Dictionary of Law
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
Founded: 357
hearing :: n. any proceeding before a judge or other magistra ... e hearing preliminary hearing trial
rehearing :: n. conducting a hearing again based on the motion ... the judge or agency was just wrong.
trial :: n. the examination of facts and law presided over ... at a hearing held at a later time.
Administrative Procedure Act :: n. the federal act which established the rules and ... strative hearing administrative law
administrative law :: n. the procedures created by administrative agenci ... judge Administrative Procedure Act
administrative law judge :: n. a professional hearing officer who works for th ... higher pay in being called "judge."
police court :: n. in some states a type of municipal court which ... municipal court preliminary hearing
magistrate :: n. 1) a generic term for any judge of a court, or ... ce of the peace preliminary hearing
examination :: n. 1) the questioning of a witness by an attorney. ... irect examination testimony witness
Grand Jury :: n. a jury in each county or federal court district ... arge indictment preliminary hearing
plea :: n. 1) in criminal law, the response by an accused ... raignment plead preliminary hearing
trier of fact :: n. the judge or jury responsible for deciding fact ... r referee may be the trier of fact.
judge :: 1) n. an official with the authority and responsib ... ice justice of the peace magistrate
information :: n. an accusation or criminal charge brought by the ... Jury indictment preliminary hearing
criminal calendar :: n. the list of criminal cases to be called in cour ... e plea preliminary hearing sentence
remand :: v. to send back. An appeals court may remand a cas ... ee also: appeal preliminary hearing
indictment :: n. a charge of a felony (serious crime) voted by a ... ictable offense preliminary hearing
jurisdiction :: n. the authority given by law to a court to try ca ... Superior Court Supreme Court venue
procedure :: n. the methods and mechanics of the legal process. ... cases are tried and judgments made.
record :: 1) v. (ree-cored) to put a document into the offic ... eeding race to the courthouse trial
proceeding :: n. any legal filing, hearing, trial and/or judgmen ... edings," as in "legal proceedings."
plenary :: adj. full, complete, covering all matters, usually ... ring to an order, hearing or trial.
minutes :: n. 1) the written record of meetings, particularly ... court reporter if recorded at all.
judicial proceedings :: n. any action by a judge re: trials, hearings, pet ... efore the court. See also: judicial
intervention :: n. the procedure under which a third party may joi ... rvene joinder multiplicity of suits
mandamus :: (man-dame-us) n. Latin for "we order," a writ (mor ... mandamus. See also: writ of mandate
remedy :: n. the means to achieve justice in any matter in w ... gment provisional remedy settlement
municipal court :: n. a lower court which usually tries criminal misd ... nd/or small claims. See also: court
motion :: n. a formal request made to a judge for an order o ... g, an oral motion may be permitted.
open court :: n. the conduct of judicial proceedings (trials, he ... which are usually held in chambers.
shortening time :: n. an order of the court in response to the motion ... e notice is served within 24 hours.
trial court :: n. the court which holds the original trial, as di ... a court of appeals. See also: trial
trial de novo :: n. a form of appeal in which the appeals court hol ... from small claims court judgments.
preliminary injunction :: n. a court order made in the early stages of a law ... ent injunction temporary injunction
jury trial :: n. a trial of a lawsuit or criminal prosecution in ... the final judgment. See also: jury
mistrial :: n. the termination of a trial before its normal co ... from the beginning. See also: trial
motion for a new trial :: n. a request made by the loser for the case to be ... hstanding the verdict motion N.O.V.
court trial :: ("non-jury trial"): a trial with a judge but no ju ... : a trial with a judge but no jury.
retrial :: n. a new trial granted upon the motion of the losi ... al or reversed by an appeals court.
brought to trial :: v. the act of actually beginning a trial, usually ... y or beginning opening statements).
speedy trial :: n. in criminal prosecutions, the right of a defend ... hurt by the waiver. See also: trial
waive :: v. to voluntarily give up something, including not ... the other state). See also: waiver
voir dire :: (vwahr [with a near-silent "r"] deer) n. from Fren ... t witness jury peremptory challenge
interim order :: n. a temporary order of the court pending a hearin ... erlocutory decree restraining order
severance :: n. 1) a separating by court order, such as separat ... le a potential claim for discharge.
