O.R.

The term "O.R." means being released from custody without the need for the defendant to post bail on the defendant’s own promise (own recognizance) to return to court for continued criminal proceedings. See "own recognizance".

obscene

A term to describe content which is usually sexual in nature and appeals to people's "prurient interest," with no legitimate artistic, literary or scientific purpose. A Supreme Court Justice once said about obscenity: "I can't define it, but I know it when I see it."

offender

This term is usually used by the prosecution to describe the accused in a criminal proceeding.

offense

A crime or violation punishable by fine or jail.

office lease

A lease for office space.

open adoption

The adoption process in which the birth parents and adoptive parents know each other's identities.

opening statement

At trial, before evidence is received, both the prosecution and the defense are allowed to tell the jury what they intend to prove over the course of the trial. The opening statement is not a time for argument, but rather a factual presentation of the case.

opinion

The legal reasoning relied upon by the court in rendering a judgement or decision on the matter before the court. Appellate opinions which are published are considered to be law and will serve as legal precedent for future cases.

option to renew

Some leases give the tenant the right (but not the obligation) to renew the lease for an additional period of time. This is called an "option to renew." The terms of the renewed lease might be the same as those for the old lease, or they might be different (e.g., they might raise the rent).

order

Any directive issued by a judge ordering someone to do or not to do something. A person that disobeys a court order is guilty of contempt of court and can be incarcerated. Restraining orders are a good example.

ordinance

A local statute legislated by a city or municipality. Most ordinances are infractions.

OSHA

Abbreviation of the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration, the government agency that enforces federal laws requiring safety standards in the workplace.

outside salesperson

An employee who is exempt from federal laws requiring overtime pay because his main responsibility is to sell products away from the company's offices or showroom and the amount of time he spends on other types of work (such as deliveries or servicing) is small.

overt act

An intentional physical act made by a perpetrator in furtherance of a crime.

overtime

Hours worked in excess of 40 in a week. Under federal law, overtime hours generally should be paid at the rate of one and a half (1 ½ ) times a worker's regular rate of pay.

own recognizance

The term own recognizance (O.R) means being released from custody without the need for the defendant to post bail on the defendant’s own promise (own recognizance) to return to court for continued criminal proceedings.

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