Key Terms
PLAINTIFF
The party that initiates a civil lawsuit; sues the defendant to recover damages or stop a legal wrong.
DEFENDANT
The party being sued in civil court; also used for the accused in criminal court.
PROSECUTION
Initiates litigation in criminal cases; represents the people of a state or the federal government.
CLAIM
A separate violation of law. Each distinct violation is its own claim.
PRO SE LITIGANT
Someone who represents themselves without an attorney.
JD (Juris Doctorate)
The degree earned after completing law school (3-year graduate program).
Bar exam
Required after law school; must pass in each state where the attorney wants to practice. Background check also required.
ATTORNEY-CLIENT PRIVILEGE
Communications between a client and attorney are absolutely confidential. The privilege belongs to the client — the atto
EXCEPTION
If a client tells the attorney they intend to harm themselves or others, the privilege has a narrow exception.
SUBORNING PERJURY
Knowingly helping a client lie under oath. This is prohibited.
ZEALOUS ADVOCACY
Attorneys owe their clients strong representation — but it must stay within the rules of the court.
TRIER OF FACT
The jury's role — determining the truth about who did what, when, and why.
JURY SELECTION POOL
Drawn from voter registration and driver's license rolls.
Automatically exempt professions
Active-duty military, police officers, firefighters, public officers.
STANDING
A constitutional requirement derived from Article III; courts can only hear actual cases and controversies — not hypothe