Legal Glossary
Find clear meanings for important legal terms, expressions and principles.
Glossary – Letter O
OATH
A sworn pledge, e.g., an oath to tell the truth prior to giving testimony.
OBJECTION
Protocol for requesting the trial court to rule on the admissibility of a particular question, statement, or exhibit.
OFFENDER
One charged or convicted of a crime under the laws of the State.
OFFENSE
A violation of a criminal law.
OFFER OF JUDGMENT
A formal offer to take an adverse judgment conditioned upon certain specified terms.
OPEN ACCOUNT
A type of credit extended through an advance agreement by a seller to a buyer which permits the buyer to make purchases without a note of security and is based on an evaluation of the buyer's credit.
OPEN PLEA
A plea in which the State does not make any recommendation regarding sentencing.
OPINION TESTIMONY BY LAY WITNESSES
Testimony by a non-expert that is rationally based on the perception of the witness, helpful to a clear understanding of the testimony, and not based on scientific, technical, or other specialized knowledge.
ORDER
A formal command of a court, usually in writing.
ORDINANCE
A municipal law.
ORE TENUS
Latin: “By word of mouth.” Orally.
OUTRAGEOUS CONDUCT
Conduct which exceeds all possible bounds of decency.