NOTICE: This glossary of legal words and phrases is provided to help you better understand the legal terminology used in the court system. THIS GLOSSARY IS NOT A SUBSTITUTE FOR THE ADVICE OF AN ATTORNEY.
THIS WEBSITE CANNOT GIVE YOU LEGAL ADVICE. YOU SHOULD NEVER RELY ON THESE VERY BASIC DEFINITIONS TO MAKE LEGAL DECISIONS. Please use this glossary to get a general understanding of your legal circumstance and have a better interaction with your attorney.
Law—The collection of rules and principles that controls how citizens, corporations and other entities, and government units (local, state, and federal) interact with each other for the common good. Law can specify what conduct is subject to punishment (criminal law), and what rules apply when private parties have a dispute (civil law.)
Constitution—The fundamental law of a state or nation. A constitution sets out the basic structure and operation of government, describes what a government can and cannot do, and defines the rights of citizens.
Case law—Rules and principles of law made by judges over several years through written decisions in prior cases. Case law is also sometimes called “precedent.” Lower courts are required to follow precedent set by higher level courts.
Common law—Rules and principles of law created over long periods of time through written decisions of judges. Certain common law principles in Ohio and the United States go back to decisions made centuries ago in England.
Statutory law—Rules and principles of law created by elected representatives through the process of legislation. In Ohio, statutory law is enacted by the General Assembly, and called the Ohio Revised Code or ORC. In the United States, statutory law is enacted by Congress, and called the United States Code, or USC. Common law can be changed by statute.
Ordinance—Rules and principles of law enacted by local elected representatives and effective only in that city or township. Zoning would be an example of a local ordinance.
Court rule—A written legal principle for the procedural operation of a court in the resolution of pending cases. The Supreme Court of Ohio has adopted statewide rules for: Civil Procedure, Criminal Procedure, Juvenile Procedure, Evidence, and Appellate Procedure.
Local rule—A written legal principle adopted by a local court for the procedural operation of that specific local court. Local rules cannot be inconsistent with the statewide rules of procedure.
Law library—An organization for the collection, storage, maintenance, and retrieval of legal reference materials, such as: collected decisions of appellate courts, statutory law in the Ohio Revised Code and United States Code, rules of courts, and research works. Most law libraries now have computer research terminals in addition to printed works.