Term
|
Definition
| A suit which has been quashed and ended. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A short, abbreviated form of the case as found in the record. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A chronological summary of all official records and recorded documents affecting the title to a parcel of real property. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A parent's or custodian's act of leaving a child without adequate care, supervision, support, or parental contact for an excessive period of time. Also, the desertion of one spouse by the other with the intent to terminate the marriage relationship. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A person who aids or contributes in the commission of a crime. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| One who knowingly, voluntarily, and intentionally unites with the principal offender in the commission of a crime. A partner in a crime. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A satisfaction agreed upon between the parties in a lawsuit which bars subsequent actions on the claim. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A method of discharging a claim upon agreement by the parties to give and accept something in settlement of the claim. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A formal charge against a person, to the effect that he has engaged in a punishable offense. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| The generic name for the defendant in a criminal case. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| 1. A Statement of acceptance of responsibility. 2. The short declaration at the end of a legal paper showing that the paper was duly executed and acknowledged. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| To legally certify the innocence of one charged with a crime. To set free, release, or discharge from an obligation, burden, or accusation. To find a defendant not guilty in a criminal trial. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| In criminal Law, a finding of not guilty. In contract law, a release, absolution, or discharge from an obligation, liability, or engagement. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Case, cause, suit, or controversy disputed or contested before a court of justice. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Giving or pronouncing a judgment or decree. Also the judgment given. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| 1. One who administers the estate of a person who dies without a will. 2. A court official |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Pertinent and proper to be considered in reaching a decision. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Evidence that can be legally and properly introduced in a civil or criminal trial. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Voluntary acknowledgement of the existence of certain facts relevant to the adversary's case. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
To advise or caution.
For example the Court my caution or admonish counsel for wrong practices. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| To take into one's family the child of another and give him or her the rights, privileges, and duties of a child and heir. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| The trial method used in the US and some countries. This system is based on the belief that the truth can best be determined by giving opposing parties full opportunity to present and establish their evidence, and to test by cross examination the evidence presented by their adversaries. All this is done under the established rules of procedure before an impartial judge and/or jury. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A person who makes and signs an affidavit |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A written statement of facts confirmed by the oath of the party making it, before a notary or officer having the authority to administer oaths. For example, in criminal cases, affidavits are often used by the police officers seeking to convince courts to grant a warrant to make an arrest or a search. In civil cases, affidavits of witnesses are often used to support motions for summary judgment. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Without denying the charge, the defendant raises circumstances such as insanity, self-defense, or entrapment to avoid civil or criminal responsibility. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| In the practice of appellate courts, the word means that the decision of the trial court is correct. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| One who has authority to act for another. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| An attempt to cause serious bodily injury to another or purposely, knowingly or recklessly causing such injury, or an attempt to cause or purposely or knowingly cause bodily injury to another with a deadly weapon. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| The unlawful use of force against another with unusual or serious consequences such as the use of a dangerous weapon. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Any factors associated with the commission of a crime which increase the seriousness of the offense or add to its injurious consequences. |
|
|
Term
| Agreed Statement of Facts |
|
Definition
| A statement of all important facts, which all the parties agree is true and correct, which is submitted to a court ruling. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A mutual understanding and intention between two or more parties. The writing or instrument which is evidence of an agreement. (Although often used as a synonymous with contract, agreement is a broader term. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Help, assist, or facilitate the commission of a crime. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A special type of guilty plea by which a defendant does not admit guilt but concedes the State has sufficient evidence to convict; normally made to avoid the threat of greater punishment. Source Black's Law Dictionary (1996); North Carolina v. Alford, 400 US 25 (1975) |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A defense claim that the accused was somewhere else at the time a crime was committed. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A court-ordered allowance that one spouse pays the other spouse for the maintenance and support while they are separated, pending suit for divorce, or after they are divorces |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| The assertion of a party to a an action, setting out what he expects to prove. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| To state, recite, assert, claim, maintain, charge or set forth. To make an allegation. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Asserted to be true as depicted or a person who is accused but has not yet been tried in court. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A defendant's statement in mitigation of punishment. |
|
|
Term
| Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) |
|
Definition
| Settling a dispute without a full, formal trial. Methods include mediation, conciliation, arbitration, and settlement, among others. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| To change, make correct, revise, improve, modify, or alter. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| The correction of an error admitted in any process. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A case summary or a commentary on the law cases, statutes, and rules illustrating its interpretation. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Yearly judicial review, usually in juvenile dependency cases, to determine whether the child requires continued court supervision or placement. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| The defendant's response to the plaintiff's allegations as stated in a complaint. An item-by-item, paragraph-by-paragraph response to points made in a complaint; part of the pleadings. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A request made after a trial, asking another court (usually the court of appeals) to decide whether the tril was conducted properly. To make such a request is "to appeal" or "to take an appeal". |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A coming into court as party or interested person or as a lawyer on behalf of party or interested person. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| The party appealing a final decision or judgment. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A court having jurisdiction to hear appeals and review a trial court's procedure. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| The appellate court has the right to review and revise the lower court decision. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| The party against whom an appeal is taken. Sometimes called a respondent. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| The referral of a dispute to an impartial third person chosen by the parties to the dispute who agree in advance to abide by the arbitrator's award issued after a hearing at which both parties have an opportunity to be heard. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Remarks addressed by attorney to judge or jury on the merits of case or on points of law. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| The procedure where the accused is brought before the court to hear the criminal charge(s) against him or her and to enter a plea of either guilty, not guilty or no contest. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A proceeding in which the accused is brought before the court to plead t the criminal charge in the indictment or information. The charge is read to him or her and he/she is asked to plead guilty or not guilty or, where permitted, nolo contendere (no contest). Another term for preliminary hearing. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| To deprive a person of his liberty by legal authority. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Postponing the effect of judgment already entered. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| The malicious burning of someone else's or one's own dwelling or of anyone's commercial or industrial property. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Any willful attempt or threat to inflict injury upon the person of another, when coupled with the present ability to do so, and any intentional display of force such as would give victim reason to fear or expect immediate bodily harm. |
|
|
Term
| Assault with a Deadly Weapon |
|
Definition
| An aggravated unlawful assault in which there is a threat to do bodily harm without justification or excuse by use of any instrument calculated to do serious bodily harm or cause death. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| An assault committed with the intention of committing some additional crime. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| The person to whom property rights or power are transferred by another, a grantee. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| In tort law, a defense to a personal injury suit. The essence of an affirmative defense is that the plaintiff assumed the known risk of whatever dangerous condition caused the injury.
|
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| The time in a lawsuit when the complaining party has stated his or her claim and the other side has responded with a denial and the matter is ready to be tried. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Taking a person's property to satisfy a court-ordered debt. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| An endeavor or effort to do an act or accomplish a crime, carries beyond preparation, but lacking execution |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| To bear witness to, to affirm to be true or genuine, to certify |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Attorney at law, lawyer, counselor at law. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| The lawyer who represents a client and is entitled to receive all formal documents from the court or from other parties. Also known as counsel of record. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| An advocate, counsel, or official agent employed in preparing, managing, and trying cases in the courts. ATTORNEY-IN-FACT - A private person (who is not necessarily a lawyer) authorized by another to act in his or her place, either for some particular purpose, as to do a specific act, or for the transaction of business in general, not of legal character. This authority is conferred by an instrument in writing, called a letter of attorney, or more commonly, a power of attorney |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| To give authority or legal authenticity to a statute, record, or other written instrument. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| The manipulation of an automobile and its parts for a specific purpose. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Money or other security (such as a bail bond) provided to the court to temporarily allow a person's release from jail and assure his or her appearance in court. Bail and Bond are often used interchangeably. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| An obligation signed by the accused to secure his or her presence at the trial. This obligation means that the accused may lose money by not properly appearing for the trial. Often referred to simply as bond |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A person who is the liable party in paying the bond for the defendant's release from jail. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Bail that is kept by the court as a result of not following a court order |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A hearing established to re-evaluate the bail amount that was originally set for the accused. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A court officer who has charge of a court session in the matter of keeping order and has custody of the jury. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Refers to statutes and judicial proceedings involving persons or businesses that cannot pay their debts and seek the assistance of the court in getting a fresh start. Under the protection of the bankruptcy court, debtors may be released from or “discharged” from their debts, perhaps by paying a portion of each debt. Bankruptcy judges preside over these proceedings. The person with the debts is called the debtor and the people or companies to whom the debtor owes money to are called creditors. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Historically, the partition separating the general public from the space occupied by the judges, lawyers, and other participants in a trial. 2. More commonly, the term means the whole body of lawyers. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A state examination taken by prospective lawyers in order to be admitted and licensed to practice law. |
|
|
Term
| BATTERED CHILD SYNDROME (B.C.S.) |
|
Definition
| Physical condition of a child indicating that external or internal injuries result from acts committed by a parent or custodian |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| An offensive touching or use of force on a person without the person's consent. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| An offensive touching or use of force on one's spouse without the spouse's consent. See BATTERY. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| The seat occupied by judges in courts. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A meeting either on or off the record at the judge's bench between the judge, counsel, and sometimes the defendant, out of the hearing of the jury. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Trial without a jury in which a judge decides the facts. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| An order issued by a judge for the arrest of a person. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
Someone named to receive property or benefits in a will.
