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Oath: Written or oral pledge by a person to keep a
promise or speak the truth.
Obiter Dictum: Remark by a judge in a legal opinion
that is irrelevant to the decision and does not establish
precedent . Often used in the plural, dicta.
Objection: In a trial, a reason stated on the record
by an attorney that a matter or proceeding is illegal. Making
objections in open court is important for purposes of making a
record for appeal.
Occupational Disease: An illness resulting from
long-term employment in a particular type of work, such as
those employees exposed to asbestos, who later develop cancer.
On a Person's Own Recognizance: Release of a person
from custody without the payment of any bail or posting of
bond, upon the promise to return to court.
Opening Statement: The initial statement made by
attorneys for each side, outlining the facts each intends to
establish during the trial.
Opinion: Written statement by a judge or court of
the decision in a case which describes the law applied to the
facts of the case and the reasons for the decision.
Oral Argument: An opportunity for lawyers to
summarize their position before the court and also to answer
the judges' questions.
Order: Written direction or command made by a court
or judge, and not included in a judgment. See also decree.
Ordinance: Commonly, a regulation passed by a
municipal legislative body.
Original jurisdication: The first court to which a
legal dispute is referred.
Out-of-Court Settlement: An agreement reached
between a plaintiff and a defendant to resolve a lawsuit
privately and without a judge's authorization or approval.
Overrule: A judge's decision not to allow an
objection. Also, a decision by a higher court finding that a
lower court decision was in error.
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