Court Reporter Practice Exam

What term is used to describe additional parties or individuals included in legal documents?

1. Precedent

2. Amicus curiae

3. Affidavit

4. Et al.

The correct answer is: Et al.

The term used to describe additional parties or individuals included in legal documents is "et al." This Latin abbreviation stands for "et alia," which translates to "and others." It is commonly employed in legal writing to refer to multiple parties without having to list each individual by name. This is particularly useful in cases where there are numerous plaintiffs or defendants, allowing for a more concise presentation of the case without losing clarity. The other terms listed do not serve this function in legal documentation. A precedent refers to a previous case or legal decision that can be used as an authority for deciding subsequent cases. Amicus curiae means "friend of the court" and refers to a person or organization that is not a party to a case but offers information or expertise to assist the court in its decision-making. An affidavit is a sworn written statement made under oath, which is typically used to present evidence in legal proceedings. These terms have distinct meanings and applications in the legal field, which do not overlap with the purpose of indicating additional parties in legal documentation.