| A | B |
|---|
| Civil Law | A statute that enforces private rights and liabilities, as differentitated from criminal law |
| Complaint | The first pleading (court document) of the plaintiff in a civil action |
| defendant | A person sued (defending or denying); usually the physician in a malpractice case |
| deposition | Testimony of a witness under oath and written down before trial for possible use when the case comes to a trial |
| expert testimony | A statement given concerning some scientific, technical, or professional matter by an expert, such as a physician |
| plaintiff | One who institutes a lawsuit or action |
| Privileged Information or communication | A confidential exchange between a professional and a client or patient, not to be disclosed. |
| respondeat superior | Latin for "let the master answer" |
| subpoena | In Latin, literally means, "under penalty": a writ that commands a witness to appear at a trial or other procedding and give testimony... |
| Subpoena duces tecum | Latin for "under penalty in his possession" |
| Tort | A private (i.e. civil) wrong or injury to a person that is grounds for legal action. |
