Legal Glossary

Land and generally anything affixed to land or erected upon it.

A particularized and objective basis for suspecting criminal activity sufficient to justify an investigatory stop.

One appointed by the court to take and manage the property or money which is the subject matter of litigation.

A short break ordered by the court during the course of the trial.

When one knows that a risk of emotional distress probably would result from one’s conduct, and then disregards that risk and the harm that may occur as a result.

Driving a vehicle in such a manner as to indicate either a wilful or a wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property.

1. The act of filing a written instrument. 2. A complete transcript of all trial proceedings, along with any pleadings and exhibits. Compare, ABSTRACT OF RECORD.

See, COUNTERCLAIM.

To remove text from a document, such as personal information; to edit.

The buying back or repurchasing of something, e.g., the redemption of property by paying off the mortgage.

Questioning of one’s own witness at trial after the opposing side has finished its cross-examination.

The correction or modification of written documents to make them conform to the original intent of the parties.

1. The discharge of a particular right or claim. 2. Procedures under Rule 8 of the Mississippi Rules of Criminal Procedure governing the release of a defendant from custody pending trial.

A future interest in a life estate or estate for years.

To send back for further action consistent with the accompanied directives or instructions, e.g., a remand for new trial.

Latin: “It is sent back.” A court order reducing the amount of damages awarded by the jury.

An action brought to recover possession of goods unlawfully taken.

Published judicial cases arranged according to jurisdiction, court, period of time, subject matter or case significance.

Latin: “A thing.” The thing over which a court exercises in rem jurisdiction.

Latin: “The thing speaks for itself.”

Latin: “A thing adjudicated.” A doctrine that precludes parties from relitigating the same controversy.

To abrogate, annul, or cancel, especially as to contracts.

The place where one presently lives. Compare, DOMICILE.

Latin: “Let the master answer.” A doctrine holding employers liable for the negligence of its employees.

The party against whom a petition is filed.

An advanced payment to an attorney for legal representation.

Documentation delivered to the court showing execution of process.

To carefully consider a legal or factual issue.

A common law rule that invalidates interests in real estate that vest too remotely in time.

The practice of excluding witnesses from the courtroom prior to the time for them to testify.