Legal Glossary

A seller.

Technically, a writ summoning persons to court to serve as jurors; commonly used to refer to the entire group of jurors summoned.

See, SPECIAL VENIRE.

Members of a panel of jurors.

The particular geographical area, such as a county, in which a court with jurisdiction may hear and determine a case. See also, CHANGE OF VENUE; TRANSFER OF VENUE.

A formal decision or finding by a jury. See also, GENERAL VERDICT; SPECIAL VERDICT.

1. One who has been harmed by a wrongful act. 2. As set forth in Miss. Code Ann. Section 99-43-3, a person against whom the criminal offense has been committed, or if the person is deceased or incapacitated, the lawful representative.

Of no legally binding effect.

Capable of being declared void.

French: “To speak the truth.” The preliminary examination by the court and attorneys as to the qualifications of jurors or witnesses.

One who is not able to lead a normal daily life or is not able to take care of oneself due to a mental, emotional, physical, or developmental state, or as a result of aging or brain damage.

Intentional relinquishment or abandonment of a known right.

1. Statutory provision that waives the immunity of the state and its political subdivisions from certain tort claims. 2. A formal relinquishment of the right against self-incrimination, especially as to testimony before a grand jury.

Procedure whereby a party to lawsuit waives service of process as allowed by law.

Conveyance of clear, good title to real property, which especially has the effect of embracing all of the five covenants known to common law, to wit: seizin, power to sell, freedom from encumbrance, quiet enjoyment and warranty of title, including defending title against any claims.

An animal that is not customarily owned or used by people.

A properly executed document that directs the distribution of real and personal property of an estate to the heirs.

Intentionally doing, or failing to do, an act.

One who testifies under oath in a legal proceeding.

A court order requiring performance of a specified act, or giving authority and commission to have it done.

Latin: “The error before us.” A device allowing the court to correct its own judgment upon the discovery of substantial factual errors.

Statutorily created court with exclusive original jurisdiction in all proceedings concerning: a delinquent child; an abused or neglected child; a child in need of supervision; and a dependent child.

A municipal action which defines or restricts the acceptable use of real property.