Oath - A solemn pledge made under a sense of responsibility in attestation of the truth of a statement or in verification of a statement made.
Objection - The process by which one party takes exception to some statement or procedure. An objection is either sustained (allowed) or overruled by the judge.
On a person’s own recognizance - Release of a person from custody without the payment of any bail or posting of bond, upon the promise to return to court.
Opening Statement - the initial statement made by attorneys for each side, outlining the facts each intends to establish during the trial.
Opinion - A judge’s written explanation of a decision of the court or of a majority of judges. A dissenting opinion disagrees with the majority opinion because of the reasoning and/or the principles of law on which the decision is based. A concurring opinion agrees with the decision of the court but offers further comment. A per curiam opinion is an unsigned opinion “of the court.”
Oral Argument - Presentation of a case before a court by spoken argument; usually with respect to a presentation of a case to an appellate court where a time limit might be set for oral argument.
Order - A mandate, command, or direction authoritatively given. Direction of a court or judge made in writing.
Ordinance - A rule established by authority; may be a municipal statute of a city council regulating such matters as zoning, building, safety, matters of municipality, etc.
Overrule - 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.