In a trust, a person who is to receive benefits from the trust. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| To give a gift to someone through a will. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Primary evidence; the best evidence available. Evidence short of this is “secondary.” That is, an original letter is “best evidence,” and a photocopy is “secondary evidence.” |
|
|
Term
| BEYOND A REASONABLE DOUBT |
|
Definition
| The standard in a criminal case requiring that the jury be satisfied to a moral certainty that every element of a crime has been proven by the prosecution. This standard of proof does not require that the state establish absolute certainty by eliminating all doubt, but it does require that the evidence be so conclusive that all reasonable doubts are removed from the mind of the ordinary person. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Inclination, bent, a pre-conceived opinion or a predisposition to decide a cause or an issue a certain way. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| To try issues separately, such as guilt and criminal responsibility in a criminal proceeding or liability and damages in a civil action. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| To hold a person for trial on bond (bail) or in jail. If the judicial official conducting a hearing finds probable cause to believe the accused committed a crime, the official will bind over the accused, normally by setting bail for the accused's appearance at trial |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A written order issued by a court directing a sheriff or peace officer to take custody of and bring before the court: 1) A witness who fails to comply with a subpoena, 2) a party who fails to comply with a court order in a civil action, or 3) a material witness in a criminal case. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A certificate or evidence of a debt. Often used interchangeably with bail. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| The process of photographing, fingerprinting, and recording identifying data of a suspect. This process follows the arrest. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| The number assigned to the criminal record that corresponds to the person's arrest. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| The act of collecting the bets of others or making odds on future gambling events. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| The act of showing a weapon to another person, typically the police or the victim. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| The breaking or violating of a law, right, obligation, or duty either by doing an act or failing to do an act. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Breaking and entering a dwelling of another in nighttime with intent to commit a felony therein. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Test to determine content of alcohol in one arrested for operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of liquor by analyzing a breath sample. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A gift, not necessarily of monetary value, given to influence the conduct of the receiver |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A written statement prepared by the counsel arguing a case in court. It contains a summary of the facts of a case, the pertinent laws, and an argument of how the law applies to the facts supporting counsel's position |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| The obligation of a party to establish by evidence a requisite degree of belief concerning a fact in the mind of the trier of fact or the court. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| The act of entering or remaining illegally in a movable or immovable structure, vehicle or dwelling with intent to commit a felony. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| List of cases scheduled for hearing in court. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| The public calling of the docket or list of causes at commencement of term of court, for setting a time for trial or entering orders. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A criminal case in which the allowable punishment includes death |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A crime punishable by death |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Punishment by death for capital crimes. Death penalty |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| The heading on a legal document listing the parties, the court, the case number, and related information. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A general term for an action, cause, suit, or controversy brought before the court for resolution. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Law established by previous decisions of appellate courts, particularly the Supreme Court. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| The act which produces an effect |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A lawsuit, litigation, or action. Any question, civil or criminal, litigated or contested before a court of justice. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| The facts that give rise to a lawsuit or a legal claim |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| An order of an administrative agency or court prohibiting a person or business from continuing a particular course of conduct. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| 1. Written attestation. 2. Authorized declaration verifying that an instrument is a true and correct copy of the original. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Attested as being true or an exact reproduction |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| An accounting for the whereabouts of the tangible evidence from the moment it is received in custody until it is offered in evidence in court |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| An objection, such as when an attorney objects at a hearing to the seating of a particular person on a civil or criminal jury. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Objection to the seating of a particular juror for a stated reason (usually bias or prejudice for or against one of the parties in the lawsuit). The judge has the discretion to deny the challenge. This differs from peremptory challenge. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Questioning the qualifications of an entire jury panel, usually on the ground of partiality or some fault in the process of summoning the panel. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
A judge's private office.
A hearing in chambers takes place in the judge's office outside of the presence of the jury and the public. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Moving a lawsuit or criminal trial to another place for trial. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| The testimony of witnesses who know the general character and reputation of a person in the community in which he or she lives. It may be considered by the jury in a dual respect: 1) as substantive evidence upon the theory that a person of good character and reputation is less likely to commit a crime than one who does not have a good character and reputation, and 2) as corroborative evidence in support of a witness's testimony as bearing upon credibility. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A formal allegation, as a preliminary step in prosecution, that a person has committed a specific offense, which is recorded in a complaint, information or indictment. To charge; To accuse. See INSTRUCTIONS |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| The judge's instructions to the jury concerning the law that applies to the facts of the case on trial. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A written accusation alleging a defendant has committed an offense. Includes a citation, an indictment, information, and statement of charges. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Presiding or Administrative Judge in a court. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Any form of cruelty to a child's physical, moral, or mental well-being. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Any form of indecent or sexual activity on, involving, or surrounding a child under the state's designated age. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| The legal obligation of parents to contribute to the economic maintenance, including education, of their children. Money paid by one parent to another toward the expenses of the children of the marriage. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| All evidence except eyewitness testimony. One example is physical evidence, such as fingerprints, from which an inference can be drawn. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A reference to a source of legal authority. A direction to appear in court, as when a defendant is cited into court, rather than arrested. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Noncriminal case in which one private individual or business sues another to protect, enforce, or redress private or civil rights. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A lawsuit brought to enforce, redress, or protect private rights or to gain payment for a wrong done to a person or party by another person or party. In general, all types of actions other than criminal proceedings. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| The rules and process by which a civil case is tried and appealed, including the preparations for trial, the rules of evidence and trial conduct, and the procedure for pursuing appeals. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| The assertion of a right to money or property. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A lawsuit brought by one or more persons on behalf of a larger group. |
|
|
Term
| CLEAR AND CONVINCING EVIDENCE |
|
Definition
| Standard of proof commonly used in civil lawsuits and in regulatory agency cases. It governs the amount of proof that must be offered in order for the plaintiff to win the case. |
|
|
Term
| CLEMENCY OR EXECUTIVE CLEMENCY |
|
Definition
| Act of grace or mercy by the president or governor to ease the consequences of a criminal act, accusation, or conviction. It may take the form of commutation or pardon. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Officer of the court who files pleadings, motions, judgments, etc., issues process, and keeps records of court proceedings. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| The closing statement, by counsel, to the trier of facts after all parties have concluded their presentation of evidence. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A collection, compendium, or revision of laws, rules, and regulations enacted by legislative authority. |
|
|
Term
| CODE OF CRIMINAL PROCEDURE |
|
Definition
| Body of federal or state law dealing with procedural aspects of trial for criminal cases. |
|
|
Term
| CODE OF FEDERAL REGULATIONS |
|
Definition
| The CFR is the annual listing of executive agency regulations published in the daily Federal Register, and the regulations issued previously which are still in effect. The CFR contains regulatory laws governing practice and procedure before federal administrative agencies. |
|
|
Term
| CODE OF PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITY |
|
Definition
| The rules of conduct that govern the legal profession. The Code contains general ethical guidelines and specific rules written by the American Bar Association. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| 1. Property that is pledged as security against a debt. 2. A person belonging to the same ancestral stock (a relation), but not in a direct line of descent. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| An attack on a judgment other than a direct appeal to a higher court. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A person who directs a commission; a member of a commission. The officer in charge of a department or bureau of a public service. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| 1. To execute, perpetrate, or carry out an act. To commit a crime. 2. To send a person to prison, asylum, or reformatory by a court order. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| 1. The action of sending a person to a penal or mental institution. 2. The order directing an officer to take a person to a penal or mental institution. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A court order directing that an individual be kept in custody, usually in a penal or mental facility. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| The legal system that originated in England and is now in use in the United States. It is based on judicial decisions rather than legislative action. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Property owned in common by husband and wife each having an undivided one-half interest by reason of their marital status. For example, the earnings of one spouse during the marriage do not belong solely to that spouse; the earnings are community property. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| The reduction of a sentence, such as from death to life imprisonment. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A legal doctrine by which acts of the opposing parties are compared to determine the liability of each party to the other, making each liable only for his or her percentage of fault. See also CONTRIBUTORY NEGLIGENCE. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Mental capacity of a person, especially with regard to his or her ability to stand trial and to assist counsel in his or her defense. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| The party who complains or sues; one who applies to the court for legal redress. Also called the plaintiff. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| The legal document that usually begins a civil lawsuit. It states the facts and identifies the action the court is asked to take. 2. Formal written charge that a person has committed a criminal offense. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| To act in accordance with, to accept, to obey. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A picture of an alleged criminal created by a professional police artist using verbal descriptions given by the victim or a witness. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A form of alternative dispute resolution in which the parties bring their dispute to a neutral third party, who helps lower tensions, improve communications, and explore possible solutions. Conciliation is similar to mediation, but it may be less formal. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| The jurisdiction of two or more courts each authorized to deal with the same subject matter. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Sentences for more than one crime that are to be served at the same time, rather than one after the other. See also CUMULATIVE SENTENCES. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| The legal process by which the government takes private land for public use, paying the owners a fair price. See EMINENT DOMAIN. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A release from custody which imposes regulations on the activities and associations of the defendant. If a defendant fails to meet the conditions, the release is revoked. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Voluntary statement made by one who is a defendant in a criminal trial, which, if true, discloses his or her guilt. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| To seize or take private property for public use (the police confiscated the weapon). |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| 1. A real or seeming incompatibility between one's private interests and one's public or fiduciary duties. 2. A real or seeming incompatibility between the interests of two of a lawyer's clients, such that the lawyer is disqualified from representing both clients if the dual representation adversely affects either client or if the clients do not consent. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Successive sentences, one beginning at the expiration of another, imposed against a person convicted of two or more violations. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Legal right given to a person to manage the property and financial affairs of a person deemed incapable of doing that for himself or herself. (They have somewhat less responsibility than guardians. See also guardianship.) |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| The cause, price, or impelling influence which induces a party to enter into a contract. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| An agreement by two or more persons to commit an unlawful act; in criminal law, conspiracy is a separate offense from the crime that is the object of the conspiracy. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A right guaranteed by the U. S. Constitution, interpreted by the federal courts; also, a right guaranteed by some other constitution (such as a state constitution). |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| The finding of the court that an act was committed with the intent of embarrassing the court, disobeying its lawful orders, or obstructing the administration of justice in some way. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| The adjournment or postponement of a session, hearing, trial, or other proceeding until a future date. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A legally enforceable agreement between two or more competent parties made either orally or in writing. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
