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Your course is nothing short of GENIUS!
... Geoffrey L.
... Bremerton, Washington
... Bremerton, Washington
Thank you for providing your course to people at an affordable price.
... Pete B.
... Charlotte, North Carolina
... Charlotte, North Carolina
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... Montgomery, Maryland
... Montgomery, Maryland
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... Bolivia, North Carolina
Settled my case! Without your course I would never have gotten to 1st base.
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... Orlando, Florida
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... Wilson, Wyoming
... Wilson, Wyoming
I took on the City of Omaha and won. I was featured on a popular radio show to give proof "one man can defeat City Hall". Thank you!
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... Omaha, Nebraska
... Omaha, Nebraska
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... Tampa, Florida
... Tampa, Florida
This course has changed my life. I have filed over 6 complaints against debt collectors with over 22 defendants for violations of consumer laws using what you teach in Jurisdictionary and have never lost a case in Massachusetts. Thank you.
... Paul J.
... Staughton, Massachussets
... Staughton, Massachussets
The opposing party dismissed their case against me. Thank you for the knowledge and insight you provided through your course.
... Gerald C.
... Tucker, Georgia
... Tucker, Georgia
Jurisdictionary, in my opinion, is the best investment you will ever make: investing in your own "Legal Education" and it works, I promise!!!
... Don H.
... Atlanta, Georgia
... Atlanta, Georgia
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... White Lake, Michigan
... White Lake, Michigan
I wish I had known about your course years ago.
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... Kapaau, Hawaii
... Kapaau, Hawaii
Won my appeal in the 2nd District Court in Florida because of your excellent course.
... Roger P.
... Palm Harbor, Florida
... Palm Harbor, Florida
You have helped me a great deal at a time when i could have lost everything i worked for these last thirty years. You have enlightened me with the armor of education, information I never knew I would some day need.
... Milanko, D.
... Lake Geneva, Wisconsin
... Lake Geneva, Wisconsin
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... Mesa, Arizona
... Mesa, Arizona
Thanks to Jurisdictionary I learned so much that I won favor with the Magistrate! He ruled favorably on every motion I filed! Thank God for your course! And thank God for you too!
... U. Lowe
... Cincinnati, Ohio
... Cincinnati, Ohio
Thank you for all that you do for us!
... Dottie C.
... Highland Beach, Florida
... Highland Beach, Florida
Thank you so very much for making litigation knowledge a REAL opportunity to take advantage of.
... Charles S.
... Houston, Texas
... Houston, Texas
Thank you for creating your course, "How to Win in Court", and thank you for providing the content at the level you do.
... Dan N.
... Ranier, Oregon
... Ranier, Oregon
I recently purchased your Jurisdictionary course and have LOVED absorbing everything.
... Sharon S.
... Tucson, Arizona
... Tucson, Arizona
I ordered your course on May 31st, and by June 28th the lawsuit against me was "Dismissed with Prejudice." Many thanks as I was clueless until I reviewed your videos and excellent classes.
... Tracy B.
... Beltsville, Maryland
... Beltsville, Maryland
My attorney kept me in the dark but from your course I learned enough to realize he was trying to take my real estate for himself, and I circumvented him thanks to you!
... Anthony A.
... Decatur, Alabama
... Decatur, Alabama
Your information was an angel on my shoulder helping me through the panic phases.
... D. Christiensen
... Sherman Oaks, California
... Sherman Oaks, California
You are completely brilliant. I have never seen/read anything like this. I am eager to get this information out to help others like me. Thank you.
... Sylvia C.
... Kula, Hawaii
... Kula, Hawaii
Won 4 motions in court yesterday. Wish I had your tutorials a year ago!
... Linda S.
... Roswell, Georgia
... Roswell, Georgia
First, we thank you! We recently purchased, received, and studied your full course. Wonderful!
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... Douglas, Wyoming
... Douglas, Wyoming
Everyone needs this course.
... Bob R.
