Court Reporter Practice Exam

Which term indicates a situation where a legal case is actively ongoing?

1. Ad litem

2. Lis pendens

3. Res ipsa loquitor

4. Et vir

The correct answer is: Lis pendens

The term that indicates a situation where a legal case is actively ongoing is "lis pendens." This Latin term translates to "suit pending" and is commonly used in legal contexts to signify that there is a pending lawsuit that may affect the title to a property. When lis pendens is publicly filed, it notifies interested parties that a legal dispute is in progress, potentially impacting transactions concerning the affected property. This is essential for protecting the interests of the parties involved in the ongoing litigation, as it serves as a warning to future buyers or interested parties that a claim may exist over the property. In contrast, "ad litem" refers to a designation of someone appointed to act on behalf of another party in a legal proceeding, often used in cases involving minors or incapacitated individuals. "Res ipsa loquitur" is a principle of law that allows a presumption of negligence based on the mere occurrence of an accident, without direct evidence. "Et vir," which means "and husband," relates to the legal context of marriage and does not indicate an ongoing legal case.