A legal doctrine that says if the plaintiff in a civil action for negligence also was negligent, he or she cannot recover damages from the defendant for the defendant's negligence. Most jurisdictions have abandoned the doctrine in favor of comparative negligence |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Any of the drugs whose production and use are regulated by law, including narcotics, stimulants, and hallucinogens. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| 1. A person who has been found guilty of a crime and is serving a sentence for that crime; a prison inmate. 2. To find a person guilty of an offense by either a trial or a plea of guilty. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A judgment of guilty following a verdict or finding of guilty, a plea of guilty, or a plea of nolo contendere. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Public official charged with duty to make inquiry into the causes and circumstances of any death which occurs through violence or suddenly, with marks of suspicion. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| To support with evidence or authority; make more certain. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Supplementary evidence that tends to strengthen or confirm the initial evidence. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Confirmation or support of a witness' statement or other fact. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| An allowance for expenses in prosecuting or defending a suit. Ordinarily this does not include attorney fees. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A legal representative, attorney, lawyer. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| The physical location where the defense and prosecuting parties are seated throughout the duration of the trial. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Each of the allegations of an offense listed in a charging document. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A claim presented by a defendant in a civil lawsuit against the plaintiff. In essence, a counter lawsuit within a lawsuit. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| To forge, to copy or imitate, without authority or right, and with the purpose to deceive or defraud, by passing off the copy as genuine. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A building or structure used to house alleged criminals and/or convicted criminals of local area crimes. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| 1. A unit of the judiciary authorized to decide disputed matters of fact, cases or controversies. 2. Figuratively, the judge or judicial officer. Judges sometimes use "court" to refer to themselves in the third person, as in "the court has read the briefs." |
|
|
Term
| COURT ADMINISTRATOR/CLERK OF COURT |
|
Definition
| An officer appointed by the Court or elected to oversee the administrative, non-judicial activities of the court. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A defense attorney designated by the court to represent a defendant who does not have the funds to retain an attorney. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| The expenses of prosecuting or defending a lawsuit, other than the attorneys' fees. An amount of money may be awarded to the successful party (and may be recoverable from the losing party) as reimbursement for court costs. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A court in which the proceedings are recorded, transcribed, and maintained as permanent records. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A written direction or command delivered by a court or judge. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A person who makes a word-for-word record of what is said in court and produces a transcript of the proceedings upon request. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| In some states, the highest appellate court, where it is the Court's discretion whether to hear the case on appeal. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| 1. Federal - A trial court with general Federal jurisdiction. 2. State - Meaning varies from state to state. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A court having jurisdiction over cases involving children under a specified age, usually 18. Cases generally involve delinquent, dependent, and neglected children. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A court having jurisdiction (usually civil and criminal) over cases arising within the city or community in which it sits. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A specialized court that deals with cases during the late evening and early morning hours. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Meaning varies from state to state. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| specialized court that hears crimes dealing with traffic offenses. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| The section of a courthouse in which the judge presides over the proceedings. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| The quality in a witness which makes his or her testimony believable. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| 1. An act of omission or commission in violation of law which carries criminal consequences. 2. Criminal activity in general relating to a specific time or place. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| 1. One who has been convicted of a criminal offense. 2. That which is connected with the law of crimes; That which has the character of a crime (criminal justice; criminal intent). |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A case brought by the government against a person accused of committing a crime. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Lack of mental capacity to do or abstain from doing a particular act; inability to distinguish right from wrong. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| 1. Arrest record. A written account listing all the instances in which a person has been arrested. 2. A form completed by a police officer when a person is arrested. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| An order commanding an accused to appear in court. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A claim by codefendant or co-plaintiffs against each other and not against persons on the opposite side of the lawsuit. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| The questioning of a witness produced by the other side. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Sentences for two or more crimes to run consecutively, rather than concurrently. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| 1. The care and control of a thing or person for inspection, preservation, or security. 2. The care, control, and maintenance of a child awarded by a court to one of the parents in a divorce or separation proceeding. 3. The detention of a person by virtue of lawful process or authority. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Money awarded by a court to a person injured by the unlawful act or negligence of another person. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| State-imposed death as punishment for a serious crime. Capital punishment |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| The area of a state or federal prison where criminals who are sentenced to death are confined until their sentence is commuted or carried out. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| The judgment reached or given by a court of law. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A judgment of the court that explains what the existing law is or expresses the opinion of the court without the need for enforcement. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| An order of the court. A final decree is one that fully and finally disposes of the litigation. An interlocutory decree is a preliminary order that often disposes of only part of a lawsuit. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| That which tends to injure a person's reputation. Libel is published defamation, whereas slander is spoken. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| - A failure to respond to a lawsuit within the specified time. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A judgment entered against a party who fails to appear in court, respond to the charges, or does not comply with an order, especially an order to provide or permit discovery. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| 1. In a criminal case, the person accused of the crime. 2. In a civil case, the person being sued. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| 1. Defendant's statement of a reason why the plaintiff or prosecutor has no valid case against defendant, especially a defendant's answer, denial, or plea. 2. Defendant's method and strategy in opposing the plaintiff or the prosecution. 3. One or more defendants in a trial. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| An attorney who represents the defendant. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| 1. To discuss, ponder or reflect upon before reaching a decision. A judge will usually deliberate before announcing a judgment. 2. Intentional, characterized by consideration and awareness. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| The jury's decision-making process after hearing the evidence and closing arguments and being given the court's instructions. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Antisocial behavior by a minor; especially behavior that would be criminally punishable if the actor were an adult, but instead is usually punished by special laws pertaining only to minors. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A motion to dismiss a civil case because of the legal insufficiency of a complaint. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A child who is homeless or without proper care through no fault of the parent, guardian, or custodian. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| The act of removing a person to another country. Order issued by an immigration judge, expelling an alien from the United States. A deportation has certain consequences regarding the number of years within which a deportee may not legally immigrate. There are also criminal consequences for reentry within a prescribed time period. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A pretrial discovery device by which one party questions the other party or a witness for the other party. It usually takes place in the office of one of the lawyers, in the presence of a court reporter, who transcribes what is said. Questions are asked and answered orally as if in court, with opportunity given to the adversary to crossexamine. Occasionally, the questions are submitted in writing and answered orally. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| The court transfer of legal custody of a person from parents or legal guardian to another person, agency, or institution. It may be temporary or permanent. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| An assistant lawyer to the district attorney. |
|
|
Term
| DESCENT AND DISTRIBUTION STATUTES |
|
Definition
| State laws that provide for the distribution of estate property of a person who dies without a will. Same as intestacy laws. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| The act or fact of holding a person in custody; confinement or compulsory delay. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| In juvenile court, a judicial hearing, usually held after the filing of a petition, to determine interim custody of a minor pending a judgment |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Proof of facts by witnesses who saw acts done or heard words spoken. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| The first questioning of witnesses by the party on whose behalf they are called. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Now called Judgment as a Matter of Law. An instruction by the judge to the jury to return a specific verdict. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Form of discipline of a lawyer resulting in the loss (often permanently) of that lawyer's right to practice law. It differs from censure (an official reprimand or condemnation) and from suspension (a temporary loss of the right to practice law). |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| To refuse a gift made in a will. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| The procedure by which one or both parties disclose evidence which will be used at trial. The specific tools of discovery include depositions, interrogatories and motions for the production of documents |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| To terminate legal action involving outstanding charges against a defendant in a criminal case. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| The dismissal of a case, by which the same cause of action cannot be brought against the defendant again at a later date. |
|
|
Term
| DISMISSAL WITHOUT PREJUDICE |
|
Definition
| The dismissal of a case without preventing the plaintiff from bringing the same cause of action against the defendant in the future. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Any behavior, contrary to law, which disturbs the public peace or decorum, scandalizes the community, or shocks the public sense of morality. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A final settlement or determination. The court decision terminating proceedings in a case before judgment is reached, or the final judgment. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| To disagree. An appellate court opinion setting forth the minority view and outlining the disagreement of one or more judges with the decision of the majority. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| The act of bringing to an end; termination. The act of dissolving a marriage or other relationship into parts . |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| - A lawyer appointed or elected to represent the state in criminal cases in his or her respective judicial districts. See PROSECUTOR. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Conduct which tends to annoy all citizens, including unnecessary and distracting noisemaking. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| 1. The process of removing some minor criminal traffic, or juvenile cases from the full judicial process, on the condition that the accused undergo some sort of rehabilitation or make restitution for damages. 2. Unauthorized use of funds. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Legal dissolution of a marriage by a court. Also termed dissolution of marriage. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A list of cases to be heard by a court, or a log containing brief entries of court proceedings. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| The designation assigned to each case filed in a particular court. Also called a case number. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| An assault committed by one member of a household against another. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| The place where a person has his or her permanent legal home. A person may have several residences, but only one domicile. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| The constitutional prohibition under the Fifth Amendment against a person being put on trial more than once for the same offense. |
|
|
Term
| DRIVING WHILE INTOXICATED (DWI) |
|
Definition
| The unlawful operation of a motor vehicle while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. In some jurisdictions it is synonymous with DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE (DUI), but in others, driving while intoxicated is a more serious offense than driving under the influence. |
|
|
Term
| DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE (DUI), |
|
Definition
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| The operation of a vehicle in an impaired state after consuming alcohol that when tested is above the state's legal alcohol limit. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| The right of all persons to receive the guarantees and safeguards of the law and the judicial process. It includes such constitutional requirements as adequate notice, assistance of counsel, the right to remain silent, the right to a speedy and public trial, the right to an impartial jury, and the right to confront and secure witnesses. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A statement of the details of the charge made against the defendant |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Specific factors that define a crime which the prosecution must prove beyond a reasonable doubt in order to obtain a conviction. The elements that must be proven are 1) that a crime has actually occurred, 2) that the accused intended the crime to happen, and 3) a timely relationship between the first two factors. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
To willfully take or convert to one's own use, another's money or property, which the wrongdoer initially acquired lawfully, because of some office, employment, or some position of trust
|
|
|
Term
|
Definition
The power of the government to take private property for public use through condemnation
|
|
|
Term
|
Definition
All the judges of a court sitting together. Appellate courts can consist of a dozen or more judges, but often they hear cases in panels of three judges. If a case is heard or reheard by the full court, it is heard en banc.
|
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| To make greater in value, to increase |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| An order by the court telling a person to stop performing a specific act |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
The formal statement before the court that the accused admits committing the criminal act
|
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A defense to criminal charges alleging that agents of the government induced a person to commit a crime he or she otherwise would not have committed.
|
|
|
Term
|
Definition
The guarantee in the Fourteenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution that all persons be treated equally by the law
|
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| An action which may be brought for the purpose of restraining the threatened infliction of wrongs or injuries, and the prevention of threatened illegal action
|
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Generally, justice or fairness. Historically, equity refers to a separate body of law developed in England in reaction to the inability of the common-law courts, in their strict adherence to rigid writs and forms of action, to consider or provide a remedy for every injury. The king therefore established the court of chancery to do justice between parties in cases where the common law would give inadequate
redress. The principle of this system of law is that equity will find a way to achieve a
lawful result when legal procedure is inadequate. Equity and law courts are now merged
in most jurisdictions.
|
|
|
Term
|
Definition
The process by which a deceased person's property goes to the state if no heir can be found
|
|
|
Term
|
Definition
Money or a written instrument such as a deed that, by agreement between two parties, is held by a neutral third party (held in escrow) until all conditions of the agreement are met
|
|
|
Term
|
Definition
An estate consists of personal property (car, household items, and other tangible items), real property, and intangible property, such as stock certificates and bank accounts, owned in the individual name of a person at the time of the person's death. It does not include life insurance proceeds (unless the estate was made the beneficiary) or other assets that pass outside the estate (like joint tenancy assets)
|
|
|
Term
|
Definition
Generally, a tax on the privilege of transferring property to others after a person's death. In addition to federal estate taxes, many states have their own estate taxes
|
|
|
Term
|
Definition
A person's own act, or acceptance of facts, which preclude his or her later making claims to the contrary.
