Legal Terms: O

A solemn promise to tell the truth or faithfully perform a duty, often invoking a higher power. Witnesses testify under oath.

A formal protest raised by an attorney during trial challenging the admissibility of evidence or the propriety of a question or procedure.

The crime of intentionally interfering with the administration of law, including tampering with evidence, intimidating witnesses, or lying to investigators.

A ground for rejecting or invalidating a patent if the invention would have been obvious to a person having ordinary skill in the art at the time of the invention.

A proposal by one party to another indicating a willingness to enter into a contract on specified terms.

An agreement between a taxpayer and the IRS to settle a tax debt for less than the full amount owed, based on the taxpayer's ability to pay.

A legal document describing a securities offering in a private placement, similar to a prospectus but used for exempt offerings.

A written communication from a patent or trademark examiner at the USPTO raising objections or rejections that the applicant must address.

An attorney's introductory remarks at the beginning of a trial, outlining the evidence and arguments they intend to present.

A judge's written explanation of the court's decision, including the legal reasoning, analysis of facts, and conclusion.

A program allowing F-1 students to work in the United States for up to 12 months (or 36 months for STEM graduates) in a field related to their study.

A law enacted by a municipal or local government, such as a city or county.

The authority of a court to hear a case for the first time, as opposed to appellate jurisdiction.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration, the federal agency responsible for setting and enforcing workplace safety and health standards.

A written notice issued by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration alleging violations of workplace safety standards and proposing penalties.

When a court rejects an objection during trial, allowing the evidence or question. Also, when a higher court sets aside a lower court's precedent.

Compensation required under the FLSA at one and a half times the regular rate of pay for hours worked in excess of 40 in a workweek by nonexempt employees.

Chemicals regulated under the Clean Air Act and the Montreal Protocol that deplete the stratospheric ozone layer, including chlorofluorocarbons and hydrochlorofluorocarbons.