Law Lexicon
Next friend - One acting without formal appointment as guardian for the benefit of an infant, a person of unsound mind not judicially declared incompetent, or other person under some disability.
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No Bill - This phrase, endorsed by a grand jury on the written indictment submitted to it for its approval, means that the evidence was found insufficient to indict.
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No-contest Clause - Language in a will that provides that a person who makes a legal challenge to the will's validity will be disinherited.
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No-fault Proceedings - A civil case in which parties may resolve their dispute without a formal finding of error or fault.
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Nolo contendere - A Latin phrase meaning "I will not contest it." A plea in a criminal case which does not require the defendant to admit guilt, but the defendant does not contest the facts on which the charge is based. Some judges refuse to accept such pleas in criminal cases.
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Non compos mentis - Not of sound mind; insane.
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Nonfeasance - Nonperformance of an act which should be performed; omission to perform a required duty or total neglect of duty.
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Nonjury trial - Trial before the court but without a jury.
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Not guilty plea - Complete denial of guilt. In criminal cases, a necessary stage of the proceedings required to preserve all legal issues.
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Not guilty by reason of insanity - The jury or the judge must determine that the defendant, because of mental disease or defect, could not form the intent required to commit the offense.
Source: Jurist International.
