Glossary of Legal Terms
H
- habeas corpus (HAY be us
KOR pus)
- Writ that orders a person to be brought before a judge, usually to
determine whether that individual is being legally detained or imprisoned.
- harmless error
- Error committed during trial which was not serious enough to affect outcome
of trial and thus is not grounds for reversal. Compare
reversible error.
- hearsay
- Evidence not known to a witness personally, but which was relayed to
witness by a third party, i.e., secondhand information. Generally inadmissible
in court, although exceptions exist under which it can be admitted.
- holographic will
- Unwitnessed will written entirely by testator in his/her own handwriting,
usually unwitnessed.
- homicide
- Killing of one human being by another.
- hostile witness
- Witness biased against the examining party or who does not want to testify.
May be asked leading questions.
- house arrest
- Sentence or type of arrest whereby an individual is confined to his/her
residence except for preapproved trips, such as medical appointments, work,
community service obligations, etc. Often used in connection with
electronic monitoring.
- hung jury
- Jury unable to reach a verdict.
- hypothetical question
- Imaginary situation, incorporating facts previously established, upon which
an expert witness is permitted to give an opinion. Most often asked of medical
experts in personal injury suits.
Last updated 8-11-00 1543 by gle