settlement :: n. the resolution of a lawsuit (or of a legal disp ... ult in settlement. See also: settle
setting :: n. the action of a court, clerk or commissioner in ... g a trial or hearing. See also: set
special appearance :: n. the representation by an attorney of a person i ... anged. See also: general appearance
star chamber proceedings :: n. any judicial or quasi-judicial action, trial or ... ate 1960s. See also: kangaroo court
transcript :: n. the written record of all proceedings, includin ... unless transcription is requested.
temporary injunction :: n. a court order prohibiting an action by a party ... ry injunction. See also: injunction
Tax Court :: n. a federal agency with courts in major cities wh ... Appeals. See also: court income tax
submitted :: n. the conclusion of all evidence and argument in ... , no further argument is permitted.
sequester :: v. to keep separate or apart. In so-called "high-p ... of others. See also: sequestration
review :: n. the judicial consideration of a lower court jud ... ate court reversal reversible error
bifurcate :: v. the order or ruling of a judge that one issue i ... is necessary. See also: bifurcation
error :: n. a mistake by a judge in procedure or in substan ... or. See also: harmless error remand
conclusion :: n. 1) in general, the end. 2) in a trial, when all ... onclusion of fact conclusion of law
court calendar :: n. the list of matters to be heard or set for tria ... ring by a court. See also: calendar
bifurcation :: n. the act of a judge in dividing issues before a ... on the other issue. (See bifurcate
calendar call :: n. the hearing at which a case is set for trial. ... g at which a case is set for trial.
case law :: n. reported decisions of appeals courts and other ... es. See also: case system precedent
documentary evidence :: n. any document (paper) which is presented and all ... evancy. See also: document evidence
enjoin :: v. for a court to order that someone either do a s ... so: injunction temporary injunction
attachment :: n. the seizing of money or property prior to getti ... bond. See also: writ of attachment
hearsay rule :: n. the basic rule that testimony or documents whic ... interest dying declaration hearsay
Workers' Compensation Acts :: n. state statutes which establish liability of emp ... rs' compensation insurance company.
incompetent :: adj. 1) referring to a person who is not able to m ... n incompetency incompetent evidence
injunctive relief :: n. a court-ordered act or prohibition against an a ... t injunction restraining order writ
regulations :: n. rules and administrative codes issued by govern ... es usually have similar procedures.
perjury :: n. the crime of intentionally lying after being du ... ly made a mistake or misunderstood.
continuance :: n. a postponement of a date of a trial, hearing or ... continuances to discourage delays.
consent decree :: n. an order of a judge based upon an agreement, al ... he same. See also: consent judgment
conclusion of law :: n. a judge's final decision on a question of law w ... aw if requested. See also: judgment
insanity :: n. mental illness of such a severe nature that a p ... M'Naughten rule temporary insanity
speaking demurrer :: n. an attempt to introduce evidence during a heari ... the operation." See also: demurrer
sidebar :: n. 1) physically, an area in front of or next to t ... See also: approach the bench bench
special :: adj. referring to a particular purpose, person or ... rator, master, orders and so forth.
claim against an estate :: n. upon the death of a person and beginning of pro ... ade to the heirs. See also: probate
bankruptcy proceedings :: n. the bankruptcy procedure is: a) filing a petiti ... ankruptcy court claim in bankruptcy
pretrial discovery :: n. See also: discovery ... n. See also: discovery
adoption :: n. the taking of a child into one's family, creati ... the child are met. See also: adopt
ad litem :: adj. legal Latin meaning "for the purposes of the ... of age. See also: guardian ad litem
arraignment :: n. the hearing in which a person charged with a cr ... re taken care of. See also: arraign
roadside test :: n. a preliminary test law enforcement officers use ... g while intoxicated Miranda warning
conservator :: n. a guardian and protector appointed by a judge t ... ies. See also: conservatee guardian
back-to-back life sentences :: n. slang for consecutive life terms imposed by a j ... ther 25 years for a parole hearing.
warrant :: 1) n. an order (writ) of a court which directs a l ... e search and seizure search warrant
chambers :: n. the private office of a judge, usually close to ... s." See also: in camera in chambers
taking the Fifth :: n. the refusal to testify on the ground that the t ... ifth." See also: self-incrimination
incompetency :: n. the condition of lacking the ability to handle ... and/or represented by an attorney.