... Hobart, Indiana
... Hobart, Indiana
You are changing the world sir. Thank you for creating this great online law school.
... M. Oharu
... Wichita, Kansas
... Wichita, Kansas
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... John M.
... Phenix City, Alabama
... Phenix City, Alabama
I won a criminal case at trial with two lying witnesses against me. I got Jurisdictionary and learned that law works if it's used correctly. The judge read my memorandum and agreed with me. The most wonderful feeling I ever felt was walking out of that courtroom knowing I won without a lawyer!
... Philip J.
... Albany, Georgia
... Albany, Georgia
I purchased your course and learned more in 6 weeks than you can shake a stick at. The step-by-step study has been worth more than I can ever repay. I will be passing this knowledge along to my five children. Thank you for the Christian values you prove to be at our country's core.
... Ron W.
... Milaca, Minnesota
... Milaca, Minnesota
This course provides a wealth of knowledge in a step-by-step learning format that guides you along AT YOUR OWN PACE. It's like being taken by the hand and led through the vast halls lining the labyrinth of legal procedure and landing the learner safely on the other-side.
... Carl H.
... Knoxville, Tennessee
... Knoxville, Tennessee
Thanks. Your course is in a class by itself and a remarkable tutor.
... Sam S.
... Coronado, California
... Coronado, California
I have YOU to thank for your wonderful course. I re-hear, re-watch, and re-read the course. The more I do, the more certainty and confidence I gain.
... J. Patterson
... Arlington, Washington
... Arlington, Washington
Thank you for your hard labor and mission. Well done!
... Steven W.
... Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
... Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Got my second win in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit. Thanks.
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... Brooklyn, New York
... Brooklyn, New York
I used your course to sue my ex-partner and forced him to settle for $50,000! Thanks for your excellent course.
... Kevin C.
... North Conway, New Hampshire
... North Conway, New Hampshire
Thank you for all that you do!
... Jon M.
... Bolivia, North Carolina
... Bolivia, North Carolina
Most impressed. This course explains to someone who has never seen a chess board before, the pieces and rules of a chess game in order to have a real chance of winning. I especially congratulate you on your mission statement and the quote that says that half of knowledge is knowing where to find it.
... J. Kane
... Annerly, QLD, Australia
... Annerly, QLD, Australia
I bought your course. It's great!
... Linda W.
... Golden, Colorado
... Golden, Colorado
I have learned more with your course in the past few days than I have learned in the rest of my life, and I am not a young man anymore.
... D. Parker
... Alta Loma, California
... Alta Loma, California
Just wanted to say thank you for all the hard work you have certainly put into creating this one of a kind program. I can only imagine how many people it has helped who have taken the time to check into it.
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... Scottsdale, Arizona
... Scottsdale, Arizona
I learned more in two weeks with your course than I did in 2 years of paralegal school. I feel empowered! Your great course is clear, concise, and systematic.
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... Lansing, Michigan
... Lansing, Michigan
I call it "empowering the people" when I preach Jurisdictionary!
... Charlie H.
... Haw River, North Carolina
... Haw River, North Carolina
I WON using your course! My attorney is in trouble! She will not be doing this to anyone else. I praise not only God but you, the ethical attorney God led me to. I'm very grateful!
... K. Richardson
... Pahrump, Nevada
... Pahrump, Nevada
I have had so many attorneys take my money and leave me without representation. NEVER AGAIN! My family and I appreciate all you do. God bless you.
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... Birmingham, Alabama
... Birmingham, Alabama
I tell people about your services as though it's the gospel. Your course is answer to a prayer I've had a long time.
... Charles S.
... Houston, Texas
... Houston, Texas
I won my case in the Alaska Supreme Court against my Borough government in support of local citizens' right to petition government through the initiative and referendum process.
Jurisidictionary helped me understand the concepts necessary to prevail.
... James P.
