Law Lexicon
Strengthening War Crimes Justice Project
Opening statement - The initial statement made by attorneys for each side, outlining the facts each intends to establish during the trial.
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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.")
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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.
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Order - A mandate, command, or direction authoritatively given. Direction of a court or judge made in writing.
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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.
Source: Jurist International.
