- V -

Vacuum Brake: The brake system which uses a vacuum formed in the brake pipe and cylinders to effect a brake release and the replacement of the vacuum by atmospheric pressure to cause an application. The automatic vacuum brake was first used in the UK in 1878.

Valid Claim: A grievance that can be resolved by legal action.

Venue: The place of trial.

Verdict: The decision of the case reached by the jury.

Vicarious Liability: When one person is liable for the negligent actions of another person, even though the first person was not directly responsible for the injury. For instance, a parent sometimes can be vicariously liable for the harmful acts of a child and an employer sometimes can be vicariously liable for the acts of a worker.

Voir Dire: A French phrase that means "to speak the truth." The process of interviewing prospective jurors. Pronounced "vwa dear."