... Nikiski, Alaska
... Nikiski, Alaska
Your course sets a second-to-none foundation to understand how the lawsuit process works. I've had several victories! My victories would not be victories, however, had it not been for your teachings.
... Sam T.
... Clearwater, Florida
... Clearwater, Florida
Your course helped me control my grandfather’s useless attorneys to file for rescission of gifts of voting stock. They told me I was wrong. I won by stopping the judge with precedent and a court reporter.
... Jeffrey M.
... Chicago, Illinois
... Chicago, Illinois
We filed a Motion to Strike Sham Complaint, like you show in your course. Two hours later the other side called to report they were dismissing the case! We were so happy we were crying with joy. We won! I cannot thank you enough for making it simple to follow.
... Tyler G.
... Olympia, Washington
... Olympia, Washington
I want to testify to how comprehensive your course is. I was amazed how sound and easy to understand your lessons are. Used your method to force the other side to produce contract they claimed I breached. When they could not, I filed a motion to dismiss their case. They settled. Thanks for your course!
... Joseph R.
... Miami, Florida
... Miami, Florida
Jurisdictionary has given me a greater appreciation of due process. It's amazing!
... Deron B.
... Salt Lake City, Utah
... Salt Lake City, Utah
Your Course is GREAT!
... Ramsay D.
... Simi Valley, California
... Simi Valley, California
The case law I took to my attorneys was better than the "unpublished" document they offered as their "case law". They told me I should come to work for them! It all fell into place once I purchased your wonderfully amazing self-help course!
... Kelly J.
... Guymon, Oklahoma
... Guymon, Oklahoma
Always shall you have my greatest respect and admiration.
... Suzanne A,
... Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
... Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
I got to tell you Dr. Graves this course is a real pleasure.
And unlike College there is no pressure and it's just great.
I feel the empowerment coming on.
Best wishes
... Charles P.
... Rock Hill, South Carolina
... Rock Hill, South Carolina
I won $11,000 lawsuit against a bank by using your course. I was amazed how easy it is to understand! It gave me confidence. The bank's case was dismissed with prejudice! Thank you for making a great course. I got back much more than the cost. I got back my dignity! God bless you!
... Reynaldo N.
... Mundelein, Illinois
... Mundelein, Illinois
Our county officials decided to settle with me when I used Jurisdictionary to take them to the 9th circuit appellate court here in California.
... Pat H.
... Sacramento, California
... Sacramento, California
With your course I defeated many collection agencies and their lawyers. Your course is excellent!
... Robert S.
... Kanab, Utah
... Kanab, Utah
This course is extremely valuable and helped me tremendously to understand how to win.
... Christina W.
... Sarasota, Florida
... Sarasota, Florida
The judge was amazed when I outmaneuvered my opponent's team of high-priced lawyers. Lead attorney was former Assistant State Attorney General. I won because of you and your course. Thank you!
... Ronald P.
... Crawfordsville, Indiana
... Crawfordsville, Indiana
I got my child back!
... T. Taylor
... El Paso, Texas
... El Paso, Texas
You have taught me so much knowledge and law. I will help you no matter what.
... P. Bui
... Westminster, California
... Westminster, California
You are Great, really Great Sir!!
... Arshad H.
... Hanover Park, Illinois
... Hanover Park, Illinois
Because of the education received in your course, I stayed on top. Neither the courts nor the bank could knock me out.
... Holly M.
... Arvada, Colorado
... Arvada, Colorado
Your course recently helped me keep a good kid out of jail. Keep up the good fight! Thank you.
... Michael H.
... South Yarmouth, Massachusetts
... South Yarmouth, Massachusetts
Jurisdictionary has given me the strength and confidence to go before the courts.
... Adrienne M.
... Mullingar, Ireland
... Mullingar, Ireland
You have broken the course down so anyone can easily learn "How to Win in Court". I knew nothing about court procedure until I took your course. I will recommend and encourage everyone to take your course.
... C. Powell
... Gulfport, Mississippi
... Gulfport, Mississippi
I truly do appreciate the work you do and the information you provide as this is a great service to "all" citizens.
