ADVERSE EMPLOYMENT ACTIONS AND PUBLIC SCHOOL ...

eview a decision by a state’s highest court when there is a question as to the validity of a federal
treaty or statute, or of a state statute on constitutional grounds. Certiorari is also used within state
court systems (Merriam Webster’s Dictionary of Law, 1996, p. 72).
Collateral estoppel: estoppel by judgment barring the relitigation of issues litigated by
the same parties on a different cause of action (Merriam Webster’s Dictionary of Law, 1996, p.
170).
De novo: Allowing independent appellant determination of issues (Merriam Webster’s
Dictionary of Law, 1996. p. 132).
Defendant: the party against whom a criminal or civil action is brought (Merriam
Webster’s Dictionary of Law, 1996, p. 128).
Dismiss: (1) to remove from position or service; (2) to bring about or order the dismissal
of an action (Merriam Webster’s Dictionary of Law, 1996, p. 143).
Dismissal: (1) removal from a position or service; (2a) the termination of an action or
claim usually before the presentation of evidence by the defendant; (2b) the cancellation of an
indictment, information, complaint, or charge; (2c) a document setting forth the request for a
dismissal (Merriam Webster’s Dictionary of Law, 1996, p. 143).
Due process: (1) a course of formal proceedings carried our regularly, fairly, and in
accordance with established rules and principles--called also “procedural due process;” (2) a
requirement that laws and regulation must be related to a legitimate government interest and may
not contain provisions that result in the unfair or arbitrary treatment of an individual--also called
“substantive due process;” (3) the right to due process (Merriam Webster’s Dictionary of Law,
1996 p. 152).
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