Real Property: Land and all the things that
are attached to it. Anything that is not real property
is personal property and personal property is anything
that isn't nailed down, dug into or built onto the land.
A house is real property, but a dining room set is not.
Reasonable Care: The level of care a typical
person would use if faced with the same circumstances.
Record: A written account of all the acts and
proceedings in a lawsuit.
Re-cross Examination: Questioning a witness
about matters brought up during re-direct examination.
Re-direct Examination: Questioning a witness
about matters brought up during cross examination.
Remand: When an appellate court sends a case
back to a lower court for further proceedings.
Replevin: Repossession. Action taken by a
creditor to seize assets of a debtor.
Res Ipsa Loquitur: A Latin phrase, that means
"the thing speaks for itself." Refers to
situations when it's assumed that a person's injury was
caused by the negligent action of another party because
the accident was the sort that wouldn't occur unless
someone was negligent.
Retainer: Refers to the up front payment a
client gives a lawyer to accept a case. The client is
paying to "retain" the lawyer's services.
Retaining Lien: Gives a lawyer the rights to
hold on to your money or property (such as a deed) until
you pay the bill.
Reverse: When an appellate court sets aside
the decision of a lower court because of an error. A
reversal is often followed by a remand.