Certainly more "legal information" is needed to increase "legal literacy" in the world today.
I am amazed that you are able to respond so quickly given your "one man" operation.
The "legacy" you are leaving by promoting "legal education" is important to this generation as well as future generations and I commend you for your efforts to impart of your knowledge.
... Leonard S.
... Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada
... Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada
Keep up the great work. Thanks again so very much.
... Ronald G.
... Bellport, New York
... Bellport, New York
It took 8 years and my representing myself in 5 different courts, but I finally won the rest of my lawsuit in the New York Supreme Court of Appeals. Thank you and God Bless You.
... S. Zito
... Harpersfield, New York
... Harpersfield, New York
Since learning from your course my life has changed for the better, and I am finally in control of my formerly overwhelming legal problems.
... Harold C.
... Jersey City, New Jersey
... Jersey City, New Jersey
I will continue to spread the word about your terrific course which saved me tens of thousands of dollars fighting and winning for myself rather than giving my hard earned money to a group of "legal" people who say they have my best interests but would rather play golf and keep putting gas in their Mercedes Benz!
... Arthur W.
... Howell, New Jersey
... Howell, New Jersey
Your course is awesome!
... L. Price
... Melbourne, Australia
... Melbourne, Australia
You tell us thanks but We thank God for His wisdom shining forth through you.
... Kristen L.
... Canton, Michigan
... Canton, Michigan
Thanks for all the hard work you have put into the course!
... A. Varella
... San Antonio, Texas
... San Antonio, Texas
Bought Jurisdictionary and am extremely pleased with it.
... Sharon W.
... Pahoa, Hawaii
... Pahoa, Hawaii
A grateful "Thank You" for this excellent course
... Barbara R.
... Los Angeles, California
... Los Angeles, California
I really benefited from this course. The course is well worth every single penny.
... M. Umar
... Green Bay, Wisconsin
... Green Bay, Wisconsin
Your course helped me win a three-year battle against my former attorney who ripped me off after taking my retainer payment. Thank you!
... Nathan D.
... Los Angeles, California
... Los Angeles, California
I've learned more from you than from any law classes that I've attended.
... Danny G.
... Janesville, Wisconsin
... Janesville, Wisconsin
I appreciate what you have done for society as a whole. I will be spreading the word for sure and getting this valuable info into as many hands as possible!
... Richard V.
... Hollywood, Florida
... Hollywood, Florida
Anyone would have to be a fool not to take your course. Thanks for revealing the tactics I needed to win! I'm a free man!
... D. Moyers
... Covington, Georgia
... Covington, Georgia
This course is absolutely needed for personal enlightenment and navigating through many difficult situations...it builds confidence to ask the right questions. I refer to it often mentally and visit the site to gain clarity.
... Halina B.
... Depew, New York
... Depew, New York
I have your complete course and have found it to be the most rewarding study of law I have ever read.
... Dan C.
... Denver, Colorado
... Denver, Colorado
A guide to the rules attorneys follow in civil lawsuits.
... The Charlotte Observer
... Charlotte, North Carolina
... Charlotte, North Carolina
Your course is SO practical. Keep up the GREAT work!
... John T.
... Humble, Texas
... Humble, Texas
Been fighting 3 collection agencies. Absolutely ecstatic about my victories. Prior to purchasing your fine program, I was just one of the ignorant herd these people prey upon. Your user-friendly course is the best $249 I've spent in a long time. My wife overheard plaintiff's attorney say, "Don't mess with that guy!" Wow!
... Dr. Donald B., PhD
... St. Louis, Missouri
... St. Louis, Missouri
I have your course. I wish I had a picture of the opposing attorney when I objected to his attempt to get an affidavit admitted! Thanks!
... B.J.H.
... Pasadena, Maryland
... Pasadena, Maryland
I appreciate you and the very valuable training you offer. I will work very hard to ensure the word is spread.
