Legal Terminology
What is a motion in a legal proceeding?
A formal request made by one of the parties for a court decision.
What is a motion to dismiss?
A formal request for the court to dismiss a case
What is the purpose of the discovery process?
To gather and exchange information and evidence relevant to the case.
What is product liability?
The legal responsibility of manufacturers and suppliers for injuries or damages caused by a defective product.
What is a tort?
A civil wrong for which the injured party can seek compensation.
What is a legal brief?
A written document presented to the court to argue one party's case over another.
What is a motion for summary judgment?
A request for the court to make a decision on a claim without going to trial.
What is an interrogatory?
A written question one party sends to another during the discovery process that must be answered under oath.
What does it mean for a product to be defective?
It has a flaw or error that makes it unsafe for use and can cause harm.
What is an intentional tort?
A deliberate act that causes harm to another person, such as assault or defamation.
Define advocacy group.
A group of people supporting a social, political, or economic cause, aiming to influence public policy
What is a motion to compel?
A request for the court to order a party to take a specific action, often to produce evidence.
What is a request for production?
A legal request for documents, data, or physical items held by the opposing party.
Who is held responsible in cases of strict liability?
The defendant is liable regardless of whether they were careless, as long as the product is defective.
Define negligent tort.
A harm caused by someone's failure to act with the care that a reasonable person would have.
What does impartial mean?
Being unbiased, separating personal beliefs from the controversy at hand.
What is a motion for a protective order?
A request to protect a person from harm, typically in cases involving violence or threats.
Define subpoena.
A legal document ordering someone to testify or present evidence in court.
What is the role of a supplier in product liability?
They provide parts for products and can be held responsible if defective parts cause harm.
What is defamation?
The act of damaging someone's reputation by making false statements.
What is an amicus brief?
A document filed by someone not directly involved in a case but who offers information or expertise to assist the court in deciding.
What is a motion to strike?
A request for the court to remove part of a party’s pleading or certain evidence from the record.
What is a request for admission?
A discovery tool that allows one party to request the other party to admit or deny certain facts under oath.
What is strict liability?
A legal doctrine where the defendant is liable for harm caused by a defective product, regardless of fault or negligence.
What is intent in the context of intentional torts?
The determination to perform a wrongful act that results in harm to another person.