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.
