www.LegalTarget.com

Glossary

A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z

Real property - Land, buildings, and whatever is attached or affixed to the land. Generally synonymous with the words "real estate."

Reasonable doubt - An accused person is entitled to acquittal if, in the minds of the jury, his or her guilt has not been proved beyond a "reasonable doubt;" that state of minds of jurors in which they cannot say they feel an abiding conviction as to the truth of the charge.

Reasonable person - A phrase used to denote a hypothetical person who exercises qualities of attention, knowledge; intelligence, and judgment that society requires of its members for the protection of their own interest and the interests of others. Thus, the test of negligence is based on either a failure to do something that a reasonable person, guided by considerations that ordinarily regulate conduct, would do, or on the doing of something that a reasonable and prudent (wise) person would not do.

Rebut -Evidence disproving other evidence previously given or reestablishing the credibility of challenged evidence. (See rejoinder.)

Recognizance -An obligation entered into before a court whereby the recognizor acknowledges that he will do a specific act required by law.

Record -All the documents and evidence plus transcripts of oral proceedings in a case.

Recuse -The process by which a judge is disqualified from hearing a case, on his or her own motion or upon the objection of either party.

Re-direct examination -Opportunity to present rebuttal evidence after one's evidence has been subjected to cross-examination.

Redress -To set right; to remedy; to compensate; to remove the causes of a grievance.

Referee -A person to whom the court refers a pending case to take testimony, hear the parties, and report back to the court. A referee is an officer with judicial powers who serves as an arm of the court.

Rehearing - Another hearing of a civil or criminal case by the same court in which the case was originally heard.

Registered mark - Trademark with the words "Registered in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office" or the letter "R" enclosed within a circle.

Rejoinder - Opportunity for the side that opened the case to offer limited response to evidence presented during the rebuttal by the opposing side. (See rebut.)