Court News Ohio
Court News Ohio
Court News Ohio

CNO Legal Glossary

E
En banc
French, meaning “on the bench.” All judges who make up a particular appellate court sitting together to hear a case, instead of the usual panel of three judges.
Enjoin
To issue an injunction.
Entrustment
To give to another the responsibility to care for something with the confidence that care will be taken.
Entry
A written recording of the decision and determinations made by a court that is journalized to document a court action or proceeding.
Equitable
A court remedy that does not involve a payment of money for damages.
Estate
All that a person or entity owns, including both real and personal property.
Et al.
Latin, meaning “and others.” An abbreviation usually used after the first name listed in a case name when there are many parties. (ex: “Smith et al. v. Jones, et al.”)
Et seq.
Latin, meaning “and the following.” Commonly used to refer to numbered lists, pages, or sections that follow after the initial reference.
Evidence
Information presented in testimony or in documents, according to specific court rules, and used to prove a case to the judge or jury.
Exclusionary rule
Doctrine that says evidence obtained in violation of a criminal defendant’s rights is not admissible at trial.
Exculpatory evidence
Evidence indicating that a defendant did not commit the crime.
Executor
A person appointed by a probate court judge to carry out the provisions of a deceased person’s will.
Executory contracts
Contracts or leases under which both parties to the agreement have duties remaining to be performed.
Exigent circumstances
An emergency situation that allows a law enforcement officer who has probable cause that a crime has been committed to act without a warrant.
Ex parte
Latin, meaning “of one part.” On behalf of one party only, and without notice to the other side.
Expunge
To delete, erase, or destroy an offender’s record to make it permanently irretrievable.
Ex relatione
Latin, meaning “upon being related,” and presented in case names as State ex rel. [party name] v. [party name]. Loosely means the action is “on behalf of” the State of Ohio, meaning the people at large.

The CNO Legal Glossary is part of an ongoing effort to educate the public about the courts and explain the legal system. The glossary is an evolving, interactive public resource. CNO encourages readers to send in their ideas for words and phrases to be considered for inclusion in the glossary. Submit your suggestions to CNO@sc.ohio.gov. The content of the CNO Legal Glossary does not represent the legal views of the court and is not considered or consulted by the justices in case deliberations.