Legal Terms Starting with H
Habeas Corpus
A writ requiring a person in custody to be brought before court to determine if their detention is lawful.
Constitutional LawHarassment
Unwanted conduct that creates a hostile or intimidating environment, often based on protected characteristics.
Employment LawHarmless Error
A trial mistake that did not affect the outcome or substantially prejudice a party's rights, not grounds for reversal.
Appellate LawHearsay
An out-of-court statement offered to prove the truth of the matter asserted, generally inadmissible unless an exception applies.
Evidence LawHeir
A person entitled to inherit property from a deceased person under intestacy laws or by will designation.
Estate PlanningHolding
The court's legal ruling or decision on the specific issue presented, establishing binding precedent.
Legal ResearchHolographic Will
A handwritten will signed by the testator without witnesses, valid in some jurisdictions under specific conditions.
Estate PlanningHomestead Exemption
Legal protection of a primary residence from creditors and bankruptcy, with value limits varying by jurisdiction.
Property LawHostile Witness
A witness who shows antagonism toward the party who called them, allowing leading questions during examination.
Trial PracticeHung Jury
A jury unable to reach a unanimous verdict, resulting in a mistrial and potential retrial of the case.
Criminal ProcedureHypothetical Question
A question posed to an expert witness based on assumed facts to elicit professional opinion or analysis.
Trial PracticeHabitual Offender
A person with repeated criminal convictions who may face enhanced penalties under recidivist statutes.
Criminal LawHate Crime
Criminal conduct motivated by bias against race, religion, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or other protected characteristics.
Criminal LawHearing
A legal proceeding before a court or administrative body where evidence and arguments are presented.
Court ProcedureHeirship
The legal status and rights of an heir to inherit property from a deceased person's estate.
Estate PlanningHostile Takeover
An attempt to acquire a corporation against the wishes of its management and board of directors.
Corporate LawHostile Work Environment
Workplace conditions where unwelcome conduct based on protected characteristics creates an intimidating or offensive atmosphere.
Employment LawHouse Arrest
Confinement of a person to their residence as an alternative to incarceration, often monitored electronically.
Criminal LawHumanitarian Asylum
Protection granted to individuals fleeing persecution, violence, or danger in their home country.
Immigration LawHung Count
A specific charge in a multi-count case where the jury cannot reach a unanimous verdict.
Criminal Procedure