Test your basic knowledge |

Subject : law
Instructions:
  • Answer 50 questions in 15 minutes.
  • If you are not ready to take this test, you can study here.
  • Match each statement with the correct term.
  • Don't refresh. All questions and answers are randomly picked and ordered every time you load a test.

This is a study tool. The 3 wrong answers for each question are randomly chosen from answers to other questions. So, you might find at times the answers obvious, but you will see it re-enforces your understanding as you take the test each time.
1. The legal document that usually begins a civil lawsuit. It states the facts and identifies the action the court is asked to take. 2. Formal written charge that a person has committed a criminal offense.






2. Requirement that police tell a suspect in their custody of his or her constitutional rights before they question him or her: specifically - the right to remain silent; that any statement made may be used against him or her; the right to an attorney;






3. A case brought by the government against a person accused of committing a crime.






4. The power of the government to take private property for public use through condemnation.






5. To annul or make void by recalling or taking back.






6. An advocate - counsel - or official agent employed in preparing - managing - and trying cases in the courts.






7. A civil case in which parties may resolve their dispute without a formal finding of error or fault.






8. The person who sets up a trust. Also called the grantor.






9. An order requiring a person to appear in court and present reasons why a certain order - judgment - or decree should not be issued.






10. The formal statement before the court that the accused admits committing the criminal act.






11. A mutual understanding and intention between two or more parties. The writing or instrument which isevidence of an agreement. (Although often used as synonymous with contract - agreement is a broader term.)






12. Oral or anal copulation between humans - or between humans or animals.






13. A government grant giving an inventor the exclusive right to make or sell his or her invention for a term of years.






14. A report to the sentencing judge containing background information about the crime and the defendant to assist the judge in making his or her sentencing decision.






15. In a criminal proceeding - it is the defendant's declaration in open court that he or she is guilty or not guilty. The defendant's answer to the charges made in the indictment or information.






16. A false statement given while under oath or in a sworn affidavit.






17. There are essentially three standards of proof applicable in most court proceedings. In criminal cases - the offense must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt - the highest standard. In civil cases and neglect and dependency proceedings - the lowest






18. In criminal trial - a witness whose testimony is crucial to either the defense or prosecution.






19. Primary evidence; the best evidence available. Evidence short of this is 'secondary.' That is - anoriginal letter is 'best evidence -' and a photocopy is 'secondary evidence.'






20. The act of not following an order that is directed by the court.






21. A forejudgment - bias - a preconceived opinion.






22. A method of discharging a claim upon agreement by the parties to give and accept something in settlement of the claim.






23. A legal proceeding in which a debtor's money - in the possession of another (the garnishee) - is applied to the debts of the debtor - such as when an employer garnishes a debtor's wages.






24. A court in which the proceedings are recorded - transcribed - and maintained as permanent records.






25. The confirmation or adoption of a previous act done either by the party himself or by another.






26. A hearing held for the purpose of deciding issues or fact of law that both parties are disputing.






27. Trial in which a jury decides issues of fact as opposed to trial only before a judge.






28. Law established by previous decisions of appellate courts - particularly the Supreme Court.






29. Outline or summary of the nature of the case and of the anticipated proof presented by the attorney to the jury before any evidence is submitted. Also known as opening argument .






30. A contract in which the promise made by the obligor is not expressed - but inferred by one's conduct or implied in law.






31. Cancellation by a court of a warrant before its execution by the arrest of a defendant; also - a process by which a retired judge may be asked to sit on a particular case.






32. To put off or delay a court hearing.






33. The person who administers an estate. If named in a will - that person's title is an executor . If there is no valid will - that person's title is an administrator.






34. A claim presented by a defendant in a civil lawsuit against the plaintiff. In essence - a counter lawsuit within a lawsuit.






35. Evidence not sufficiently related to the matter in issue.






36. A meeting either on or off the record at the judge's bench between the judge - counsel - and sometimes the defendant - out of the hearing of the jury.






37. To take into one's family the child of another and give him or her the rights - privileges - and duties of a child and heir.






38. Among other matters - the 14th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution prohibits states from depriving any person of life - liberty - or property without adequate due process .






39. A judgment of the court that explains what the existing law is or expresses the opinion of the court without the need for enforcement.






40. A will that leaves some or all estate assets to a trust established before the will-maker's death.






41. A trust that - once set up - the grantor may not revoke.






42. A lawsuit brought to enforce - redress - or protect private rights or to gain payment for a wrong done to a person or party by another person or party. In general - all types of actions other than criminal proceedings.






43. A violation of law - not punishable by imprisonment. Minor traffic offenses are generally considered infractions.






44. A person who aids or contributes in the commission of a crime.






45. An order issued by a judge or magistrate commanding a sheriff - constable - or other officer to search a specified location.






46. A document or other item introduced as evidence during a trial or hearing.






47. The rule preventing illegally obtained evidence to be used in any trial.






48. An assault committed with the intention of committing some additional crime.






49. Unlawful sexual intercourse with a person under the age of 18 - regardless of whether they consent to the act.






50. A second examination of a witness by the opposing counsel after the second examination (or redirect examination) by the counsel who called the witness to testify is completed.