Law Glossary


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Oath
A solemn pledge made under a sense of responsibility in attestation of the truth of a statement or in verification of a statement made.
Objection
The process by which one party takes exception to some statement or procedure. An objection is either sustained (allowed) or overruled by the judge.
Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA)
A federal law designed to develop and occupational safety and health standards promote.
Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission
The agency established by OSHA to adjudicate enforcement actions under the Act.
Official reports
The publication of cumulated court decisions of state or federal courts in advance sheets and bound volumes as provided by statutory authority.
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
A judge's written explanation of a decision of the court or of a majority of judges. A dissenting opinion disagrees with the majority opinion because of the reasoning and/or the principles of law on which the decision is based. A concurring opinion agrees with the decision of the court but offers further comment. (A per curiam opinion is an unsigned opinion "of the court.")
Oral argument
Presentation of a case before a court by spoken argument; usually with respect to a presentation of a case to an appellate court where a time limit might be set for oral argument.
Order
A mandate, command, or direction authoritatively given. Direction of a court or judge made in writing.
Ordinance
A rule established by authority; may be a municipal statute of a city council, regulating such matters as zoning, building, safety, matters of municipality, etc
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.

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