... A. Whitmore
... Las Vegas, Nevada
... Las Vegas, Nevada
I consider you a hero for the course you've produced and the heart reasoning that prompted you to do it.
... Ivanov P.
... Homestead, Florida
... Homestead, Florida
Thanks to you we are able to get the law in front of the judges and keep them honest.
... S. Rickett
... West Jordan, Utah
... West Jordan, Utah
I fired my attorney 2 years ago and began using Jurisdictionary. I cornered the plaintiff and his 40 year "experienced attorney" with my demands for discovery and motions. They did not even show up for trial after chasing me 3 years to extort money in a false claim. Case closed.
... T.J.M.
... Bend, Oregon
... Bend, Oregon
Absolutely! Dr. Graves taught me so much I beat Bank of America, my municipality, and a criminal prosecution. Just from the simple methods he teaches!
... Stephen M.
... Eureka, Montana
... Eureka, Montana
Defeated a 35-year veteran lawyer I've been fighting the last 3 years. Most of this victory is credited to your course. I can't thank you enough.
... Bill J.
... Columbus, Ohio
... Columbus, Ohio
Thank you for your guidance and the time and effort you've put into the American Dream.
... Andrea M.
... Brunswick, Maine
... Brunswick, Maine
I am more than impressed with your "How to Win in Court" online course. Thank you so much for your willingness to help others by making the course available and easy to understand for a reasonable price.
... Richard W.
... Tahlequah, Oklahoma
... Tahlequah, Oklahoma
Thanks for keeping the course going all these years!
... D. Williams
... Port Angelew, Washington
... Port Angelew, Washington
Everything Included
- Click Buttons Below -
- 2.5 Hour Audio Seminar (25 MP3s)
- 5 Hour Video Introduction (53 Clips)
- How to Write Effective Pleadings
- How to File Motions & Be Heard
- Sample Forms Fully Explained
- Effective Courtroom Objections
- How to Use Evidence Rules
- How to Get Evidence Admitted
- How to Demand Hidden Evidence
Show Cause Procedure- Circumstantial Evidence
- Claims and Causes of Action
- How to Use Stipulations
- How to File Defenses with Teeth
- Summary Judgment Tactics
- Default Judgment Tactics
- How to Win Judges' Favor
- How to Stop Foreclosure
- How to Win in Family Court
- How to Win on Appeal (with forms)
- Easy Guide and Legal Flowchart
- How to Stay Out of Prison
- Trial Preparation & Procedure
- Online Q&A Forums
- Free Online Legal Research Tool
- How to Do Online Legal Research
- Local Rules of Court Lookup Tool
- Legal Writing - How to Do It Right
- Legal Reading - Avoid Loopholes
- How to Use Legal Citations
- How to Collect Money Judgments
- How to Hire and Control Lawyers
- Common Law Legal Maxims
- Contract Law Principles
- Property Law Fundamentals
- Foundations of Legal Wisdom
- Natural Law - How It Affects You!
- Simple Guide to Rules of Order
- What this Course Will Do For You
- The Trial of Jesus of Nazareth
- Why This Course Exists ! ! !
Main Menu
References
- Sanctions
- When one side or the other violates the rules or acts with bad faith toward the court or another party, the court may (on its own or upon motion by either side) enter an order awarding sanctions to the aggrieved party against the party causing the problem. Sanctions may be in the form of an award of attorneys fees or, if the violation is sufficiently severe, may result in dismissal of the bad actor’s case with prejudice, i.e., without the right to re-file his lawsuit again later.
- Scienter
- Scienter is knowledge of the cause of another’s injury or damages, or knowledge of a set of facts that favored or promoted the probability of injury or damages. Under eggregious circumstances, where a person having such knowledge fails to act reasonably to prevent the injury or damages, a civil court may impute to such persons the duty to act and for their breach of that duty hold them liable for the injured person’s damages. A criminal court may find such persons’ failure to act a punishable crime. Sometimes called "guilty knowledge".