habeas corpus :: (hay-bee-us core-puss) n. Latin for "you have the ... nality of a state court conviction.
pleading :: n. 1) every legal document filed in a lawsuit, pet ... nswer complaint demurrer plea plead
ex parte :: (ex par-tay, but popularly, ex party) adj. Latin m ... and place of any ex parte hearing.
peremptory writ of mandate :: (or mandamus) n. a final order of a court to any g ... ve writ. See also: mandamus mandate
peremptory :: adj. absolute, final and not entitled to delay or ... allenges or a date set for hearing.
in camera :: adj. or adv. phrase. Latin for "in chambers." This ... he courtroom. See also: in chambers
impaneling :: n. the act of selecting a jury from the list of po ... e juror jury panel venire voir dire
notice :: n. 1) information, usually in writing in all legal ... Thirty-day notice three-day notice
in chambers :: adj. referring to discussions or hearings held in ... ed "in camera." See also: in camera
injunction :: n. a writ (order) issued by a court ordering someo ... t. See also: injunctive relief writ
presiding judge :: n. 1) in both state and federal appeals court, the ... and chairs meetings of the judges.
court costs :: n. fees for expenses that the courts pass on to at ... ee also: cost bill prevailing party
restraining order :: n. a temporary order of a court to keep conditions ... so: injunction permanent injunction
inquest :: n. 1) an investigation and/or a hearing held by th ... surrogate judge. See also: coroner
sanction :: n. 1) a financial penalty imposed by a judge on a ... ction." See also: contempt of court
default judgment :: n. if a defendant in a lawsuit fails to respond to ... See also: complaint default summons
demurrer :: n. (dee-muhr-ur) a written response to a complaint ... demurrer. See also: motion pleading
probate :: 1) n. the process of proving a will is valid and t ... e also: administrator executor will
quasi-criminal :: adj. a reference to a court's right to punish for ... defendant. See also: criminal quasi
joinder :: n. the joining together of several lawsuits or sev ... er misjoinder multiplicity of suits
quasi-judicial :: adj., adv. referring to the actions of an agency, ... -judicial. See also: judicial quasi
coroner :: n. a county official with the responsibility to de ... hology. See also: forensic medicine
administrative hearing :: n. a hearing before any governmental agency or bef ... ee also: administrative law hearing
preliminary hearing :: n. in criminal law, a hearing to determine if a pe ... nment charge Grand Jury information
no fault insurance :: n: a type of automobile insurance required of car ... ling lawsuits. See also: negligence
O.R. :: n. short for "own recognizance," meaning the judge ... "OR-ed." See also: own recognizance
oath :: n. 1) a swearing to tell the truth, the whole trut ... ountry. See also: affidavit perjury
object :: 1) v. to ask the court not to allow a particular q ... he contract..." See also: objection
objection :: n. a lawyer's protest about the legal propriety of ... ng question object overrule sustain
not guilty by reason of insanity :: n. plea in court of a person charged with a crime ... fense not guilty temporary insanity
not guilty :: n. 1) plea of a person who claims not to have comm ... t guilty by reason of insanity plea
non-conforming use :: n. the existing use (residential, commercial, agri ... eneral plan grandfathered in zoning
nolle prosequi :: (no-lay pro-say-kwee) n. Latin for "we shall no lo ... nocent and declared nolle prosequi.
prayer :: n. the specific request for judgment, relief and/o ... ee also: complaint default judgment
non-suit :: n. a ruling by the judge in a lawsuit either when ... the defendant. See also: dismissal
jury fees :: n. the rather minimal amount paid each day to juro ... ees as a court cost. See also: jury
offer of proof :: n. an explanation made by an attorney to a judge d ... rial irrelevant objection testimony
on the stand :: prep. testifying during a trial, in which the witn ... troom and behind a knee-high panel.
peremptory challenge :: n. the right of the plaintiff and the defendant in ... challenge for cause jury voir dire
people :: n. the designation for the prosecuting government ... secutions, United States v. Miller.
plea bargain :: n. in criminal procedure, a negotiation between th ... the ban. See also: cop a plea plea
plain error :: n. a mistake by the trial court found by a court o ... ire reversal of the trial decision.
piracy :: n. the crime of robbery of ships or boats on the o ... here the accused has been captured.
