Hypothesis

* In criminal practice, a theory proposed in explanation of the facts in a case, and to establish either guilt or innocence.

Hypothetical.

Assumed for the purpose of inference or of opinion. An hypothetical case consists of a statement of assumed facts intended to be propounded to an expert, in order to elicit his opinion. Thus, an expert in insanity may say whether a person, under indictment for murder, would be likely to be predisposed to emotional insanity, upon a statement of facts, admitted or assumed, supposed to exhibit his individual and family history. See Dexter v. Ball, Expert. I. I. As an abbreviation, is used for insti> tutes, internal, Irish.