“To make sure” A request for certiorari is an appeal which the higher court is not required to grant. If it does, then it agrees to gear the case, and a writ of certiorari is issued commanding officials of inferior courts to convey the record of the case to the higher court.

A case involving disputes between two or more people, between the people and companies or between people and government agencies.

The term generally refers to the “judge-made law” (case law or decision law). The common law originated in England in the rulings of judges based on tradition and custom. These rulings became the common law to the land. Common law is distributed from the statutes (laws enacted by legislatures)

The first legal document filed in a civil lawsuit. It includes a statement of the wrong or harm dome to the plaintiff by the defendant and a request for a specific remedy from the court. A complaint in a criminal case is a sworn statement regarding the defendant’s actions that constitute a crime.

A request by the losing party in a lawsuit that the judgment be reviewed by a higher court.

The party who initiates an appeal. Sometimes called a petitioner.

appellate court

The party against whom an appeal is taken, sometimes called a respondent

The whole body of lawyers. The “Case at bar” is the case currently being considered.

A written argument prepared by counsel to file in court setting forth both facts and law in support of a case.

An order of the court.

Decree is one which fully and finally disposes of the litigation

Decree is one that often disposes of only part of a lawsuit.

In a civil case, the person being sued. In a criminal case, the person charged with a crime.

Latin, meaning “in fact” or “actually”. Something that exists in fact but not as a matter of law.

A conflict of claims or rights for which a legal suit may be brought

Formal conclusion by a judge or regulatory agency on issues of fact; also a conclusion by a jury regarding a fact.

A written statement of a judge setting fort the reasons for a decisions and explaining his or her interpretation of the law applicable to the case

Represents the view of more than half of the judges who participated in the case.

Represents the view of the greatest number of judges, but less than half of those who hears the case.

One which disagrees with the decision of the majority.

Agrees with the decision of the majority, but differs from the reasoning of the majority opinion.

You do not contest the States charge against you. You will almost certainly be found guilty, unless you are eligible and successfully complete a driving safety course and or court ordered probation. It may not be used against you in a subsequent civil suit for damages.  

You deny guilt, and that the state must prove the charge that is filed against you. You need to decide whether to hire an attorney to represent you.