Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance. It is the formal name of the Social Security System.

Written or oral pledge by a person to keep a promise or speak the truth.

Remark by a judge in a legal opinion that is irrelevant to the decision and does not establish precedent . Often used in the plural, dicta.

In a trial, a reason stated on the record by an attorney that a matter or proceeding is illegal. Making objections in open court is important for purposes of making a record for appeal.

That person who receives the benefit of someone else's obligation; that "someone else" being the obligor. Also called a "promisee".

A person who is contractually or legally committed or obliged, to provide something to another person. The recipient of the benefit is called the obligee. Also known as the "promisor."

In the context of criminal law a term used to describe a publication which is illegal because it is morally corruptive. The common law has struggled with this word as society evolves towards greater tolerance of alternative sexual behavior. Historically, it included any lewd material which had no apparent social value, which was offensive to contemporary community standards of decency, and even material which tended to invoke impure sexual thoughts. All of these measurements are very subjective and the community standard of obscenity is frequently at odds with the right of free speech.

Any act which tends to impede or thwart the administration of justice. Examples include trying to bribe a witness or juror or providing law enforcement officers with information known to be false.

An illness resulting from long-term employment in a particular type of work, such as those employees exposed to asbestos, who later develop cancer.

Therapy designed to enable the individual to work with their arms and hands.

A crime; any act which contravenes the criminal law of the state in which it occurs.

An explicit proposal to contract which, if accepted, completes the contract. An accepted offer binds both the person that made the offer and the person accepting the offer to the terms of the contract. See also "acceptance".

A person whose occupation consists of investigating customer complaints against his or her employer. Many governments have ombudsmen who will investigate citizen complaints against government services.

A draft law before a legislature which contains more than one substantive matter, or several minor matters which have been combined into one bill, ostensibly for the sake of convenience. In reality, such bills sometimes contain unpopular or less valuable matters which it is hoped will be passed because of the value of other parts of the bill. The omnibus bill is an "all or nothing" tactic.

Release of a person from custody without the payment of any bail or posting of bond, upon the promise to return to court.

Latin:" the burden". A term usually used in the context of evidence. The onus of proof in criminal cases lies with the state, in that it is the state that has the burden of proving beyond reasonable doubt. In civil cases, the onus of proof lies with the plaintiff who must prove his case by balance of probabilities. So "onus" can refer both to the party with the burden, and to the scope of that burden, the latter depending whether the context is criminal or civil.

An agreement or contract which does not have an ending date but which will continue for as long as the conditions identified in the agreement exist.

The initial statement made by attorneys for each side, outlining the facts each intends to establish during the trial.

Written statement by a judge or court of the decision in a case which describes the law applied to the facts of the case and the reasons for the decision.

An opportunity for lawyers to summarize their position before the court and also to answer the judges´ questions.

Written direction or command made by a court or judge, and not included in a judgment. See also decree.

Commonly, a regulation passed by a municipal legislative body.

The first court to which a legal dispute is referred.

A person who has lost one or both natural parents.

An agreement reached between a plaintiff and a defendant to resolve a lawsuit privately and without a judge´s authorization or approval.

A judge´s decision not to allow an objection. Also, a decision by a higher court finding that a lower court decision was in error.

This drug is categorized as an agonist opioid, a powerful group of analgesics that work by blocking signals to pain receptors in the brain. A synthetic narcotic derived from opium-producing poppy plants, oxycodone HCL has properties similar to morphine and is classified as a Schedule II drug, which means that it can be legally prescribed but has a high potential for abuse. Oxycodone HCL is also an active ingredient in the following drugs: Percocet, Percodan, and Tylox.

A powerful prescription pain reliever prescribed for patients suffering from moderate to severe chronic pain. Oxycontin tablets contain anywhere from 10-160mg of oxycodone hydrochloride, an agonist opioid that blocks signals to pain receptors in the brain. Oxycontin pills are manufactured with a controlled release mechanism that extends pain relief for up to twelve hours.