Legal Terminology
What does plaintiff mean?
The person who initiates a lawsuit
What is the role of a trial court?
To hear cases and determine facts
What is attorney-client privilege?
Confidential communication protected by law
What is a case citation?
A reference to where a case is published
What is service of process?
Delivering legal documents to notify a party of a lawsuit
Define tort.
A civil wrong causing harm or loss
Name one appellate court function.
Review decisions for legal errors
Define conflict of interest.
A situation where personal interest interferes with professional duty
Define IRAC method.
Issue, Rule, Application, Conclusion—used in legal writing
Define complaint and answer.
Complaint: plaintiff’s allegations; Answer: defendant’s response
What is jurisdiction?
A court’s authority to hear a case
Difference between state and federal courts?
State handles local laws; federal handles constitutional or federal law
Paralegal’s role in confidentiality?
Must protect client information and follow attorney guidance
Purpose of a legal memorandum?
To analyze legal issues and advise attorneys
What happens during discovery?
Parties exchange evidence and information
What does subpoena mean?
A legal order to appear or produce documents
Define limited jurisdiction
Court can only hear specific types of cases
Why must paralegals avoid giving legal advice?
Only licensed attorneys can give legal advice
Name one primary source of law.
Statutes, case law, or constitutions
What is summary judgment?
A decision without trial when facts aren’t disputed
Explain res ipsa loquitur.
“The thing speaks for itself” used when negligence is obvious
Path of a case from trial to Supreme Court?
Trial → Appeals → State Supreme Court → U.S. Supreme Court (if federal issue)
Scenario of ethics violation?
A paralegal shares client info with a friend violates confidentiality
Draft issue statement for negligence case.
“Did the defendant breach a duty of care resulting in harm to the plaintiff?”
Steps in a civil lawsuit?
Filing → Service → Discovery → Trial → Judgment → Appeal.