Legal Terms Starting with O
Oath
A solemn promise or affirmation to tell the truth or fulfill a duty, invoking divine witness or legal penalty for perjury.
Court ProcedureObjection
A formal protest during trial challenging the admissibility of evidence, questions, or procedure.
Trial PracticeOffer
A proposal to enter into a contract that, when accepted, creates a binding agreement.
Contract LawOmission
Failure to act when legally required to do so, potentially creating criminal or civil liability.
Criminal LawOpening Statement
A lawyer's initial presentation to the jury outlining the case, evidence, and anticipated proof.
Trial PracticeOverrule
A judge's rejection of an attorney's objection, or a higher court's reversal of its own prior precedent.
Court ProcedureOvert Act
An open, observable action taken in furtherance of a conspiracy or other criminal intent.
Criminal LawOwnership
Legal right of possession and control over property with authority to use, transfer, or dispose of it.
Property LawOpinion
A court's written explanation of its decision, including legal reasoning and interpretation of law.
Appellate LawOral Contract
A verbal agreement not reduced to writing, enforceable except where statute of frauds requires written form.
Contract LawOrder
A court's directive or ruling on a motion, procedure, or interim matter during litigation.
Court ProcedureOriginal Jurisdiction
A court's authority to hear a case first, rather than on appeal from another court.
JurisdictionOstensible Authority
Apparent agency power created when a principal's conduct leads third parties to reasonably believe authority exists.
Agency LawOut-of-Court Settlement
Resolution of a dispute through negotiated agreement between parties without trial or formal judgment.
Civil LitigationOverreach
Taking unfair advantage in a transaction through superior bargaining position or exploitation of trust.
Contract LawOverride
Legislative action to pass a bill over executive veto, or to supersede a prior decision or provision.
Constitutional LawOnus Probandi
Latin term for "burden of proof" - the obligation to prove allegations or claims in a legal proceeding.
Evidence LawOption Contract
An agreement giving one party the right to purchase or sell property at a specified price within a set time period.
Contract LawObstruction of Justice
Interfering with law enforcement, judicial proceedings, or investigation through deception, force, or concealment.
Criminal Law