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. What the prosecution or plaintiff must be able to prove in order for the case to go to the jury-that is - the elements of the prosecution's case or the plaintiff's cause of action.






2. An error made by the trial judge sufficiently serious to warrant reversing the trial court's decision.






3. A bank account used to hold money belonging to the client or to a third party.






4. The principle that courts cannot decide abstract issues or render advisory opinions; rather - they are limited to deciding cases that involve litigants who are personally affected by the court's decision.






5. A statute establishing and setting out the powers of an administrative agency.






6. A method for excusing a prospective juror; no reason need be given.






7. Generally someone operating within the law - representing persons before administrtive agencies that permit this practice.






8. Powers not stated in the Constitution but that are necessary for Congress to carry out other - expressly granted powers.






9. A defendant's personal promise to appear in court.






10. A computerized database that contains the full text of documents - such as court opinions or depositions.






11. A defendant's plea meaning that the defendant neither admits nor denies the charges.






12. An examination of a prospective juror to see if he or she is fit to serve as a juror on a specific case.






13. An opinion that agrees with the majority's result but disagrees with the reasoning.






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






15. Generally - an emergency situation that allows a search to proceed without a warrant.






16. A claim that based on the law and the facts is sufficient to support a lawsuit. If the plaintiff does not state a valid cause of action in the complaint - the court will dismiss it.






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






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






19. Broad questions that put few limits on the freedom of the respondent.






20. A process whereby the prosecutor and the defendant's attorney agree for the defendant to plead guilty in exchange for the prosecutor's promise to charge him or her with a lesser offense - drop some additional charges - or request a lesser sentence.






21. A summary of one legal point in a court opinion; written by the editors at West.






22. A case listed in Shepard's that cites your case.






23. Questions that suggest the answer.






24. The standard of proof used in criminal trials. The evidence represented must be so conclusive and complete that all reasonable doubts regarding the facts are removed from the jurors' minds.






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






26. The first ten amendments to the U.S. Constitution.






27. An online legal database containing court decisions and statutes from the entire country. While its coverage of other legal mateirals is not as extensive as that of Westlaw and Lexis - it is also less expensive.






28. Establishes a direct link to the event that must be proven.






29. The delivery of a pleading or other paper in a lawsuit to the opposing party.






30. A set of standardized jury instructions.






31. Information about the law - such as that contained in encyclopedias and law review articles.






32. A judicial philosophy that supports a limited role for the judiciary in changing the law - including deference to the legislative branch.






33. A national organization of paralegal programs that promotes high standards for paralegal education.






34. A national association of paralegal associations.






35. An assumption that something that is not real is real-for example - saying that a corporation is a person for purposes of its being able to sue and be sued.






36. Relates to the ability of a witness to testify; generally - the witness must be capable of being understood by the jury; must understand the duty to tell the truth; and if a lay witness - must give testimony based on personal knowledge.






37. The background documents created during the process of a bill becoming a statute. These documents can include alternative versions of the legislation - proceedings of committee hearings and reports - and transcripts of floor debates.






38. Information about what happened procedurally to the litigation after the case cited. Include this information in a citation. There is no entry for the topic Husband and Wife.






39. When only one court has the power to hear a case.






40. The revocation of an attorney's license.






41. A person appointed by the court to manage the affairs or property of a person who is incompetent due to age or some other reason.






42. Land and objects permanently attached to land.






43. A judicial philosophy that supports an active role for the judiciary in changing the law.






44. Used to describe legislation that changes the common law.






45. A statement in a judicial opinion not necessary for the decision of the case.






46. In law - a per curium decision (or opinion) is a ruling issued by an appellate court of multiple judges in which the decision rendered is made by the court (or at least a majoirty of the court) acting collectively and anonymously.






47. A method for interpreting statutes in which the ordinary meaning of the statute's language is examined.






48. A term used to describe a case that is similar to another case.






49. A fee calculated as a percentage of the settlement or award in the case.






50. Without the need for a warrant - the police may seize objects that are openly visible.