Hung Jury

A jury that cannot agree on a verdict.

Indict

To formally charge with a crime.

Mistrial

A trial that ends because its without a verdict; can be the result of a hung jury or improper behavior.

Plaintiff

The person or company who take the defendant to court in a civil case.

Plea

The defendant's answer to the charge; usually " guilty" or " not guilty."

Plea Bargain

The defendant pleads guilty to a lesser charge instead of risking a conviction at a trial.

Probable Cause

Reasonable belief that the accused is guilty.

Prosecutor

The attorney for the state or federal government that tries to prove the defendant is guilty.

Testimony

The statement a person gives under oath.