An opinion lacking enough votes to constitute a majority of the court, but receiving more votes in favor of the result then any other opinion.
precedent
A reported opinion of an appeals court that establishes for a particular jurisdiction the legal rule on the same legal question. The lower ct must follow a precedent ~ stare decisis
Prejudgement
Occurring before the rendering of judgement
Prima facie
Latin for on its face; evidence that is sufficient to establish a fact or create a presumption that a fact exists
probate
The process of proving a will is valid and thereby administering the estate of a deceased person according to the will.
pro forma
Latin for the sake of form
pro tanto
latin for only to that extent
proximate cause
An event, that in continuous, unbroken sequence produces an injury, without which the injury would not have occurred.
quasi
Latin for almost, as if
quasi in rem
Jurisdiction based on a person's interest in property located in the jurisdiction
quid pro quo
Latin for something for something
quorum
The number of people that must be present in order for business to be conducted at a meeting.