence per se
Contempt of court
Lack of jurisdiction
11. Before trial, a witness answers attorneys' questions under oath outside the courtroom, with the testimony recorded. What is this procedure?
Arraignment
Mediation
Deposition
Sentencing
12. A driver fails to use reasonable care, causing a collision and injury. Which legal term most directly describes the alleged failure of care?
Negligence
Arbitration
Trespass
Jurisdiction
13. A party asks a higher court to review a lower court's decision for legal error. What is the request called?
An appeal
An objection
Discovery
An affidavit
14. After a criminal trial, the fact-finder determines that the defendant is not guilty. What is this outcome called?
A dismissal with prejudice
An acquittal
A civil judgment
An indictment
15. A court orders a company to stop using another business's protected material while a dispute is pending. What type of remedy is this?
Damages
An injunction
An appeal
An acquittal
16. A witness receives a formal command to appear in court and bring specified records. What has the witness received?
A subpoena
A verdict
A settlement
A statute