A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z #

Click on the first letter of the word from the list above to go to the appropriate section of the glossary.

- V -

Vacate: To set aside or void an order or decision of a court.

Venire: A writ summoning persons to court to act as jurors, Also refers to the people summoned for jury duty.

Venue: Broadly, the geographical area where a court has authority to hear a case because it has personal jurisdiction and subject matter jurisdiction. The venue is usually the same area where the incident leading to the trial occurred. A change of venue may occur if negative publicity or other factor would make it difficult to find unbiased jurors.

Verdict: The jury's decision in a case. A general verdict is the jury's finding either for the plaintiff or the defendant. A special verdict is a statement by the jury of facts it has found in response to questions submitted by the judge.

Vicarious Liability: The liability of one person for the torts of another.

Void: Having no binding effect or legal force; null.

Voir Dire: Process of questioning potential jurors so that each side may decide whether to accept or oppose individuals for jury service.