partial verdict :: n. in a criminal trial, the result when the jury f ... re other charges. See also: verdict
pardon :: 1) v. to use the executive power of a Governor or ... also: amnesty commutation reprieve
opinion :: n. the explanation of a court's judgment. When a t ... which the author is not specified.
opening statement :: n. the explanation by the attorneys for both sides ... rgument. See also: closing argument
original jurisdiction :: n. the authority of a court to hold a trial, as di ... l judgments. See also: jurisdiction
overrule :: v. 1) to reject an attorney's objection to a quest ... : appellate court objection sustain
own recognizance :: (O.R.) n. the basis for a judge allowing a person ... n recognizance. See also: bail O.R.
physician-patient privilege :: n. the right and obligation of a physician to refu ... onfidential communication privilege
juvenile court :: n. a special court or department of a trial court ... See also: court juvenile delinquent
long cause :: n. a lawsuit in which it is estimated that a trial ... dar call court calendar short cause
lie detector test :: n. a popular name for a polygraph which tests the ... be referred to. See also: polygraph
lower court :: n. 1) any court of lesser rank, such as municipal ... ruled Defendant had no basis for:."
malpractice :: n. An act or continuing conduct of a professional ... eed. See also: errors and omissions
marked for identification :: adj. documents or objects presented during a trial ... exhibit lay a foundation objection
mandate :: n. 1) any mandatory order or requirement under sta ... See also: mandamus writ of mandate
leading the witness :: n. asking a question during a trial or deposition ... n hostile witness leading objection
leading question :: n. a question asked of a witness by an attorney du ... e also: cross-examination objection
jury stress :: n. a form of mental, emotional, psychological, phy ... do the right thing. See also: jury
preponderance of the evidence :: n. the greater weight of the evidence required in ... what subjective. See also: evidence
just compensation :: n. 1) in general a fair and reasonable amount of m ... ation make one whole quantum meruit
justice of the peace :: (JP) n. a judge who handles minor legal matters su ... ersons to qualify by taking a test.
leading :: 1) v. short for "leading the witness," in which th ... tness leading the witness objection
martial law :: n. a system of complete control by a country's mil ... n and women. See also: military law
material witness :: n. a person who apparently has information about t ... e. See also: material trial witness
motion to strike :: n. a request for a judge's order to eliminate all ... be unrung." See also: motion strike
motion in limine :: (lim-in-nay) n. Latin for "threshold," a motion ma ... o: in limine Miranda warning motion
motion to suppress :: n. a motion (usually on behalf of a criminal defen ... eshold." See also: motion in limine
motive :: n. in criminal investigation the probable reason a ... is not necessary to prove a crime.
multiplicity of suits :: n. several actual or potential lawsuits which shou ... e can order the cases consolidated.
motion for a summary judgment :: n. a written request for a judgment in the moving ... strict procedures. See also: motion
jury panel :: n. the list from which jurors for a particular tri ... may be chosen. See also: juror jury
McNabb-Mallory rule :: n. a federal rule of evidence in criminal trials t ... present. See also: Miranda warning
matter of record :: n. anything, including testimony, evidence, ruling ... cussions not written down or taped.
Miranda warning :: n. the requirement, also called the Miranda rule, ... me such a suspect? See also: rights
M'Naughten rule :: n. a traditional "right and wrong" test of legal i ... temporary insanity Twinkie defense
moral certainty :: n. in a criminal trial, the reasonable belief (but ... : beyond a reasonable doubt verdict
nisi prius :: : (nee-see pree-us) adj. Latin for "unless first," ... : original jurisdiction trial court
ultimate fact :: n. in a trial, a conclusion of fact which is logic ... is not evidence. See also: evidence
summation :: n. the final argument of an attorney at the close ... 's case. See also: closing argument
summary judgment :: n. a court order ruling that no factual issues rem ... tion summary adjudication of issues
Superior Court :: n. the name used in 16 states for the basic county ... county trial court. See also: court
suppression of evidence :: n. 1) a judge's determination not to allow evidenc ... the prosecutor. See also: evidence
sustain :: v. in trial practice, for a judge to agree that an ... /she will "overrule" the objection.