- Secured Party
- One who holds a security interest.
- Security Interest
- When one party is owed money or some other obligation, collateral may be given to secure the obligation. That collateral is called a security interest. Often the property itself remains in the hands of the borrower, and the lender holds only a paper interest (lien, mortgage, etc.) in the collateral that is enforceable if the borrower defaults.
- Sever
- To cut into parts. A lawsuit may be severed in several ways. If a single plaintiff brings his action against two defendants for multiple causes of action arising from multiple independent acts unrelated in any way, either defendant may successfully move the court for an order severing the action into two lawsuits to avoid confusion, delay, or unnecessary expense that might jeopardize the defendants’ right to present their separate defenses. If a single lawsuit involves multiple issues (even if between a single plaintiff and single defendant) such that justice would be threatened by confusion, delay, or unnecessary expense, the case may be severed. In general, a case is severable if it would confuse or delay justice or cause undue expense to proceed in a single action.
- Severable
- Capable of being severed.
- Slander
- A form of defamation communicated by speech, as opposed to print. In order for an action to lie for slander, the plaintiff must prove (1) the thing said was false, (2) it was communicated to others, and (3) the plaintiff suffered some genuine injury as a result.
- See also libel.
- Solicitor
- The name given in England to an attorney who for the most part works out-of-court to discover facts, research applicable law, and prepare his clients’ cases for a barrister to argue before the bench.
- Sovereignty
- Sovereignty is the power to rule, the right (just or unjust) of rulers like kings. The “People� (that’s People with a capital-P) are sovereign in free states. The People rule themselves through due process and the political mechanisms we call Republics. Individually, however, people are not above the law ... as many claim their individual sovereignty makes them. Indeed, if everyone were above the law, there would be no law ... and no security for life, liberty, or the pursuit of happiness for any of us. We are sovereign "together", and only so long as we stand "together" acting in accordance with law, abiding by The Rule of Law according to the rules of due process. We the People are the sovereign in "free nations". Lawlessness is the enemy of Liberty.
- Standard of Proof
- The measure by which a court determines if a party has met his burden to prove what he asserts. In most civil cases the standard of proof is the greater weight of the evidence, also called a preponderance of the evidence. In criminal cases the standard of proof is much more difficult to meet.
- Standing
- If White sues Orange for damages Orange caused Blue, Orange will succeed with a motion to dismiss for lack of standing. White cannot stand in the shoes of Blue to sue for damages caused by Orange.
- White lacks standing
- Similarly, White cannot sue the United States Government to stop the government from taxing "everyone", because White cannot stand in the shoes of "everyone". White can sue for matters that directly affect him and may prevail. But, White cannot sue for you or me or his next door neighbor, because he can only stand in his own shoes.
- Stare Decisis
- From the Latin "stand decided".
- Once a point of law has been explained and clarified in a published appellate court decision, the issue is said to be "stare decisis". It stands decided, the court's opinion is firmly settled, and those of us involved in litigation may rely upon it fully to control lower court judges.
- Statement
- Though this term is frequently used in reference to a confession in criminal cases or supporting affidavit in civil matters, in its most restrictive sense it applies to any expression of a complete thought, i.e., any sentence of words that begins with a capital letter, ends with a period, and contains at least one subject (noun or pronoun) and at least one predicate (verb). Though a statement may be a large number of sentences, each sentence must stand on its own as a statement and is either true or false. Any statement that lacks a verb (or, at least, an implied verb) cannot be true, just as any statement that lacks a subject cannot be true. Truth in court is truth in words. Not every string of words is a statement. A string of words without a verb is not a sentence and therefore cannot be a statement. Every allegation in court is made by statement and is either true or false. Of course, if a string of words fails to qualify as a complete sentence, it also cannot qualify as a statement and should have no more bearing on the outcome of a case than a false statement.
