Test your basic knowledge |

Paralegal 101

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. Private publication of court opinions-for example - the regional reporters - such as N.E.2d - published by West.






2. A constitutional protection against being tried twice for the same crime.






3. In a case brief - the general legal principle in existence before the case began.






4. A fee based on how many hours attorneys or paralegals spend on the case. Different hourly rates are often charged for different attorneys and paralegals within the firm - based on their seniority and experience.






5. The process by which individuals or organizations have their names placed on an official list kept by some private organization or governmental agency.






6. A judgment entered against a party who fails to complete a required step - such as answering the complaint.






7. A computer search that identifies every place in which the search term appears in the actual text of the document being searched.






8. Money or something else of value that is held by the government to ensure the defendant's appearance in court.






9. Questions relating to what happened: who - what - when - where - and how.






10. Evidence that is derived from an illegal search or interrogation is inadmissible.






11. Governmental publication of court opinions.






12. An act by a landlord that makes the premises unfit or unsuitable for occupancy.






13. The papers that begin a lawsuit-generally - the complaint and the answer.






14. The law that sets the length of time from when something happens to when a lawsuit must be filed before the right to bring it is lost.






15. Also known as cause in fact - this is measured by the 'but for' standard: But for the defendant's actions - the plaintiff would not have been injured.






16. General principles that guide the courts in their interpretation of statutes.






17. An authoritative secondary source - written by a group of legal scholars - summarizing the existing common law - as well as suggesting what the law should be.






18. A nonlawyer who provides legal services directly to the public without being under the supervision of an attorney. Absent a statute allowing this activity - it constitutes the unauthorized practice of law.






19. Someone who has the power to act in the place of another.






20. The rule requiring that the original document be produced at trial.






21. A national association of paralegal managers.






22. In a case brief - facts that deal with what happened to the parties before the litigation began.






23. A court where a permanent record is kept of the testimony - lawyers' remarks - and judges' rulings.






24. An ADR mechanism whereby the parties submit their disagreement to a third party - whose decision is binding.






25. Evidence that does not add any new information but that confirms facts that already have been established.






26. A defense whereby the defendant offers new evidence to avoid judgment.






27. A defense whereby the defendant offers new evidence to avoid judgment.






28. The rules whereby all members of a law firm are treated as though they had represented the former client.






29. A constitutional protection against being tried twice for the same crime.






30. A computerized database that contains key information about the content of documents - such as medical records.






31. A national paralegal association.






32. A requirement that a party fulfill his or her contractual obligations.






33. Information that can be presented in a court of law as proof of some fact.






34. A pamphlet inserted into the back of a book containing information new since the volume was published.






35. An activity that requires professional judgment - or the educational ability to relate law to a specific legal problem.






36. A court order authorizing a sheriff to take property in order to enforce a judgment.






37. Defendant's reply to the complaint. It may contain statements of denial - admission - or lack of knowledge and affirmative defenses.






38. When the defendant does not have sufficient money or other assets to pay the judgment.






39. The process of signaling that you are really listening - accomplished by using verbal and nonverbal clues - paraphrasing - and reflecting the client's feelings.






40. The person who is being asked questions at a deposition.






41. A requirement that property be fit for the purpose for which it is being rented. Owners are required to repair and maintain the premises at certain minimum levels.






42. Specific questions that usually demand very short or yes-no answers.






43. Usually organized as either a partnership or a professional corporation - law clinics provide low-cost legal services on routine matters by stressing low overhead and high volume.






44. The pleading that begins a lawsuit.






45. The judge informs the jurors of the law they need to know to make their decision.






46. A set of standardized jury instructions.






47. A rule of evidence that prevents an attorney or a paralegal from being compelled to testify about confidential client information.






48. The process of using Shepard's citations to check a court citation to see whether there has been any subsequent history or treatment by other court decisions.






49. Questions that suggest the answer.






50. A request that the court prohibit the use of certain evidence at the trial.