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

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real property - Land, buildings, and other improvements affixed to land.

reasonable doubt - Uncertainty that might exist in the mind of a reasonable person applying reason to the evidence introduced.

rebuttal - The introduction of contrary evidence; the showing that statements of witnesses as to what occurred is not true; the stage of a trial at which such evidence may be introduced.

record - A written account of all the acts, proceedings and testimony in a lawsuit.

redirect examination - Follows cross-examination and is exercised by the party who called first and questioned the witness.

reliance - Confidence or dependence upon what is deemed sufficient authority such as a warranty that provides a written guarantee of the integrity of a product.

remand - When an appellate court sends a case back to a lower court for further proceedings.

removal, order of - An order by a court directing the transfer of a case to another court.

reply - A pleading in response to an answer.

repossession - To take back -- as in a seizure or foreclosure -- to satisfy the obligation to the seller, bank or finance company after the debtor defaults on his or her payments.

rest - A party is said to "rest" or "rest its case" when it has presented all the evidence it intends to offer.

reverse - When an appellate court sets aside the decision of a lower court because of an error. A reversal is often accompanied by a remand.

revocable trust - A trust that the grantor may change or revoke.

revoke - To cancel or nullify a legal document.

rule of court - An order made by a court having jurisdiction. Rules of court are either general or special: the former are the regulations by which the practice of the court is governed; the latter are special orders made in particular cases.

rule to show cause - A court order obtained on motion by either party to demonstrate why the particular relief sought should not be granted. Generally, used in connection with contempt proceedings.

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