Precedent

 A court decision that serves to guide future decisions in related cases

NATO

North AtlanticTreaty Organization

officer in charge of the prisoners and jurors in a court

ballot

written vote cast by each juror

defendant

the person in a court of law who is being accused or sued

cross-examination

to question a witness for the opposing side in a hearing or trial

governor

top elected official in state government

direct examination

questioning of a witness by the party who called the witness

mayor-council

form of gov't for large cities where a mayor

is elected by the voters and works with a

city council of elected official

plaintiff

person who begins the lawsuit in a

civil court

Opening statements

the initial presentation of evidence that's expected to be presented at a trial of a judge and jury

law

system of basic rules 

Council for the Plaintiff

Attorney for the plaintiff in court of law

Defense Council

Attorneys for the Accused

platform

pleading as guilty or not guilty of the charges made

trial

when parties in a dispute come together to

present evidence in a court of law to

adjudicate claims or disputes.