Legalese Lessons
In criminal law, this term refers to the act of formally accusing someone of a crime, typically by a grand jury in felony cases
What is an Indictment?
Long regarded as one of the best presidents of U.S. History, this president studied for and passed the bar exam despite never formally attending law school
Who is Abraham Lincoln?
The head of the U.S. Supreme Court, currently John Roberts, who serves as the leader of the judicial branch
Who is the Chief Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court?
What is UC Law San Francisco (formally UC Hastings)?
This term refers to a defendant admitting guilt in exchange for a lesser charge or a more lenient sentence. Bonus Fact: about 90-95% of all cases end in this way
What is a Plea Deal/Bargain?
Unlike a traditional proceeding, this type of trial forgoes a jury and the judge solely decides based on the facts presented in the case
What is a Bench Trial?
This 1789-established department, which houses the FBI, DEA, and other law enforcement agencies, oversees the enforcement of federal laws
What is the Department of Justice?
This SoCal law school is considered a leader in entertainment and media law, especially given it's proximity to Hollywood
What is UCLA School of Law?
This type of law specifically deals with disputes between private individuals or organizations, often with the goal of compensation for damages or injury
What is Civil Law?
This legal principle refers to the concept that prior court decisions should generally be followed in future cases involving similar issues
What is Stare Decisis?
This former modern president was a Harvard Law School alumni, and actually for more than 10 years lectured at the University of Chicago Law School
Who is Barack Obama?
This position, appointed by the president, serves as the president’s top legal advisor, offering counsel on all legal matters, including constitutional issues and executive actions
Who is the White House Counsel?
This T-14 school is largely considered the leader in technology law, which should be no surprise considering it's location in the heart of Silicone Valley
What is Stanford Law School?
This term refers to a document formally notifying an individual of legal action being taken against them, such as being sued or needing to appear in court
What is a Summons?
This term refers to a legal defense that claims the defendant was forced to commit a crime/action under threat or harm
What is Duress?
Being considered the top lawyer of the United States Federal Government, this attorney represents the United States in all legal matters
Who is the US Attorney General?
What is UC Davis School of Law?
This Latin term refers to legal work that is done for free, usually to help those who cannot afford to pay for representation
What is Pro Bono?
This term refers to the process of adjudicating disputes through an impartial third party, often without the need for a full trial, and is a common method in resolving business or labor disputes
What is Arbitration?
This president served as a judge for multiple terms for Jackson County, Missouri before becoming president, despite the fact that he never graduated any form college or law school
This office and position, part of the DoJ, is tasked with representing and arguing on behalf of the United States in cases before the U.S. Supreme Court
What is the Solicitor General?
This Latin term, meaning "you shall have the body," refers to a legal order requiring a detained person to be brought before a court to determine if their detention is lawful
What is Habeas Corpus?