Just some Legal Nomenclature glossed and Etymologized

1. Adjudication: Adjudication is the legal process of resolving disputes and determining rights and obligations of the parties. The term comes from the Latin word “adjudicare” which means “to decide or determine.” 2. Affidavit: An affidavit is a written statement of facts made under oath and signed by a person before a notary public or other authorized official. The term is derived from the Latin word “affidavit” which means “he has said.” 3. Bail: Bail is the release of a defendant from custody on the promise to appear in court at a later date. The term comes from the Old French word “bailler” which means “to deliver.” 4. Corpus: Corpus is the total body of law. The term comes from the Latin word “corpus” which means “body.” 5. Due Process: Due process is the legal principle that requires the state to respect all legal rights owed to a person, including the right to fair and impartial procedures in court. The term comes from the Latin phrase “due process of law” which means “the law should be applied properly and fairly.” 6. Evidence: Evidence is information presented in court to prove or disprove a fact in issue. The term is derived from the Latin word “evidentia” which means “that which is clearly seen.” 7. Habeas Corpus: Habeas corpus is a legal action that requires a court to determine whether a person is being held lawfully in custody. The phrase is derived from the Latin words “habere” which means “to have” and “corpus” which means “body.” 8. Libel: Libel is the publication of a false statement that is injurious to a person's reputation. The term is derived from the Latin word “libellus” which means “little book.” 9. Malpractice: Malpractice is the improper performance of professional duties by a health care provider. The term is derived from the Latin words “mal” which means “bad” and “practica” which means “practice.” 10. Precedent: Precedent is a court decision that is used as an example to resolve similar cases in the future. The term is derived from the Latin word “praecedere” which means “to go before.”