Supreme Court :: n. 1) the highest court in the United States, whic ... rt in other states. See also: court
summary adjudication of issues :: n. a court order ruling that certain factual issue ... is made. See also: summary judgment
subpena :: (subpoena): (suh-pea-nah) n. an order of the court ... ubpena duces tecum subpoena witness
small claims court :: n. a division of most municipal, city or other low ... od example of a small claims court.
short cause :: n. a lawsuit which is estimated by the parties (us ... l be reset later as a "long cause."
solicitor :: n. an English attorney who may perform all legal s ... s or barristers. See also: attorney
Solicitor General :: n. the chief trial attorney in the federal Departm ... Attorney General in the Department.
status conference :: n. a pre-trial meeting of attorneys before a judge ... g a trial date. See also: discovery
stare decisis :: : (stah-ree duh-sigh-sis) n. Latin for "to stand b ... pellate court lower court precedent
tainted evidence :: n. in a criminal trial, information which has been ... e search and seizure search warrant
temporary insanity :: n. in a criminal prosecution, a defense by the acc ... diminished capacity insanity intent
will contest :: n. a lawsuit challenging the validity of a will an ... so: in terrorem clause probate will
vigilante :: n. someone who takes the law into his/her own hand ... lester of her child is a vigilante.
witness :: 1) n. a person who testifies under oath in a trial ... lso: deposition evidence trial will
work product :: n. the writings, notes, memoranda, reports on conv ... ies to be employed by the attorney.
zoning :: n. a system of developing a city or county plan in ... овской гарантии . writ of coram nobis :: : (writ of core-uhm noh-bis) n. from Latin for "in ... ment if known at the time of trial.
verdict :: n. the decision of a jury after a trial, which mus ... nt quotient verdict special verdict
venue :: n. 1) the proper or most convenient location for t ... ion. See also: forum non conveniens
testimony :: n. oral evidence given under oath by a witness in ... tion evidence testify trial witness
testify :: v. to give oral evidence under oath in answer to q ... deposition evidence testimony trial
time served :: n. the period a criminal defendant has been in jai ... o the defendant. See also: sentence
jury box :: n. the enclosed area in which the jury sits in ass ... a jury trial. See also: juror jury
unlawful detainer :: n. 1) keeping possession of real property without ... Thirty-day notice three-day notice
shifting the burden of proof :: n. the result of the plaintiff in a lawsuit meetin ... o: burden of proof prima facie case
settle :: v. to resolve a lawsuit without a final court judg ... rior to trial. See also: settlement
prosecute :: v. 1) in criminal law, to charge a person with a c ... rney General prosecution prosecutor
proof :: n. confirmation of a fact by evidence. In a trial, ... doubt preponderance of the evidence
proximate cause :: n. a happening which results in an event, particul ... also: intervening cause negligence
question of fact :: n. in a lawsuit or criminal prosecution, an issue ... also: finding judge question of law
quotient verdict :: n. an award of money damages set by a jury in a la ... rial motion for a new trial verdict
question of law :: n. an issue arising in a lawsuit or criminal prose ... udge question of fact trier of fact
proffer :: v. to offer evidence in a trial. ... v. to offer evidence in a trial.
process :: n. in law, the legal means by which a person is re ... service of process subpena summons
prime suspect :: n. the one person law enforcement officers believe ... in trial. See also: Miranda warning
prima facie :: : (pry-mah fay-shah) adj. Latin for "at first look ... t" case. See also: prima facie case
privilege against self incrimina-tion :: n. a right to refuse to testify against oneself in ... so: Bill of Rights taking the Fifth
pro hac vice :: : (proh hock vee-chay) prep. Latin for "this time ... association with a local attorney.
probative value :: n. evidence which is sufficiently useful to prove ... prior actions. See also: probative
reasonable :: adj., adv. in law, just, rational, appropriate, or ... ost of other actions or activities.
reasonable doubt :: n. not being sure of a criminal defendant's guilt ... also: preponderance of the evidence
reversible error :: n. a legal mistake at the trial court level which ... nt at the trial. See also: reversal
respondent :: n. 1) the party who is required to answer a petiti ... "appellant") in the appeals court.
riparian rights :: n. the right of the owner of the land forming the ... elled away from its natural course.
sealing of records :: n. trial records and decisions which a judge order ... eep the terms from public scrutiny.
set :: v. to schedule, as to "set a case for trial." ... dule, as to "set a case for trial."
