Glossary of Legal Terms

waiver: Voluntarily giving up right.
waiver of immunity: Means by which witness relinquishes the right against self-incrimination, thereby making it possible for his/her testimony to be used against him/her in future proceedings.
warrant: Writ directing or authorizing someone to do something; most commonly, a court order authorizing law enforcement officers to make an arrest or conduct a search.
weight of evidence: Persuasiveness of some evidence as compared to other.
will: Legal document that sets forth how an individual wants his/her property disposed of when he/she dies.
willfully: Intentionally, as distinguished from accidentally, carelessly or inadvertently, but not necessarily maliciously.
with prejudice: Judge's decision in a case whereby any future action on the claim is barred in any court.
without prejudice: Without loss of rights.
witness: One who testifies to what he/she has seen, heard or otherwise experienced.
work release: Sentence under which defendant is imprisoned, but is released during day to work at a job approved by Department of Corrections or the court.
writ: Judicial order directing a person to do something.
writ of certiorari (SIR she oh RARE ee): See certiorari.
writ of execution: Writ directing sheriff or other officer of the court to enforce a judgment or decree of a court.

Last updated 8-10-00 1645 by gle