Americas Legal Connection

Home>>Glossary

Glossary

habeas corpus petition In federal court, a means by which a state prisoner may challenge the constitutionality of his or her conviction and imprisonment.	harmless error In appellate practice, an error committed by a trial court during a trial, but not harmful to the rights of the party and for which the court will not reverse the judgment.

hearing Any form of judicial, quasi-judicial or legislative proceeding at which issues are heard, or testimony taken.	hearing on the merits A hearing before a court on the legal questions at issue, as opposed to procedural questions.

hearsay Statements by a witness who did not see or hear the incident in question but heard about it from someone else. Hearsay is usually not admissible as evidence in court. Hearsay is usually not admissible as evidence in court.	holding The legal conclusion or principle that provides the basis for a courts judgment.

holographic will A handwritten will.	hostile witness A witness who is subject to cross-examination by the party who called him or her to testify, because of his or her evident antagonism toward that party as exhibited in his or her direct examination.

hung jury A jury that is unable to reach a unanimous verdict.	hacker A person who gains unathorized access to computer systems more for mischief than for criminal intent.

holder The person in possession of the commercial paper.	holder in due course A holder who has taken a negotiable instrument in good faith and for value, before maturity, and without actual or constructive notice of any defects in the instruments.