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Today's Terms
Exclusionary rule
Definition:
A rule by which evidence that was obtained illegally cannot be used in a criminal trial against a defendant. Also, in criminal cases, a rule which prevents witnesses from observing each other testify or from discussing testimony during the course of the proceedings.
Habeas corpus
Definition:
Latin phrase meaning "you have the body"; a civil proceeding used to review the legality of a prisoner's confinement in criminal cases. Habeas corpus actions are commonly used as a means of reviewing state or federal criminal convictions. The petitioner alleges the convictions violated state or federal constitutional rights. State habeas proceedings start in state District Court; federal habeas proceedings start in federal District Court. Lower court decisions may be appealed to appellate courts.
Caption
Definition:
The heading or introductory clause of papers connected with a case in court, which shows the names of the parties, name of the court, docket number of the case, etc
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