|
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Recovery of land or rental property from another by legal process. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
Information presented in testimony or in documents that is used to persuade the fact finder (judge or jury) to decide the case for one side or the other.
|
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| - Inferences drawn from proven facts |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
Evidence in form of witness testimony, who actually saw, heard, or touched the subject of question
|
|
|
Term
|
Definition
Evidence which can disappear relatively quickly, such as the amount of alcohol in a person's blood.
|
|
|
Term
|
Definition
The first examination of a witness by the counsel who called the witness to testify.
|
|
|
Term
|
Definition
A second examination of a witness by the opposing counsel after the second examination (or redirect examination) by the counsel who called the witness to testify is completed.
|
|
|
Term
|
Definition
A second examination of a witness by the counsel who called the witness to testify. This examination is usually focused on certain matters that were discussed by the opposing counsel's examination
|
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Declarations by either side in a civil or criminal case reserving the right to appeal a judge's ruling upon a motion. Also, in regulatory cases, objections by either side to points made by the other side or to rulings by the agency or one of its hearing officers
|
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| An order of the court requiring all witnesses to remain outside the courtroom until each is called to testify, except the plaintiff or defendant. The witnesses are ordered not to discuss their testimony with each other and may be held in contempt if they violate the order. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
The rule preventing illegally obtained evidence to be used in any trial.
|
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| The matter can only be filed in one court |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
To complete the legal requirements (such as signing before witnesses) that make a will valid. Also, to execute a judgment or decree means to put the final judgment of the court into effect.
|
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A personal representative, named in a will, who administers an estate |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A document or other item introduced as evidence during a trial or hearing |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Exhibit and/or evidence that is offered by the prosecution |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Removal of a charge, responsibility or duty. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Testimony given in relation to some scientific, technical, or professional matter by experts, i.e., person qualified to speak authoritatively by reason
of their special training, skill, or familiarity with the subject
|
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Official and formal erasure of a record or partial contents of a record |
|
|
Term
| EXTENUATING CIRCUMSTANCES |
|
Definition
| Circumstances which render a crime less aggravated, heinous, or reprehensible than it would otherwise be. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
The act of obtaining the property of another person through wrongful use of actual or threatened force, violence, or fear.
|
|
|
Term
|
Definition
The process by which one state or country surrenders to another state, a person accused or convicted of a crime in the other state.
|
|
|
Term
|
Definition
A writ, often issued by an appellate court, making available remedies not regularly within the powers of lower courts. They include writs of habeas
corpus, mandamus, prohibition and quo warranto. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| One who saw the act, fact, or transaction to which he or she testifies |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
The act of not appearing in court after being presented with a subpoena or summons.
|
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| The act of not following an order that is directed by the court |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
A hearing in which certain rights are respected such as the right to present evidence, to cross examine and to have findings supported by evidence.
|
|
|
Term
|
Definition
Any unlawful physical restraint of another's personal liberty, whether or not carried out by a peace officer.
|
|
|
Term
|
Definition
The unlawful restraint by one person of another person's physical liberty
|
|
|
Term
|
Definition
Representation of some fact or circumstance which is not true and is calculated to mislead, whereby a person obtains another's money or goods
|
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A small amount of money set aside from the estate of the deceased. Its purpose is to provide for the surviving family members during the
administration of the estate
|
|
|
Term
|
Definition
The most complete, unlimited form of ownership of real property, which endures until the current holder dies without heir
|
|
|
Term
|
Definition
A crime of a more serious nature than a misdemeanor, usually punishable by imprisonment in a penitentiary for more than a year and/or substantial fines
|
|
|
Term
|
Definition
A murder committed during the commission of a felony such as robbery, burglary, or kidnapping
|
|
|
Term
|
Definition
|
|
Term
|
Definition
A person having a legal relationship of trust and confidence to another and having a duty to act primarily for the others benefit, e.g., a guardian, trustee, or executor
|
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A method of determining whether a person is intoxicated using a motor skills test which is administered by testing the driver's speaking ability
and/or physical coordination
|
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Among other rights, the Fifth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution guarantees that a person cannot be compelled to present self-incriminating testimony in a criminal proceeding
|
|
|
Term
|
Definition
To place a paper in the official custody of the clerk of court to enter into the files or records of a case
|
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| For the judge or jury to determine and declare the guilt of the defendant |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Formal conclusion by a judge or jury on issues of fact |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| To sentence a person convicted of an offense to pay a penalty in money. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
The distinctive pattern of lines on human fingertips that are used as a method of identification in criminal cases
|
|
|
Term
|
Definition
A weapon which acts by force of gunpowder, such as a rifle, shotgun or revolver
|
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| The initial appearance of an arrested person before a judge to determine whether there is probable cause for his or her arrest. Generally the person comes before a judge within hours of the arrest, and are informed of the charges
against him or her and of his or her rights to a preliminary hearing, to counsel,and to
bail. No plea is asked for at this state. Also called initial appearance
|
|
|
Term
| FORCIBLE ENTRY AND DETAINER |
|
Definition
Ordinarily refers to a summary proceeding for restoring possession of land to one who has been wrongfully deprived of possession
|
|
|
Term
|
Definition
Procedure by which mortgaged property is sold on default of the mortgagor in satisfaction of mortgage debt
|
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| To lose, or lose the right to |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
The loss of money or property resulting from failure to meet a legal obligation or from the illegal nature or use of the money or propert
|
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| The act of claiming one's own writing to be that of another |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
A program of parental care for children who do not have an in-home parental relationship with either biological or adoptive parents.
|
|
|
Term
|
Definition
In a trial, a foundation must be laid to establish the basis for the admissibility of certain types of evidence. For example, an expert witnesses's qualifications must be shown before expert testimony will be admissible.
|
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Among other matters, the 14th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution prohibits states from depriving any person of life, liberty, or property without adequate due process |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
Intentional, unlawful deception to deprive another person of property or to injure that person in some other way
|
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| The act of staking money, or other thing of value, on an uncertain event or outcome |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| To withhold a debtor's money, and turn it over to another in order to pay a debt. Typically, the one withholding the money is the debtor's employer |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A legal proceeding in which a debtor's money, in the possession of another (the garnishee), is applied to the debts of the debtor, such as when an employer garnishes a debtor's wages. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| The voluntary transfer, by a debtor, of all property to a trustee for the benefit of all of his or her creditors |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Refers to courts that have no limit on the types of criminal and civil cases they may hear. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| The act of inhaling glue in order "to get high". |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Substantial reason, one that affords a legal excuse |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| An honest belief, the absence of malice, and the absence of design to defraud |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A reduction in sentenced time in prison as a reward for good behavior. It usually is one-third to one-half off the maximum sentence |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Jury of inquiry. The jury which determines which charges, if any, are to be brought against a defendant. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Taking and carrying away the personal property of another person of a value in excess of an amount set by law with the intent to deprive the owner or possessor of it permanently. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| The person who sets up a trust |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A foundation or basis; points relied on |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A person appointed by will or by law to assume responsibility for incompetent adults or minor children. If a parent dies, this will usually be the other parent. If both die, it probably will be a close relative |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Legal right given to a person to be responsible for the food, housing, health care, and other necessities of a person deemed incapable of providing these necessities for himself or herself, usually an incompetent adult or minor child |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Responsible for a delinquency, crime, or other offense; not innocent |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Chains or shackles for the hands to secure prisoners. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Words, gestures, and actions which tend to annoy, alarm, and verbally abuse another person. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| An error committed during a trial that was corrected or was not serious enough to affect the outcome of a trial and therefore was not sufficiently harmful (prejudicial) to be reversed on appeal. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A proceeding similar to a trial, without a jury, and usually of shorter duration |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A hearing held for the purpose of deciding issues or fact of law that both parties are disputing |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| The hearing given to person accused of crime, by a magistrate or judge, to determine whether there is enough evidence to warrant the confinement and holding to bail the person accused |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Statements by a witness who did not see or hear the incident in question but heard about it from someone else. Hearsay is usually not admissible as evidence in court |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Crime in which the driver of a vehicle leaves the scene of an accident without identifying himself or herself |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A temporary location that is meant to secure the accused while waiting for trial to begin or continue. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A will entirely written, dated, and signed by the testator in his/her own handwriting |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| An alternative to incarceration where an individual is confined to his or her home and monitored electronically. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| The unlawful killing of one human being by another |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
A warrant that a court issues under Health-General Article Section 12-120 after a probable cause determination that the named defendant has
violated a conditional release under Title 12 of the Health-General Article |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A witness whose testimony is not favorable to the party who calls him or her as a witness. A hostile witness may be asked leading questions and may be cross-examined by the party who calls him or her to the stand. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A jury whose members cannot agree upon a verdict |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| An imaginary situation, incorporating facts previously admitted into evidence, upon which an expert witness is permitted to give an opinion as to a condition resulting from the situation. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Against, or not authorized by law; unlawful. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Grant by the court which assures someone will not face prosecution in return for providing evidence in a criminal proceeding. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| To seat a jury. When voir dire is finished and both sides have exercised their challenges, the jury is impaneled. The jurors are sworn in and the trial is ready to proceed. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| To call into question the truthfulness of a witness. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A contract in which the promise made by the obligor is not expressed, but inferred by one's conduct or implied in law. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| That which, under the rules of evidence, cannot be admitted as evidence in a trial or hearing. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| The lack of power or the legal ability to act. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Sexual intercourse between persons so closely related that marriage between them would be unlawful. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Lack of capacity to understand the nature and object of the proceedings, to consult with counsel, and to assist in preparing a defense. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| To make it appear that one is guilty of a crime. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Exposure to sight of the private parts of the body in a lewd or indecent manner in a public place. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| The term pertains to liability for loss shifted from one person held legally responsible to another. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A special kind of executor, permitted by the laws of certain states, who performs the duties of an executor without intervention by the court. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
A sentence of imprisonment to a specified minimum
and maximum period of time, specifically authorized by statute, subject to termination by a parole board or other authorized agency after the prisoner has served the minimum term. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A formal written accusation, issued by a grand jury, charging a party with a crime. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Needy and poor. A defendant who can demonstrate his or her indigence to the court may be assigned a court appointed attorney at public expense. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| An undisclosed person who confidentially discloses material information of a crime to the police, which is usually done in exchange for a reward or special treatment. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A formal written document filed by the prosecutor detailing the criminal charges against the defendant. An alternative to an indictment, it serves to bring a defendant to trial. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A violation of law, not punishable by imprisonment. Minor traffic offenses are generally considered infractions. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A state tax on property that an heir or beneficiary under a will receives from a deceased person's estate. The heir or beneficiary pays this tax. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| In criminal law, the hearing at which a judge determines whether there is sufficient evidence against a person charged with a crime to hold him or her for trial. The Constitution bans secret accusations, so initial appearances are public unless the defendant asks otherwise; the accused must be present, though he or she usually does not offer evidence. Also called first appearance. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Writ or order by a court prohibiting a specific action from being carried out by a person or group. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A person confined to a prison, penitentiary, or jail. |
