Key Terms
Plaintiff
Party who files a civil lawsuit Defendant: party being sued (civil) or accused (criminal) Pro se litigant: self-represen
Defendant
The accused wrongdoer
Prosecution
Initiates the case; represents the people (state or federal government)
Pro se litigant
A party who represents themselves without an attorney.
Law school
Graduate-level; typically 3 years Degree earned: Juris
Doctorate (JD) After graduation
Pass the bar exam AND background check in the state where they want to practice Jurisdiction rule: attorneys can only pr
Suborning perjury
Knowingly helping a client lie under oath; prohibited
Example scenario
Client admits guilt privately, then wants to testify they are innocent. The attorney cannot allow this.
Source
Citizen voter rolls and driver license rolls
Goal
Cross-section of society reflecting community diversity
Standing
Constitutional requirement to prove an actual stake in the litigation Ripeness: case is ready to be heard; injury has oc
Ripe
Case is ready; injury has occurred or is imminent
Not yet ripe
Case brought too early
Moot
Case brought too late; issue no longer exists or no remedy is available
Subject matter jurisdiction
Legal authority to hear and decide the type of dispute Personal jurisdiction: power to compel the parties to appear in c