Simple English definitions for legal terms
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The prior-exclusive-jurisdiction doctrine is a rule that says a court cannot take control of property that is already being handled by another court. A statement is a spoken or written declaration of facts. It can be used as evidence in a trial. A false statement is a lie told on purpose to deceive someone. A financial statement is a document that shows a person's financial situation. An incriminating statement is one that makes someone look guilty. A prior consistent statement is a previous statement made by a witness that matches their testimony in court. A sworn statement is a statement given under oath. A voluntary statement is one made without being forced or influenced.
The prior-exclusive-jurisdiction doctrine is a rule that states a court will not take jurisdiction over property that is already under the jurisdiction of another court of concurrent jurisdiction.
For example, if a property dispute is already being heard in a state court, a federal court cannot take jurisdiction over the same property.
A statement is a verbal or nonverbal assertion or conduct intended as an assertion. It can also refer to a formal and exact presentation of facts.
For example, a witness's testimony in court is a statement. A financial statement is a document that presents a person's financial situation.
A statement can also refer to an account of a person's knowledge of a crime, taken by the police during their investigation. This is called an incriminating statement.
A prior inconsistent statement is a witness's earlier statement that conflicts with their testimony at trial. This type of evidence is allowed into court only after the witness's testimony has been impeached.
For example, if a witness testifies in court that they did not see a crime occur, but had previously told someone they did see it, that prior inconsistent statement can be used to challenge the witness's credibility.
A prior consistent statement is a witness's earlier statement that supports their testimony at trial. This type of evidence is admissible if it is offered to rebut a charge that the testimony was improperly influenced or fabricated.
For example, if a witness testifies in court that they saw a crime occur, and had previously told someone the same thing, that prior consistent statement can be used to support the witness's credibility.
A sworn statement is a statement given under oath, such as an affidavit. It can also refer to a contractor-builder's listing of suppliers and subcontractors, required by a lending institution for interim financing.
For example, if a person signs an affidavit stating that they witnessed a crime, that is a sworn statement.
A voluntary statement is a statement made without the influence of duress, coercion, or inducement.
For example, if a person voluntarily goes to the police station to give a statement about a crime they witnessed, that is a voluntary statement.