|
|
Term
| INNOCENT UNTIL PROVEN GUILTY |
|
Definition
| A belief in the American legal system which states that all people accused of a criminal act are considered not to have committed the crime until the evidence leaves no doubt in the mind of the court or the jury that the accused did or did not commit the crime. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A claim by a defendant that he or she lacks the soundness of mind required by law to accept responsibility for a criminal act. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Judge's explanation to the jury before it begins deliberations of the questions it must answer and the applicable law governing the case. Also called charge. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Nonphysical items such as stock certificates, bonds, bank accounts, and pension benefits that have value and must be taken into account in estate planning. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| The purpose to use a particular means to bring about a certain result. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Provisional; not final. An interlocutory order or an interlocutory appeal concerns only a part of the issues raised in a lawsuit. Compare to decree. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Written questions asked by one party in a lawsuit for which the opposing party must provide written answers. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| An action by which a third person who may be affected by a lawsuit is permitted to become a party to the suit. Differs from the process of becoming an amicus curiae. |
|
|
Term
| INTESTACY LAWS - See DESCENT AND DISTRIBUTION STATUTES. |
|
Definition
|
|
Term
|
Definition
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| The process by which the property of a person who has died without a will passes on to others according to the state's descent and distribution statutes. If someone dies without a will, and the court uses the state’s interstate succession laws, an heir who receives some of the deceased's property is an intestate heir. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A legal inquiry to discover and collect facts concerning a certain matter. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Evidence not sufficiently related to the matter in issue. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A trust that, once set up, the grantor may not revoke. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| 1) The disputed point in a disagreement between parties in a lawsuit. 2) To send out officially, as in to issue an order. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A place of confinement that is more than a police station and less than a prison. It is usually used to hold persons convicted of misdemeanors or persons awaiting trial. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| The peril in which an accused is placed when he is properly charged with a crime before a court. Jeopardy normally attaches when the petit jury is impaneled. After such time, the accused may not be released and tried at a later date for the same offense. Subject to exception. See DOUBLE JEOPARDY. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| To unite, to combine, to enter into an alliance. |
|
|
Term
| JOINT AND SEVERAL LIABILITY |
|
Definition
| A legal doctrine that makes each of the parties who are responsible for an injury liable for all the damages awarded in a lawsuit if the other parties responsible cannot pay. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A form of legal co-ownership of property (also known as survivorship ). At the death of one co-owner, the surviving co-owner becomes sole owner of the property. Tenancy by the entirety is a special form of joint tenancy between a husband and wife. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| An association of persons jointly undertaking some commercial enterprise. Unlike a partnership, a joint venture does not entail a continuing relationship among the parties. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| The illegal taking of an automobile without intent to deprive the owner permanently of the vehicle, often involving reckless driving. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| An elected or appointed public official with authority to hear and decide cases in a court of law. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| The final decision of the court, resolving the dispute; an opinion; an award. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A court's recognition of the truth of basic facts without formal evidence. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| The authority of a court to review the official actions of other branches of government. Also, the authority to declare unconstitutional the actions of other branches. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| 1. The legal authority of a court to hear and decide a case. 2. The geographic area over which the court has authority to decide cases. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| The study of law and the structure of the legal system. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Additional juror impaneled in case of sickness or disability of another juror. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A body of persons temporarily selected from the citizens of a particular district sworn to listen to the evidence in a trial and declare a verdict on matters of fact. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| The specific place in the courtroom where the jury sits during the trial. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| The court officer responsible for choosing the panel of persons to serve as potential jurors for a particular court term. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| The juror who chairs the jury during deliberations and speaks for the jury in court when announcing the verdict. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Trial in which a jury decides issues of fact as opposed to trial only before a judge. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A jury which is unable to agree on a verdict after a suitable period of deliberation. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Issues and claims capable of being properly examined in court. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A young person who has not yet attained the age at which he or she should be treated as an adult for purposes of criminal law and other legal matters. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| The facility where juvenile offenders are held in custody. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A procedure by which a charge(s) against a minor is transferred from a juvenile to circuit court. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| The taking or detaining of a person against his or her will and without lawful authority. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| With knowledge, willfully or intentionally with respect to a material element of an offense. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| The combination of those rules and principles of conduct promulgated by legislative authority, derived from court decisions, and established by local custom. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A setting before a judge at which time a variety of motions, pleas, sentencing, orders to show cause or procedural requests may be presented. Normally, evidence is not taken. Defendants must be present. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Persons trained in the law who assist judges in researching legal opinions. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| An action between two or more persons in the courts of law, not a criminal matter. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| One which instructs the witness how to answer or puts words in his mouth to be echoed back. One which suggests to the witness the answer desired. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A contract by which owner of property grants to another the right to possess, use, and enjoy it for a specified period of time in exchange for payment of an agreed price (rent). |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Professional legal services available usually to persons or organizations unable to afford such services. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Recommendation for a sentence less than the maximum allowed. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A crime composed of some, but not all, of the elements of a greater crime; commission of the greater crime automatically includes commission of the lesser included offense. |
|
|
Term
| LETTERS OF ADMINISTRATION |
|
Definition
Legal document issued by a court that shows an
administrator's legal right to take control of assets in the deceased person's name. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Legal document issued by a court that shows an executor's legal right to take control of assets in the deceased person's name. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A seizure; the obtaining of money by legal process through seizure and sale of property. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Behavior that is obscene, lustful, indecent, vulgar. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Legal debts and obligations. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Published words or pictures that falsely and maliciously harm the reputation of a person. See DEFAMATION. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A machine which records by a needle on a graph varying emotional disturbances when answering questions truly or falsely, as indicated by fluctuations in blood pressure, respiration, or perspiration. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A legal claim against another person's property as security for a debt. A lien does not convey ownership of the property, but gives the lien holder a right to have his or her debt satisfied out of the proceeds of the property if the debt is not otherwise paid. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A type of sentence where the convicted criminal is ordered to spend the rest of his or her life in prison. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A civil action in which recovery of less than a certain amount (as specified by statute) is sought. Simplified rules of procedure are used in such actions. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Refers to courts that are limited in the types of criminal and civil cases they may hear. For example, traffic violations generally are heard by limited jurisdiction courts. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A police identification procedure by which the suspect to a crime is exhibited, along with others, before the victim or witness to determine if the victim or witness can identify the suspect as the person who committed the crime. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A party to a lawsuit. Litigation refers to a case, controversy, or lawsuit. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A trust set up and in effect during the lifetime of the grantor. Also called inter vivos trust. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| To stand idly around, particularly in a public place. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Putting a person to death, usually by hanging, without legal authority. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Judicial officer exercising some of the functions of a judge. It also refers in a general way to a judge. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Evil doing, ill conduct; the commission of some act which is positively prohibited by law. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Ill will, hatred, or hostility by one person toward another which may prompt the intentional doing of a wrongful act without legal justification or excuse. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Willful destruction of property, from actual ill will or resentment toward its owner or possessor. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| An action instituted with intention of injuring the defendant and without probable cause, and which terminates in favor of the person prosecuted. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Violation of a professional duty to act with reasonable care and in good faith without fraud or collusion. This term is usually applied to such conduct by doctors, lawyers, or accountants. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A judicial command or order proceeding from a court or judicial officer, directing the proper officer to enforce a judgment, sentence, or decree. |
|
|
Term
| MANSLAUGHTER, INVOLUNTARY |
|
Definition
| Unlawful killing of another, without malice, when the death is caused by some other unlawful act not usually expected to result in great bodily harm. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Unlawful killing of another, without malice, when the act is committed with a sudden extreme emotional impulse. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| An attorney who is appointed by the judges of a circuit court with the approval of the Chief Judge of the Court of Appeals, to conduct hearings and to make finding of facts, conclusions of law, and recommendations as to an appropriate order. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| That quality of evidence which tends to influence the trier of fact because of its logical connection with the issue. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| In criminal trial, a witness whose testimony is crucial to either the defense or prosecution. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A malicious injury which disables or disfigures another. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A form of alternative dispute resolution in which the parties bring their dispute to a neutral third party, who helps them agree on a settlement. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| To mark by observation in writing. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| The wellness of a person's state of mind. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Strict legal rights of the parties; a decision "on the merits" is one that reaches the right(s) of a party, as distinguished from disposition of a case on a ground not reaching the right(s) raised in an action; for example, entry of nolle prosequi before a criminal trial begins is a disposition other than on the merits, allowing trial on those charges at a later time without double jeopardy attaching; similarly, dismissal of a civil action on a preliminary motion raising a technicality, such as improper service of process, does not result in res judicata of an issue. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
Requirement that police tell a suspect in their custody of his or her constitutional rights before they question him or her: specifically, the right to remain silent; that any statement made may be used against him or her; the right to an
attorney; and if the person cannot afford an attorney, one will be appointed if he or she
desires. |
|
|
Term
| MIRANDA WARNING-See MIRANDA RIGHTS. |
|
Definition
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A lesser offense than a felony and generally punishable by fine or limited jail time, but not in a penitentiary. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| An invalid trial caused by some legal error. When a judge declares a mistrial, the trial must start again from the beginning, including the selection of a new jury. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
Those which do not constitute a justification or
excuse for an offense but which may be considered as reasons for reducing the degree of blame. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Facts that do not constitute a justification or excuse for an offense but which may be considered as reasons for reducing the degree of blame. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A change, alteration, or amendment which introduces new elements into the details, or cancels some of them, but leaves the general purpose and effect of the subject-matter intact. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A moot case or a moot point is one not subject to a judicial determination because it involves an abstract question or a pretended controversy that has not yet actually arisen or has already passed. Mootness usually refers to a court's refusal to consider a case because the issue involved has been resolved prior to the court's decision, leaving nothing that would be affected by the court's decision. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Immorality. An element of crimes inherently bad, as opposed to crimes bad merely because they are forbidden by statute. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Oral or written request made by a party to an action before, during, or after a trial asking the judge to issue a ruling or order in that party's favor. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Ruling or order issued by the judge denying the party's request. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Ruling or order issued by the judge granting the party's request. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Pictures taken after a suspect is taken into custody (booked), usually used as an official photograph by police officers. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Numerous and unnecessary attempts to litigate the same issue. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| The unlawful killing of a human being with deliberate intent to kill. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Failure to exercise the degree of care that a reasonable person would use under the same circumstances. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| One acting without formal appointment as guardian for the benefit of an infant, a person of unsound mind not judicially declared incompetent, or other person under some disability. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| This phrase, endorsed by a grand jury on the written indictment submitted to it for its approval, means that the evidence was found insufficient to indict. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Language in a will that provides that a person who makes a legal challenge to the will's validity will be disinherited. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A civil case in which parties may resolve their dispute without a formal finding of error or fault. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| One who is joined as a party or defendant merely because the technical rules of pleading require his presence in the record. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A criminal case in which the allowable penalty does not include death. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| The form of verdict in criminal cases where the jury acquits the defendant, finds him or her not guilty. |
