criminal law and procedure

venire facias de novo

A writ from a judge summoning a new jury panel because of a problem with the original jury's verdict or return. A venire facias de novo results in a new trial. Sometimes abbreviated as venire de novo.

See, e.g.: Parsons v. Bedford, Breedlove...

veniremen

Veniremen refers to individuals selected either to be screened as potential jurors or to actually be jurors in a case. The term comes from old Latin venire writs in England that were required to be given to the sheriff in order for a jury to...

venue

In general, a place or location in which something takes place. The proper place to hold a civil or criminal trial, usually because important related events have taken place there.

See, e.g. Cortez Byrd Chips, Inc. v. Bill Harbert Construction...

verdict

A verdict is the formal decision or judgment rendered by a court at the conclusion of a trial or legal proceeding. It represents the culmination of the entire legal process. Verdicts are reached by a judge or a jury, depending on the type of...

warrantless

Warrantless means that government officers carry out a search or arrest without a warrant or any other legal authorization. The requirement of a warrant serves to protect individuals’ privacy interests against unreasonable governmental...

weight of evidence

Weight of evidence is the believability or persuasiveness of evidence in probative value, not the quantity or amount of evidence. Weight of evidence is not determined by mathematics, but depends on its effect in inducing belief. In State v....

wet reckless

Wet reckless is an informal term for a plea bargain reached where someone charged with a DUI receives a lesser charge usually for reckless driving. The charge is called “wet” because reckless charges do not include driving under the influence...

wiretapping

Wiretapping is the act of recording communications between parties, often without their consent. While wiretaps can be a powerful tool for authorities conducting criminal investigations, they are also legally at odds with the right to privacy...

witness

In legal proceedings, witnesses can serve as sources of evidence, offering firsthand accounts that can corroborate or refute claims made by parties involved. Their testimony can influence the outcome of a case by providing insights that might...

witness stand

The witness stand is the location in a courtroom where a witness sits or stands while giving testimony. This is usually a platform to the left and slightly below the judge's seat. A witness called to testify is said to "take the stand."...

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