Basic Paralegal Terminology Latest Update 100% Correct

Basic Paralegal Terminology Latest Update 100% Correct Paralegal Also used interchangeably with the term "legal assistant" for a professional who is qualified through education, training or work experience, to assist attorneys in the delivery of a broad range of legal services. Statutes Legislative acts passed by either federal legislature (Congress) or state legislatures Ordinances Rules passed by local legislative bodies Constitutions Deal with broad principles that pertain to issues of governmental organizations, powers, and basic human rights U.S Constitution Is made up of 27 Amendments Bill of Rights The first 10 Amendments of the U.S Constitution Administrative Regulations Rules that come from administrative agencies Treaties Signed by the President and has to be ratified by 2/3 of the Senate Executive Orders Orders passed by the President without the need of legislative approval Case Law The body of all court decisions; the rulings of the highest courts have the greatest weight Precedent A legal decision that will serve as an authoritative rule or pattern in the future for similar cases. Mandatory Precedent When the ruling of a higher court must be followed by the present court. Persuasive Precedent Precedent that is not mandatory but is useful or relevant in making the decision in a current case Stare Decisis The tendency to follow precedent Civil Suits The adjudication of private rights between two or more parties Compensatory Damages When the plaintiff asks to be awarded money for claims based on medical bills, lost wages, property damages, and/or pain & suffering Punitive Damages To punish the wrongdoer for intentionally wrongful or grossly negligent conduct Nominal Damages Damages awarded in name only, where no substantial harm was done Equity Non-monetary recovery Prohibitory Injunction A court order preventing a party from doing a particular act Mandatory Injunction A court order requiring a party to do a particular act Order of Specific Performance Requires