|
|
Term
| NOT GUILTY BY REASON OF INSANITY |
|
Definition
| The jury or the judge must determine that the defendant, because of mental disease or defect, could not form the intent required to commit the offense. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Formal notification to the party that has been sued in a civil case of the fact that the lawsuit has been filed. Also, any form of notification of a legal proceeding. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| In practice, a notice in writing requiring the opposite party to produce a certain described paper or document at the trial, or in the course of pre-trial discovery. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Having no force, legal power to bind, or validity. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| An oral (unwritten) will. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Written or oral pledge by a witness to speak the truth. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| To protest to the court against an act or omission by the opposing party. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A protest to the court against an act or omission by the opposing party. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A ruling by the court upholding the act or omission of the opposing party. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
A ruling by the court in favor of the party making the
objection. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A phrase commonly applied to counsel employed to assist in the preparation or management of the case, or its presentation on appeal, but who is not the principal attorney for the party. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| One who commits a crime, such as a felony, misdemeanor, or other punishable unlawful act. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A crime, such as a felony, misdemeanor, or other punishable unlawful act. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Presentation of evidence to the court (out of the hearing of the jury) for the court's decision of whether the evidence is admissible. |
|
|
Term
| ON A PERSON'S OWN RECOGNIZANCE |
|
Definition
| Release of a person from custody without the payment of any bail or posting of bond , upon the promise to return to court. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| The initial statement made by attorneys for each side, outlining the facts each intends to establish during the trial. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A judge's written explanation of a decision of the court or of a majority of judges. A dissenting opinion disagrees with the majority opinion because of the reasoning and/or the principles of law on which the decision is based. A concurring opinion agrees with the decision of the court but offers further comment. A per curiam opinion is an unsigned opinion “of the court.” |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Witnesses are normally required to confine their testimony to statements of fact and are not allowed to give their opinions in court. However, if a witness is qualified as an expert in a particular field, he or she may be allowed to state an opinion as an expert based on certain facts. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| An opportunity for lawyers to summarize their position before the court and also to answer the judges' questions. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Court order requiring to appear and show cause why the court should not take a particular course of action. If the party fails to appear or to give sufficient reasons why the court should take no action, the court will take the action. In criminal cases, the defendant must show why probation should not be revoked. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A written or verbal command from a court directing or forbidding an action. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| An act of legislation of a local governing body such as a city, town or county. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| The court in which a matter must first be filed. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A judge's decision not to allow an objection. A decision by a higher court finding that a lower court decision was wrong. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| An open act showing the intent to commit a crime. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Pimping. Arranging for acts of prostitution. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A person with legal skills, but who is not an attorney, and who works under the supervision of a lawyer or who is otherwise authorized by law to use those legal skills. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A form of executive clemency preventing criminal prosecution or removing or extinguishing a criminal conviction. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Supervised release of a prisoner before the expiration of his or her sentence. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Oral or verbal evidence rather than written. The Parole Evidence Rule limits the admissibility of parole evidence which would directly contradict the clear meaning of terms of a written contract. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A person, business, or government agency actively involved in the prosecution or defense of a legal proceeding. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A government grant giving an inventor the exclusive right to make or sell his or her invention for a term of years. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Punishment, civil or criminal, generally referring to payment of money. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Begun, but not yet completed. Thus, an action is pending from its inception until the rendition of its final judgment. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A prison or place of confinement where convicted felons are sent to serve out the term of their sentence. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A state, for example, the People of the State of New York. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
The right to challenge a juror without assigning a
reason for the challenge. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A false statement given while under oath or in a sworn affidavit. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
A court order requiring that some action be taken, or that some party refrain from taking action. It differs from forms of temporary relief, such as a
temporary restraining order or preliminary injunction. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| One who lives in a location for a period of time and denotes it as their official address or residence. |
|
|
Term
| PERSON IN NEED OF SUPERVISION |
|
Definition
Juvenile found to have committed a status
offense rather than a crime that would provide a basis for a finding of delinquency.
Typical status offenses are habitual truancy, violating a curfew, or running away from
home. These are not crimes, but they might be enough to place a child under supervision. In different states, status offenders might be called children in need of supervision or minors in need of supervision. See STATUS OFFENDERS. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Tangible physical property (such as cars, clothing, furniture, and jewelry) and intangible personal property. This does not include real property such as land or rights in land. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Pre-trial release based on the person's own promise that he or she will show up for trial (no bond required). Also referred to as release on own recognizance or ROR. See ON A PERSON'S OWN RECOGNIZANCE. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| The person who administers an estate. If named in a will, that person's title is an executor . If there is no valid will, that person's title is an administrator. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| The ordinary jury of twelve (or fewer) persons for the trial of a civil or criminal case. So called to distinguish it from the grand jury. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A formal, written application to the court requesting judicial action on some matter. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| The person filing an action in a court of original jurisdiction. Also, the person who appeals the judgment of a lower court. The opposing party is called the respondent. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| An offense for which the authorized penalty does not exceed imprisonment for 3 months or a fine of $500. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| The act of taking and carrying away the personal property of another of a value usually below $100.00 with the intent to deprive the owner or possessor of it permanently. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| To obtain customers for a whore or prostitute. One who obtains customers for a whore or prostitute. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A person who initiates a lawsuit against another. Also called the complainant. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| In a criminal proceeding, it is the defendant's declaration in open court that he or she is guilty or not guilty. The defendant's answer to the charges made in the indictment or information. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| The process whereby the accused and the prosecutor in a criminal case work out a mutually satisfactory disposition of the case subject to court approval. Usually involves the defendant's pleading guilty to a lesser offense or to only one. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| The written statements of fact and law filed by the parties to a lawsuit. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| The act, after a jury verdict has been announced, of asking jurors individually whether they agree with the verdict. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Lie detector test and the apparatus for conducting the test. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| The presence of drugs on the accused for recreational use or for the purpose to sell. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A procedure by which a convicted defendant challenges the conviction and/or sentence on the basis of some alleged violation or error. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| To put off or delay a court hearing. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A will that leaves some or all estate assets to a trust established before the will-maker's death. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Formal authorization of a person to act in the interest of another person. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A previously decided case that guides the decision of future cases. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Court order requiring action or forbidding action until a decision can be made whether to issue a permanent injunction. It differs from a temporary restraining order. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A forejudgment, bias, a preconceived opinion. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Synonymous with reversible error ; an error which warrants the appellate court in reversing the judgment before it. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Evidence which might unfairly sway the judge or jury to one side or the other. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| The hearing available to a person charged with a felony to determine if there is enough evidence (probable cause) to hold him for trial. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Another term for arraignment. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| In civil cases when it is necessary to preserve the status quo prior to trial, the court may issue a preliminary injunction or temporary restraining order ordering a party to carry out a specified activity. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| The planning of a crime preceding the commission of the act, rather than committing the crime on the spur of the moment. |
|
|
Term
| PREPONDERANCE OF THE EVIDENCE |
|
Definition
Evidence which is of greater weight or more
convincing than the evidence which is offered in opposition to it. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A report to the sentencing judge containing background information about the crime and the defendant to assist the judge in making his or her sentencing decision. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
Declaration or document issued by a grand jury that either makes a neutral report or notes misdeeds by officials charged with specified public duties. It ordinarily does not include a formal charge of crime. A presentment differs from an
indictment. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| An inference of the truth or falsity of a proposition or fact, that stands until rebutted by evidence to the contrary. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
A hallowed principle of criminal law that a person is innocent of a crime until proven guilty. The government has the burden of proving every
element of a crime beyond a reasonable doubt and the defendant has no burden to prove his innocence. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| a rule of law that courts and judges shall draw a particular inference from a particular fact, or from particular evidence. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A child born after a will is executed, who is not provided for by the will. Most states have laws that provide for a share of estate property to go to such children. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A meeting between the judge and the lawyers involved in a lawsuit to narrow the issues in the suit, agree on what will be presented at the trial, and make a final effort to settle the case without a trial. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A slang term meaning previous conviction(s) of the accused. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A federal or state public building or other place for the confinement of persons. It is used as either a punishment imposed by the law or otherwise in the course of the administration of justice. Also known as penitentiary, penal institution, adult correctional institution, or jail. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A legal right, exemption or immunity granted to a person, company or class, that is beyond the common advantages of other citizens. |
|
|
Term
| PRIVILEGED COMMUNICATIONS |
|
Definition
Confidential communications to certain persons
that are protected by law against any disclosure, including forced disclosure in legal proceedings. Communications between lawyer and client, physician and patient, psychotherapist and patient, priest, minister, or rabbi and penitent are typically privileged. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Mutual or successive relationships to the same right of property, or the same interest of one person with another which represents the same legal right. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A reasonable belief that a crime has or is being committed; the basis for all lawful searches, seizures, and arrests. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| The court-supervised process by which a will is determined to be the willmaker's final statement regarding how the will-maker wants his or her property distributed. It also confirms the appointment of the personal representative of the estate. Probate also means the process by which assets are gathered; applied to pay debts, taxes, and expenses of administration; and distributed to those designated as beneficiaries in the will. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| The court with authority to supervise estate administration. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Estate property that may be disposed of by a will. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A sentence imposed for the commission of a crime whereby a convicted criminal offender is released into the community, usually under conditions and under the supervision of a probation officer, instead of incarceration. A violation of probation can lead to its revocation and to imprisonment. |