- Statute of Limitations
- Every jurisdiction in the United States limits the period of time one may delay bringing a lawsuit after an injury. If an injured party knew (or should have known) that an injury occurred on a particular date and does not bring the lawsuit within the limitations period, the case may be barred.
- Limitation periods differ by jurisdiction and by the type of injury.
- For example, suits for medical malpractice typically have short limitations periods, i.e., a person injured by negligent medical providers may be required to sue sooner after the injury than a person injured by breach of contract or automobile negligence.
- Check your local statutes.
- Stay
- An order directing that proceedings in a lawsuit halt, usually for a limited period of time so some out-of-court action can be accomplished or because some party objected that the court might not have jurisdiction, so the proceedings must be stopped until a final determination of the court’s authority can be determined by a higher court. Appeals, for example, may stay the lower court proceedings.
- Another form of stay is an order that’s typically entered in bankruptcy cases that stays, i.e., stops, the rights of creditors to sue a person or company that’s filed for protection in the bankruptcy court. If a creditor can show his claim is based on a fraud or crime, i.e., if he can show that what he’s owed is the result of a wrong instead of a debt in the ordinary course of business, he can file a motion for relief from stay and, if the court grants his motion, he can proceed to sue the bankrupt. See Relief from Stay.
- Stet
- Just as it is.
- Strawman
- One who stands in the place of another, usually in place of a person who wishes to do business through the strawman while remaining anonymous.
- Strict Constructionist
- The term strict constructionist is intended to describe judges, and more particularly justices of the U.S. Supreme Court, who "interpret" the US Constitution "literally".
- The problem is that one justice can interpret a provision "literally" from his own viewpoint, while another justice also interpreting "literally" from his separate point of view may reach an entirely different "interpretation" ... much as religionists claiming to rely on their inerrant biblical references arrive at different "interpretations" of what a partcular holy reference might mean ... usually to satisfy their own particular bent or favorite doctrine. So it is also with judges and appellate court justices.
- Having said that, Jurisdictionary is quick to add that we are better with those who at least come close to being "strict constructionists" than those liberals who try to mold the original framers’ intent into their particular ken of today’s moral climate or "the changing times".
- Some things never change, as the founders of this great Republic knew. It was because they knew the "things that never change" (the truths Jefferson called "self-evident") that they wrote our federal Constitution in the way they did, i.e., to protect the several states and their citizens from the foreseeable encroachment of centralized power that they feared would invade our daily lives - much as it has these past 50 or so years because of Public Legal Ignorance.
- Thank you for supporting Jurisdictionary’s work to empower the People with Knowledge.
- Sua Sponte
- Voluntarily. Usually applied to a court order issued at a judge’s own prompting, as opposed to an order issued after the court’s consideration of a party’s motion.
- To say the court entered an order sua sponte (or denied a motion sua sponte, or took any other action sua sponte) is to say the judge, after considering the facts and law pertaining to a matter before him, believed the situation merited the court’s immediate action, so the judge acted without regard to any motion by a party.
- On its own. Spontaneously.
- Subpoena
- A command issued by an officer of the court (usually the clerk) directed to persons or business entities to require them to produce themselves or documents and things that may be admitted in evidence. In some states attorneys licensed to practice before the local court can issue subpoenas. The subpoena is one of the five principal discovery tools parties use to get evidence into the court record. A subpoena may command a witness to appear for trial or for deposition. A subpoena duces tecum (bring the thing) is a command to appear and bring along those things listed in the subpoena duces tecum.
- Sui Juris
- Literally, "capable of answering lawfully in his own person", as opposed to one who is a minor or the ward of a guardianship incapable of being legally bound by his actions. If one is not sui juris he cannot sue or maintain a lawsuit in his own name but must have a court-appointed guardian to act for him.
- If a person is not sui juris he cannot be bound by contracts he attempts to enter on his own.
- Generally speaking, the term means, "of lawful age and not mentally incompetent".
