A B C D E F G H I J L M N O P Q R S T U V W

O

objection - The act of taking exception to some statement or procedure in trial. Used to call the court's attention to improper evidence or procedure.

objection overruled - A judge's rejection of an objection as invalid.

objection sustained - Support or agree with an objection. Used by the judge to indicate agreement with a motion or request.

of counsel - A phrase commonly applied to counsel employed to assist in the preparation or management of the case, but who is not the principal attorney of record.

offer - An act of willingness to enter into a purchase agreement that justifies to another person an understanding that his assent to that purchase agreement is invited and will establish a contract.

one day-one trial jury service - System used in many jurisdictions where potential jurors serve either for the length of a trial if assigned to a jury or, if not, complete their service in one day.

opinion - A written explanation of a decision of a trial court or of the decision of a majority of judges of an appellate court. At the appellate level, a dissenting opinion disagrees with the majority opinion because of the reasoning and/or principles of law on which the decision is based. A concurring opinion agrees with the decision of the court but offers further comment.

option - A contract that gives the holder a right or option to buy or sell specified property, such as stock or real estate, at a fixed price for a limited period of time.

oral argument - An opportunity for lawyers to summarize their position before the court and also to answer the judges' questions.

order - A command from the court directing or forbidding an action.

original jurisdiction - A court's authority to hear a case in the first instance.

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