|
|
Term
| PROBATION BEFORE JUDGMENT (PBJ) |
|
Definition
| A conditional avoidance of imposition of sentence after conviction; failure to satisfy the conditions may cause imposition of sentence after a finding of violation of probation. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
The department that oversees the actions of
probationers as well as the location of where probation officers work. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| One who supervises a person placed on probation and is required to report the progress and to surrender the probationer if they violate the terms and conditions of the probation. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| The method, established normally by rules to be followed in a case; the formal steps in a judicial proceeding. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| An offer of proof as to what the evidence would be if a witness were called to testify or answer a question. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Any fact or evidence that leads to a judgment of the court. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A proceeding instituted and carried on in order to determine the guilt or innocence of the accused. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A trial lawyer representing the government in a criminal case and the interests of the state in civil matters. In criminal cases, the prosecutor has the responsibility of deciding who and when to prosecute. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| The performance or agreement to perform a sexual act for hire. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A court order to protect a person from further harassment, service of process, or discovery. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| The act that caused an event to occur. A person generally is liable only if an injury was proximately caused by his or her action or by his or her failure to act when he or she had a duty to act. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| An attorney appointed by a court or employed by a government agency whose work consists primarily of defending people who are unable to hire a lawyer due to economic reasons. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Money awarded to an injured person, over and above the measurable value of the injury, in order to punish the person who hurt him. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| To clean or clear, such as eliminating inactive records from court files; with respect to civil contempt, to cure the noncompliance that caused the contempt finding. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| To overthrow, to vacate, to annul or make void. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Authority or discretion vested in an officer whose acts partake of a judicial character. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A listing of all the criminal convictions against an individual. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Unlawful intercourse with an individual without their consent. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| The confirmation or adoption of a previous act done either by the party himself or by another. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Evidence given to explain, repel, counteract, or disprove facts given in evidence by the adverse party. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Land, buildings, and other improvements affixed to the land. |
|
|
Term
| REASONABLE DOUBT, BEYOND A |
|
Definition
The degree of certainty required for a juror to
legally find a criminal defendant guilty. An accused person is entitled to acquittal if, in the minds of the jury, his or her guilt has not been proved beyond a "reasonable doubt"; that state of mind of jurors in which they cannot say they feel a persisting conviction as to the truth of the charge. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
A phrase used to denote a hypothetical person who
exercises qualities of attention, knowledge, intelligence, and judgment that society requires of its members for the protection of his or her own interest and the interests of others. Thus, the test of negligence is based on either a failure to do something that a reasonable person, guided by considerations that ordinarily regulate conduct, would do, or on the doing of something that a reasonable and prudent (wise) person would not do. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Evidence given to explain, counteract, or disprove facts given by the opposing counsel. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Cancellation by a court of a warrant before its execution by the arrest of a defendant; also, a process by which a retired judge may be asked to sit on a particular case. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| The continued, habitual, or compulsive commission of law violations after first having been convicted of prior offenses. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Operation of a motor vehicle that shows a reckless disregard of possible consequences and indifference of other's rights. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| The practice which enables an accused awaiting trial to be released without posting any security other than a promise to appear before the court at the proper time. Failure to appear in court at the proper time is a separate crime. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| All the documents and evidence plus transcripts of oral proceedings in a case. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| The process by which a judge is disqualified from hearing a case, on his or her own motion or upon the objection of either party. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
Opportunity to present rebuttal evidence after one's
evidence has been subjected to cross examination. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| To set right; to remedy; to compensate; to remove the causes of a grievance. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A person to whom the court refers a pending case to take testimony, hear the parties, and report back to the court. A referee is an officer with judicial powers who serves as an arm of the court. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A rule or order prescribed for management or government. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Another hearing of a civil or criminal case by the same court in which the case was originally heard. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Opportunity for the side that opened the case to offer limited response to evidence presented during the rebuttal by the opposing side. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Evidence that helps to prove a point or issue in a case. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A forsaking, abandoning, renouncing, or giving over a right. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| The act of sending a case back to the trial court and ordering the trial court to conduct limited new hearings or an entirely new trial. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| The means by which a right is enforced or the violation of a right is prevented, redressed or compensated. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| The reduction by a judge of the damages awarded by a jury. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| The transfer of a state case to federal court for trial; in civil cases, because the parties are from different states; in criminal and some civil cases, because there is a significant possibility that there could not be a fair trial in state court. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| An action for the recovery of a possession that has been wrongfully taken. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| The response by a party to charges raised in a pleading by the other party. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| An official or formal statement of facts or proceedings. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| The party who makes an answer to a bill or other proceedings in equity; also refers to the party against whom an appeal is brought. Sometimes called an appellee. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A party is said to rest or rest its case when it has presented all the evidence it intends to offer. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Act of giving the equivalent for any loss, damage or injury. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A court order forbidding the defendant from doing any action or threatened action until a hearing on the application can be conducted. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Act of the client in employing the attorney or counsel. Also denotes the fee the client pays when he or she retains the attorney to act for him or her. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A report to a judge by police on the implementation of an arrest or search warrant. Also, a report to a judge in reply to a subpoena, civil or criminal. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| An action of a higher court in setting aside or revoking a lower court decision. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A procedural error during a trial or hearing sufficiently harmful to justify reversing the judgment of a lower court. See PREJUDICIAL ERROR. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| trust that the grantor may change or revoke. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| To annul or make void by recalling or taking back. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| The rights of a person guaranteed by the state or federal constitutions. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| The act of taking money, personal property, or any other article of value that is in the possession of another done by means of force or fear. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| An established standard, guide, or regulation. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| An order made by a court having competent jurisdiction. Rules of court are either general or special; the former are the regulations by which the practice of the court is governed, the latter are special orders made in particular cases. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Standards governing whether evidence in a civil or criminal case is admissible. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A punitive act designed to secure enforcement by imposing a penalty for its violation. For example, a sanction may be imposed for failure to comply with discovery orders. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| The closure of court records to inspection, except to the parties. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A practice whereby a person or place is searched and evidence useful in the investigation and prosecution of a crime is seized or taken. The search is conducted after an order is issued by a judge. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| An order issued by a judge or magistrate commanding a sheriff, constable, or other officer to search a specified location. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| In bankruptcy proceedings, a debt is secured if the debtor gave the creditor a right to repossess the property or goods used as collateral. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Claim that an act otherwise criminal was legally justifiable because it was necessary to protect a person or property from the threat or action of another. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Acts or declarations by which one implicates oneself in a crime. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A will whose validity does not have to be testified to in court by the witnesses to it, because the witnesses executed an affidavit reflecting proper execution of the will prior to the maker's death. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| The judgment formally pronounced by the court or judge upon the defendant after his or her conviction by imposing a punishment to be inflicted either in the form of a fine, incarceration or probation. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A document containing background material on a convicted person. It is prepared to guide the judge in the imposition of a sentence. Sometimes called a pre-sentence report. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
Two or more sentences of jail time to be served
simultaneously. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
Two or more sentences of jail time to be served in
sequence. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
A sentence postponed in which the defendant is not
required to serve time unless he or she commits another crime or violates a courtimposed condition. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| The postconviction stage in which the defendant is brought before the court for imposition of sentence. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Allowance ordered to be paid by one spouse to the other for support while the spouses are living apart but not divorced. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| An arrangement whereby a husband and wife live apart from each other while remaining married either by mutual consent or by a judicial order. |
|
|
Term
| SEQUESTRATION OF WITNESSES |
|
Definition
| Keeping all witnesses (except plaintiff and defendant) out of the courtroom except for their time on the stand, and cautioning them not to discuss their testimony with other witnesses. Also called separation of witnesses. This prevents a witness from being influenced by the testimony of a prior witness. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| The act of spending an allotted amount of time in a designated location such as a prison as punishment for the crime committed. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| The delivery of a legal document, such as a complaint, summons, or subpoena, notifying a person of a lawsuit or other legal action taken against him or her. Service, which constitutes formal legal notice, must be made by an officially authorized person in accordance with the formal requirements of the applicable laws. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Notifying a person that he or she has been named as a party to a lawsuit or has been accused of some offense. Process consists of a summons, citation or warrant, to which a copy of the complaint is attached. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| An agreement between parties that dictates what is being received from one party to the other. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| The person who sets up a trust. Also called the grantor. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
Illegal sex acts performed against a minor by a parent,
guardian, relative or acquaintance. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Elected officer of a county whose job is to conserve peace within his or her territorial jurisdiction as well as aid in the criminal and civil court processes. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| The willful taking and concealing of merchandise from a store or business establishment with the intention of using the goods for one's personal use without paying the purchase price. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| An order requiring a person to appear in court and present reasons why a certain order, judgment, or decree should not be issued. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A conference between the judge and lawyers, usually in the courtroom, out of earshot of the jury and spectators. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| False and defamatory spoken words tending to harm another's reputation, community standing, office, trade, business, or means of livelihood. See DEFAMATION. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A court that handles civil claims for small amounts of money. People often represent themselves rather than hire an attorney. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Oral or anal copulation between humans, or between humans or animals. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
The doctrine that the government, state or federal, is
immune to lawsuit unless it gives its consent. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
A remedy requiring a person who has breached a
