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A procedural defence that prevents an accused person from being tried again on the same (or similar) charges following a valid acquittal or conviction. Novel: 'Double Jeopardy' by Bob Hill.

A person who informs on a person or organization regarded as engaging in an unlawful or immoral activity. Novel: 'The Whistler' by John Grisham.

A written statement confirmed by oath or affirmation, used as evidence in court. Novel: 'The Testament' by John Grisham.

Referring to legal work undertaken without charge, especially for a client with a low income. Novel: 'The Street Lawyer' by John Grisham.

A jury that cannot agree upon a verdict after extended deliberation, leading to a mistrial. Novel: 'The Last Juror' by John Grisham.

A person who brings a case against another in a court of law. Novel: 'The Case of the Speluncean Explorers' by Lon Fuller.

The first piece of physical evidence introduced at a trial. Novel: 'Exhibit A' by Sarah Lotz.

A formal charge or accusation of a serious crime, issued by a grand jury. Novel: 'Presumed Innocent' by Scott Turow.

A charge against someone for behaving disrespectfully or disruptively in a court proceeding, or for disobeying a court order. Novel: 'To Kill a Mockingbird' by Harper Lee.

A conference between the judge and lawyers held out of earshot of the jury, so as not to influence the jurors. Novel: 'The Summons' by John Grisham.

A process of questioning potential members of a jury before the trial to ascertain their qualifications and determine any bases for challenge. Novel: 'The Last Juror' by John Grisham.

A legal document ordering someone to testify as a witness at a deposition or in court, or to present documents relevant to a court case. Novel: 'The Firm' by John Grisham.

A legal principle that ensures fair treatment through the normal judicial system, especially a citizen's entitlement to notice of a lawsuit and a hearing before an impartial judge. Novel: 'The Runaway Jury' by John Grisham.

A sum of money or form of property pledged to a court to temporarily release a suspect from custody, ensuring their appearance at trial. Novel: 'Defending Jacob' by William Landay.

The intentional act of swearing a false oath or of lying under oath, especially in a legal proceeding. Novel: 'The Brethren' by John Grisham.

Evidence based on the reports of others rather than the personal knowledge of a witness, which is generally inadmissible in court. Novel: 'Presumed Innocent' by Scott Turow.

The theory or philosophy of law. Novel: 'Natural Law' by J.D. Roth.

Professional negligence by a healthcare provider leading to substandard treatment, resulting in harm to the patient. Novel: 'The Laws of Our Fathers' by Scott Turow.

An agreement between a defendant and a prosecutor, in which the defendant agrees to plead guilty or no contest to a crime in exchange for some concession from the prosecutor. Novel: 'The Lincoln Lawyer' by Michael Connelly.

A judgment that a person is not guilty of the crime with which they have been charged. Novel: 'Anatomy of a Murder' by Robert Traver.

The responsibility of the superior for the acts of their subordinate, or, in a broader sense, the responsibility of any third party that had the 'right, ability or duty to control' the activities of a violator. Novel: 'The Rainmaker' by John Grisham.

Government (usually municipal) laws that dictate the use of real property according to specified criteria such as areas it may be used for residential, commercial, industrial, or agricultural purposes. Novel: 'The Associate' by John Grisham.

A law prescribing a period of limitation for the bringing of certain kinds of legal action. Novel: 'The Partner' by John Grisham.

A judicial proceeding, order, injunction, etc. is taken or granted at the request of and for the benefit of one party only, and without notice to any other party. Novel: 'The Street Lawyer' by John Grisham.

A civil wrong for which a remedy may be obtained, usually in the form of damages. Novel: 'The King of Torts' by John Grisham.

A legal obligation of one party to act in the best interest of another. This is typical of trustees and corporate officers. Novel: 'The Rainmaker' by John Grisham.

A favor or advantage granted or expected in return for something. In legal terms, it is often associated with bribery and sexual harassment cases. Novel: 'The Firm' by John Grisham.

A branch of law that developed alongside common law, intended to apply principles of fairness and justice where legal remedies are inadequate. Novel: 'Incident at Badamya' by Dorothy Gilman.

A form of written command in the name of a court or other legal authority to act, or abstain from acting, in some way. Novel: 'A Time to Kill' by John Grisham.

Failure to take proper care in doing something, leading to damage or injury to another. Novel: 'The Associate' by John Grisham.

A court's calendar, showing the schedule of cases it is to hear. Novel: 'The Appeal' by John Grisham.

The right to remain silent and the knowledge that anything said can and will be used against an individual in court, which must be read to an arrestee by the police. Novel: 'Conviction' by Richard North Patterson.

In a trial, it refers to a lawyer or witness ceasing to speak, allowing another to take their turn. This phrase is often featured in courtroom dramas and literature. Novel: 'The Appeal' by John Grisham.

A promise to tell the truth, especially in a court of law, that is made while formally invoking a deity or a sacred object. Novel: 'The Testament' by John Grisham.