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. In tort law - a defense to a personal injury suit. The essence of an affirmative defense is that the plaintiff assumed the known risk of whatever dangerous condition caused the injury.






2. Chains or shackles for the hands to secure prisoners.






3. The combination of those rules and principles of conduct promulgated by legislative authority - derived from court decisions - and established by local custom.






4. Presentation of evidence to the court (out of the hearing of the jury) for the court's decision of whether the evidence is admissible.






5. To advise or caution. For example the Court may caution or admonish counsel for wrong practices.






6. A written or verbal command from a court directing or forbidding an action.






7. The initial statement made by attorneys for each side - outlining the facts each intends to establish during the trial.






8. Formal notification to the party that has been sued in a civil case of the fact that the lawsuit has been filed. Also - any form of notification of a legal proceeding.






9. Issues and claims capable of being properly examined in court.






10. State-imposed death as punishment for a serious crime. Capital punishment.






11. A punitive act designed to secure enforcement by imposing a penalty for its violation. For example - a sanction may be imposed for failure to comply with discovery orders.






12. An opportunity for lawyers to summarize their position before the court and also to answer the judges' questions.






13. A reasonable belief that a crime has or is being committed; the basis for all lawful searches - seizures -and arrests.






14. A person who initiates a lawsuit against another. Also called the complainant.






15. The act of spending an allotted amount of time in a designated location such as a prison as punishment for the crime committed.






16. A crime composed of some - but not all - of the elements of a greater crime; commission of the greater crime automatically includes commission of the lesser included offense.






17. A formal - written application to the court requesting judicial action on some matter.






18. Evidence which tends to indicate that a defendant did not commit the alleged crime.






19. A will entirely written - dated - and signed by the testator in his/her own handwriting.






20. To place a paper in the official custody of the clerk of court to enter into the files or records of a case.






21. In bankruptcy proceedings - a debt is secured if the debtor gave the creditor a right to repossess the property or goods used as collateral.






22. One who lives in a location for a period of time and denotes it as their official address or residence.






23. Taking and carrying away the personal property of another person of a value in excess of an amount set by law with the .intent to deprive the owner or possessor of it.






24. Information presented in testimony or in documents that is used to persuade the fact finder (judge or jury) to decide the case for one side or the other.






25. The ordinary jury of twelve (or fewer) persons for the trial of a civil or criminal case. So called to distinguish it from the grand jury.






26. Estate property that may be disposed of by a will.






27. The presence of drugs on the accused for recreational use or for the purpose to sell.






28. Proof of facts by witnesses who saw acts done or heard words spoken.






29. A meeting between the judge and the lawyers involved in a lawsuit to narrow the issues in the suit - agree on what will be presented at the trial - and make a final effort to settle the case without a trial.






30. To try issues separately - such as guilt and criminal responsibility in a criminal proceeding or liability and damages in a civil action.






31. The correction of an error admitted in any process.






32. The person filing an action in a court of original jurisdiction. Also - the person who appeals the judgment of a lower court. The opposing party is called the respondent.






33. The judge's instructions to the jury concerning the law that applies to the facts of the case on trial.






34. Inclination - bent - a pre-conceived opinion or a predisposition to decide a cause or an issue a certain way.






35. In a trial - a foundation must be laid to establish the basis for the admissibility of certain types of evidence.






36. An offensive touching or use of force on one's spouse without the spouse's consent.






37. The area of a state or federal prison where criminals who are sentenced to death are confined until their sentence is commuted or carried out.






38. In civil cases when it is necessary to preserve the status quo prior to trial - the court may issue a preliminary injunction or temporary restraining order ordering a party to carry out a specified activity.






39. The loss of money or property resulting from failure to meet a legal obligation or from the illegal nature or use of the money or property.






40. To legally certify the innocence of one charged with a crime. To set free - release or discharge from an obligation - burden or accusation. To find a defendant not guilty in a criminal trial.






41. The reduction by a judge of the damages awarded by a jury.






42. Legal dissolution of a marriage by a court. Also termed dissolutionof marriage.






43. Confidential communications to certain persons that are protected by law against any disclosure - including forced disclosure in legal proceedings.






44. Language in a will that provides that a person who makes a legal challenge to the will's validity will be disinherited.






45. To make greater in value - to increase.






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






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






48. A state tax on property that an heir or beneficiary under a will receives from a deceased person's estate. The heir or beneficiary pays this tax.






49. A statement of the details of the charge made against the defendant.






50. To terminate legal action involving outstanding charges against a defendant in a criminal case.