contract to perform specifically what he or she has agreed to do. Specific performance is ordered when damages would be inadequate compensation. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| The right of an accused to a speedy trial as guaranteed by the 6th Amendment of the United States Constitution. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A trust set up for the benefit of someone who the grantor believes would be incapable of managing his or her own financial affairs. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| There are essentially three standards of proof applicable in most court proceedings. In criminal cases, the offense must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt, the highest standard. In civil cases and neglect and dependency proceedings, the lowest standard applies by a mere preponderance of the evidence, (more likely than not). In some civil cases, and in juvenile proceedings such as a permanent termination of parental rights, an intermediate standard applies, proof by clear and convincing evidence. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| The legal right to bring a lawsuit. Only a person with something at stake has standing to bring a lawsuit. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| The final statements by the attorneys to the jury or court summarizing the evidence that they have established and the evidence that the other side has failed to establish. Also known as closing argument. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Outline or summary of the nature of the case and of the anticipated proof presented by the attorney to the jury before any evidence is submitted. Also known as opening argument. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Youths charged with the status of being beyond the control of their legal guardian or are habitually disobedient, truant from school, or have committed other acts that would not be a crime if committed by an adult. They are not delinquents (in that they have not committed a crime), but are rather persons in need of supervision, minors in need of supervision, or children in need of supervision, depending on the state in which they live. Status offenders are placed under the supervision of the juvenile court. See PERSON IN NEED OF SUPERVISION. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A formal, written statement by legislature declaring, commanding, or prohibiting something. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| The time within a plaintiff must begin a lawsuit (in civil cases) or a prosecutor must bring charges (in criminal cases). There are different statutes of limitations at both the federal and state levels for different kinds of lawsuits or crimes. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
Process by which a court seeks to interpret the
meaning and scope of legislation. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Law enacted by the legislative branch of government, as distinguished from case law or common law . |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| The unlawful sexual intercourse with a person under an age set by statute, regardless of whether they consent to the act. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| The act of stopping a judicial proceeding by order of the court. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| An agreement by attorneys on both sides of a civil or criminal case about some aspect of the case; e.g., to extend the time to answer, to adjourn the trial date, or to admit certain facts at the trial. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A concept applied by courts in product liability cases in which a seller is liable for any and all defective or hazardous products which unduly threaten a consumer's personal safety. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| The act of quitting work by a group of workers for the purpose of coercing their employer to accept some demand(s) they have made upon their employer who has initially refused. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| To yield to the will of another. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| An order of the court which requires a person to be present at a certain time and place to give testimony upon a certain matter. Failure to appear may be punishable as a contempt of court. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| The law dealing with rights, duties, and liabilities, as contrasted with procedural law , which governs the technical aspects of enforcing civil or criminal laws. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| To commence legal proceedings for recovery of a right. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Any proceeding by one person or persons against another in a court of law. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A decision made on the basis of statements and evidence presented for the record without a trial. It is used when there is no dispute as to the facts of the case, and one party is entitled to judgment as a matter of law. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A notice to a defendant that he or she has been sued or charged with a crime and is required to appear in court. A jury summons requires the person receiving it to report for possible jury duty. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A trust that instructs the trustee to spend only as much income and principal (the assets held in the trust) as needed for the beneficiary's support. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| To forbid the use of evidence at a trial because it is improper or was improperly obtained. See also EXCLUSIONARY RULE. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A hearing on a criminal defendant's motion to prohibit the prosecutor's use of evidence alleged to have been obtained in violation of the defendant's rights. This hearing is held outside of the presence of the jury, either prior to or at trial. The judge must rule as a matter of law on the motion. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A bond purchased at the expense of the estate to insure the executor's proper performance. Often called a fidelity bond. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Another name for joint tenancy. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| To maintain, to affirm, to approve. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| To put to oath and declare as truth. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Capable of being perceived, especially by the sense of touch. |
|
|
Term
| TANGIBLE PERSONAL PROPERTY MEMORANDUM (TPPM) |
|
Definition
| A legal document referred to in a will and used to guide the distribution of tangible personal property. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Any form of action by a court granting one of the parties an order to protect its interest pending further action by the court. |
|
|
Term
| TEMPORARY RESTRAINING ORDER |
|
Definition
| A judge's order forbidding certain actions until a full hearing can be held. Usually of short duration. Often referred to as a TRO. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| An interest in realty which passes to the tenant. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A will disposing of personal property. See WILL. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| The legal ability to make a will. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A trust set up by a will. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| One who has died leaving a will or one who has made a will. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Male person who makes a will (female: testatrix ). |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Female person who makes a will (male: testator ). |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| To make a declaration under oath in a judicial inquiry for the purpose of establishing or proving some fact. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| The evidence given by a witness under oath. It does not include evidence from documents and other physical evidence. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| The act of stealing or the taking of property without the owner's consent. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A person, business, or government agency not actively involved in a legal proceeding, agreement, or transaction. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| An action by the defendant that brings a third party into a lawsuit. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A sentence given by the court to a convicted criminal equal to the amount of time that the criminal was incarcerated during the trial. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Legal ownership of property, usually real property or automobiles. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A civil injury or wrong committed on the person or property of another. A tort is an infringement on the rights of an individual, but not founded on a contract. The most common tort action is a suit for damages sustained in an automobile accident. See EX DELICTO. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A written, word-for-word record of what was said, either in a proceeding such as a trial or during some other conversation, as in a transcript of a hearing or oral deposition. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Actions are "transitory" when they might have taken place anywhere, and are "local" when they could occur only in some particular place. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Unlawful interference with one's person, property and rights. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A judicial examination and determination of issues between parties before a court that has jurisdiction. |
|
|
Term
| TRIAL COURT - See TRIAL, COURT (BENCH). |
|
Definition
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A trial where the jury is waived and the case is seen before the judge alone. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| The Sixth Amendment of the Constitution guarantees the accused to an immediate trial in accordance with prevailing rules, regulations and proceedings of law |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Term includes the jury or the judge in a jury-waived trial, who have the obligation to make finding of fact rather than rulings of law. |
|
|
Term
| TRO - See TEMPORARY RESTRAINING ORDER. |
|
Definition
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| The endorsement made by a grand jury on a bill of indictment when it finds sufficient evidence for trial on the charge alleged. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A copy of a court document given under the clerk's seal, but not certified. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A legal device used to manage real or personal property, established by one person (the grantor or settlor) for the benefit of another (the beneficiary). A third person (the trustee) or the grantor manages the trust. |
|
|
Term
| TRUST AGREEMENT OR DECLARATION |
|
Definition
| The legal document that sets up a living trust. Testamentary trusts are set up in a will. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| The person or institution that manages the property put in trust. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A witness whose testimony was expected to be favorable, but who later becomes an adverse witness. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| An absence of meaningful choice on the part of one of the parties to a contract, and contract terms which are unreasonably favorable to the other party. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| That which is contrary to or in conflict with the federal or state constitutions. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A person participating in a secret investigation in order to acquire information about the crime without the other party realizing their identity. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
Whatever destroys free will and causes a person to do
something he would not do if left to himself. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| State or condition of not being employed. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| One-sided, ex parte, or having a relation to only one of two or more persons or things. |
|
|
Term
| UNJUST ENRICHMENT, DOCTRINE OF |
|
Definition
The principle that one person should not be
permitted to unjustly enrich himself at the expense of another, but should be required to make restitution for the property or benefit received. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| The unjustifiable act of retaining possession without right; e.g. a tenant whose lease has expired. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| In bankruptcy proceedings, for the purposes of filing a claim, a claim is unsecured if there is no collateral, or to the extent the value of collateral is less than the amount of the debt. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Charging a higher interest rate or higher fees than the law allows. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| To render an act void; to set aside. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| The state or manner of living by wandering from place to place without a home, job, or means of support. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Willful or malicious acts that are intended to damage or destroy public or private property. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| The proper geographical area (county, city, or district) in which a court with jurisdiction over the subject matter may hear a case. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| The opinion of a jury, or a judge where there is no jury, on the factual issues of a case. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A person who is the object of a crime or civil wrongdoing. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
A statement during sentencing which informs the
sentencer of the impact of the crime on the victim or the victim's family. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| The act of breaking, infringing, or transgressing the law. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| The right given to a non-custodial parent to see his or her child at court appointed times. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A knowing and knowledgeable act to abandon, renounce or surrender a person's rights. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A means authorized by statute by which a witness, before testifying or producing evidence, may relinquish the right to refuse to testify against himself or herself, thereby making it possible for his or her testimony to be used against him or her in future proceedings. |
|
|
Term
| WAIVER OF RIGHTS - See WAIVE (RIGHTS). |
|
Definition
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Most commonly, a court order authorizing law enforcement officers to make an arrest or conduct a search. An affidavit seeking a warrant must establish probable cause by detailing the facts upon which the request is based. |
|
|
Term
| WARRANT OF ARREST - See WARRANT, ARREST. |
|
Definition
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| An order of a court directing the sheriff or other officer to seize a particular person to answer a complaint of otherwise appear before the court. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
A written order directing a law-enforcement officer to conduct a search of a specified place and to seize any evidence directly related to the criminal
offense. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| An instrument used or designed to be used to threaten, injure or kill someone. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A weapon that is carried by a person, but that is not visible by ordinary observation. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A weapon, device, instrument, material or substance, whether animate or inanimate, which if used as it is used or intended to be used is known to be capable of producing death or serious bodily injury. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| The persuasiveness of certain evidence when compared with other evidence that is presented. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A legal declaration that disposes of a person's property when that person dies. See TESTAMENT. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A "willful" act is one done intentionally, as distinguished from an act done carelessly or inadvertently. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Applied to orders of judgment dismissing a case, meaning that the plaintiff is forever barred from bringing a lawsuit on the same claim or cause. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A claim or cause dismissed without prejudice may be the subject of a new lawsuit. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| 1. One who testifies to what they have seen, heard or otherwise observed. 2. (v) To subscribe one's name to a document for the purpose of authenticity. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| The space in the courtroom occupied by a witness while testifying. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A non-hostile witness that is called by the defense counsel to assist in proving the defense's case. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
A witness who is qualified by knowledge, skill, experience, training or education to provide a scientific, technical or specialized opinion of the
subject about which he or she is to testify. That knowledge must generally be such as is not normally possessed by the average person. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A witness whose relationship to the opposing party is such that his or her testimony may be prejudiced against that party. A witness declared to be hostile may be asked leading questions and is subject to cross examination by the party that called him or her. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A witness who can give testimony relating to a particular matter that very few others, if any, can give. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
The person whose complaint commences a criminal
prosecution and whose testimony is mainly relied on to secure a conviction at the trial. |
|
|
Term
| WORK FURLOUGH- See WORK RELEASE. |
|
Definition
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A correctional program which allows inmates, primarily one's being readied for discharge, to leave the institution for the purpose of continuing regular employment during the daytime but reporting back on nights and weekends. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A court's written order commanding the addressee to do or refrain from doing some specified act. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A writ to put in force the judgment or decree of a court. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| The division of a city by legislative regulation into districts, and the design of regulations having to do with structural and architectural design and use of buildings. |
|
|
