eminent domain - the legal power of the state to take property (usually with compensation awarded) for public purposes (eg building a highway, reservoir, or bridge).

(writ of) habeus corpus - court petition ordering that a person being detained be produced before a judge for a hearing to determine whether the detention is lawful.

nolo contendre - a plea entered where the defendant declines to refute the prosecution's case, but does not admit guilt; literally: "I will not defend it". This often has the same effect as a guilty plea.

prima facie - "at first glance" or "on the surface". Often used when one fact is shown then another fact is established prima facie or until proven otherwise (eg if someone boarded a train to a certain destination, then they are assumed to have arrived at that destination). Also used as in a prima facie hearing or prima facie case where the case needs to be examined to see if at first glance there is something that merits legal proceedings before continuing any further.

pro bono (or pro bono publico) - legal work done for free; literally "for the good" (or "for the public good").