Glossary

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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.

Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) - A federal law designed to develop and occupational safety and health standards promote .

Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission - The agency established by OSHA to adjudicate enforcement actions under the Act.

Official reports - The publication of cumulated court decisions of state or federal courts in advance sheets and bound volumes as provided by statutory authority.

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.

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