Plain-English definitions for legal terms

A protection for confidential communications between attorney and client made for the purpose of seeking or giving legal advice.

The requirement to show that evidence is what the offering party claims it is.

The obligation to prove a claim, defense, or issue to the required legal standard.

A hearsay exception for records kept in the regular course of business under reliable recordkeeping conditions.

A heightened proof standard requiring evidence stronger than preponderance but below beyond a reasonable doubt.

A pre-trial challenge to the admissibility of expert testimony, asking the court to act as gatekeeper over scientific or technical evidence.

A witness allowed to give opinion testimony because specialized knowledge will help the factfinder understand evidence or decide facts.

An out-of-court statement offered to prove the truth of what the statement asserts.

A pretrial motion asking the court to admit, exclude, or limit specific evidence before the jury hears it.

The usual civil burden of proof, meaning a fact is more likely true than not true.

The threshold evidence concept requiring proof to make a consequential fact more or less likely.

The rule allowing relevant evidence to be excluded when unfair prejudice, confusion, delay, or waste substantially outweighs its value.

The questioning of prospective jurors (or witnesses) to determine their qualifications and impartiality.

A protection for materials prepared by or for a party or lawyer in anticipation of litigation.