- I recently received correspondence from an interesting young man who signed his name followed by a comma and this special term, e.g., "John Doe, sui juris." I thought it a peculiar thing to do and wondered whether he meant me to know he was over the age of 21 or wished me to assure me he was not crazy. I rather suspect the latter though, of course, the appended terminology did little to assuage my doubts.
- Summary Administration
- A simplified proceeding to administer estates of decedents who die without costly or complex assets. Different jurisdictions have varying rules for what size and types of estates qualify for summary administration and who may act as personal representative (executor/executrix). Typically those seeking to administer the estates of decedents who die owning real property or large amounts of cash or securities are denied this simplified process and are required instead to use the more expensive, time-consuming full administration process that calls for filing complete accountings, actual notice to creditors, and other protections for those whose interests might be otherwise adversely affected.
- Summons
- This is a form that summons people to appear in court. That’s why it’s called a summons.
- The summons is served on defendants with the complaint and is usually issued by the court on its own forms (instead of being drafted by litigants). In most jurisdictions, a clerk will draft the summons, sign it, and hand it to you or your process server to be "served" on the defendant with a copy of your complaint and any initial discovery requests you may include.
- The summons is in the form of a command. When "served" on a defendant, the summons gives a court what we lawyers call in personam jurisdiction, i.e., power over the person. If the person fails to respond after being served with a summons, the judge has legal authority to issue an order finding the defendant in default and awarding the plaintiff whatever money damages or other relief the plaintiff is praying for in his complaint (or petition).
- You are entitled to file a complaint and require the court to summon defendants to appear and answer (or show why they shouldn’t be required to answer) your complaint. The summons is your power to require people (even the President of the United States) to answer your complaint. Remember from grade school how we were told we have the right to petition government for a redress of our grievances? Well, this little paper is the first step by which each of us has the right to require government to command others (under penalty of being cast into jail for non-compliance) to answer our complaints.
- Supra
- Above or before.
- Typically used in legal writing to refer to a citation that appears prior to a later reference to it. An appellate court might give a complete citation to a particular case (or statute, constitutional provision, etc.) early in a written opinion, e.g., Jones v. Smith, 287 So.2d 583 (Fla. 4th DCA, 1983).
- Then later in the opinion, the court may choose to make reference to that case again with an abbreviated citation, adding this term in italics, e.g., Jones, supra. The supra tells us the complete citation appears "above" or "before", and the reader is directed to that location for the complete citation.
- Surety
- A promise to stand for another (or the person making the promise). Companies that issue bonds are sureties, i.e., they promise (upon your paying the bond premium) to stand for you in the event of your default and to pay whatever amount they pledged to the person for whom they promised to stand. If your friend promises your creditor to pay for you if you are unable (or unwilling) to pay, that friend becomes a surety for you ... though, in all probability, unless his promise is committed to a writing, signed and dated, his promise is probably not enforceable.
- Though related, surety is not the same as guarantee or warranty that are more directed toward performance of some bargain or the quality of a thing. Sureties stand in the shoes of promissors, i.e., they make a promise to keep your promises (for which, of course, you usually have to pay money).
- Surety Bond
- A contractual promise to provide surety for another. Typically, surety bonds are pledged to release some collateral or to lift a lien. By the surety’s pledge, the person holding collateral or a lien has a new form of protection and so can release.
- Obviously, the value of a surety is no greater than the assets the surety owns. Large bonding companies, for example, may have assets in the billions of dollars, so their pledge to stand in your shoes if you default is solid. This is the bedrock of the bond business.
- Sustain
- When an objection in court is approved, the judge will typically rule on the objection saying, "Sustained", which means the objection stands as stated, and the party against whom the objection was made must cease the objectionable action, e.g., cross-examining his own witness.
- See overrule.
- Swear
- To subject oneself to the court’s penalties for perjury by taking an oath attesting to the reliability (truthfulness) of one’s testimony or written statements.
- Sworn
- A statement is sworn if given under oath or affirmation.
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