Legal Glossary
Find clear meanings for important legal terms, expressions and principles.
Glossary – Letter V
VACATION
The period between terms of court.
VENDEE
A purchaser.
VENDOR
A seller.
VENIRE
Technically, a writ summoning persons to court to serve as jurors; commonly used to refer to the entire group of jurors summoned.
VENIRE, SPECIAL
See, SPECIAL VENIRE.
VENIREMEN
Members of a panel of jurors.
VENUE
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.
VERDICT
A formal decision or finding by a jury. See also, GENERAL VERDICT; SPECIAL VERDICT.
VICTIM
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.
VOID
Of no legally binding effect.
VOIDABLE
Capable of being declared void.
VOIR DIRE
French: “To speak the truth.” The preliminary examination by the court and attorneys as to the qualifications of jurors or witnesses.
VULNERABLE PERSON
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.