Basic Paralegal Terminology Test with Complete Solutions

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