sequestration :: n. the act of a judge issuing an order that a jury ... during trial). See also: sequester
reply brief :: n. the written legal argument of the respondent (t ... ee also: appeal appellee respondent
remote :: adj., adv. extremely far off or slight. Evidence m ... ee also: immaterial proximate cause
reciprocal discovery :: n. the exchange of documents, lists of witnesses, ... n before trial. See also: discovery
recess :: n. a break in a trial or other court proceedings o ... t," which winds up the proceedings.
release on one's own recognizance :: v. for a judge to allow a criminal defendant pre-t ... ourtroom slang. See also: bail O.R.
relevant :: adj. having some reasonable connection with, and i ... nt." See also: irrelevant objection
remittitur :: n. 1) a judge's order reducing a judgment awarded ... party on appeal). See also: remand
prevailing party :: n. the winner in a lawsuit. Many contracts, leases ... ed before or after trial has begun.
discovery :: n. the entire efforts of a party to a lawsuit and ... ee also: deposition interrogatories
charge :: n. 1) in a criminal case, the specific statement o ... trial judge. 3) a fee for services.
character witness :: n. a person who testifies in a trial on behalf of ... ases and civil cases such as fraud.
circumstantial evidence :: n. evidence in a trial which is not directly from ... circumstantial. See also: evidence
civil calendar :: n. the list of lawsuits (cases) that are approachi ... y sent to trial. See also: calendar
collateral :: 1) n. property pledged to secure a loan or debt, u ... ral to the Colorado divorce action.
closing argument :: n. the final argument by an attorney on behalf of ... . See also: opening statement trial
challenge :: n. the right of each attorney in a jury trial to r ... ess. See also: peremptory challenge
cartel :: n. 1) an arrangement among supposedly independent ... Colombia. See also: antitrust laws
bias :: n. the predisposition of a judge, arbitrator, pros ... ire. See also: hometowned voir dire
beyond a reasonable doubt :: adj. part of jury instructions in all criminal tri ... on moral certainty reasonable doubt
Bill of Rights :: n. the first ten amendments to the federal Constit ... ved to the states or to the people.
burden of proof :: n. the requirement that the plaintiff (the party b ... ence prima facie weight of evidence
capricious :: adv., adj. unpredictable and subject to whim, ofte ... a judge is inconsistent or erratic.
calendar :: 1) n. the list of cases to be called for trial bef ... clerk of the court calendars cases.
comment :: n. a statement made by a judge or an attorney duri ... e rung, cannot be unrung," applies.
commitment :: n. a judge's order sending someone to jail or pris ... prisoner or patient to such places.
convict :: 1) v. to find guilty of a crime after a trial. 2) ... ted of a felony and sent to prison.
continuing objection :: n. an objection to certain questions or testimony ... ional distress. See also: objection
conviction :: n. the result of a criminal trial in which the def ... t has been found guilty of a crime.
corroborate :: v. to confirm and sometimes add substantiating (re ... l. See also: corroborating evidence
court of appeals :: n. any court (state or federal) which hears appeal ... eals courts. See also: appeal court
court :: n. 1) the judge, as in "The court rules in favor o ... cost and wait of full court trials.
constitutional rights :: n. rights given or reserved to the people by the U ... e also: Bill of Rights constitution
confidential communication :: n. certain written communications which can be kep ... privilege privileged communication
compound question :: n. the combination of more than one question into ... rate questions. See also: objection
competent :: adj. 1) in general, able to act in the circumstanc ... all bases. See also: evidence will
compromise :: 1) n. an agreement between opposing parties to set ... some demands. See also: settlement
conclusion of fact :: n. in a trial, the final result of an analysis of ... quested. See also: finding judgment
confession :: n. the statement of one charged with a crime that ... Miranda warning self-incrimination
confess :: v. in criminal law, to voluntarily state that one ... Miranda warning self-incrimination
best evidence rule :: n. the legal doctrine that an original piece of ev ... ence in a trial. See also: evidence
bankruptcy :: n. a federal system of statutes and courts which p ... y proceedings trustee in bankruptcy
adhesion contract :: n.(contract of adhesion) a contract (often a signe ... ourceful lawyer. See also: contract
act :: 1) n. in general, any action by a person. 2) n. a ... ct on your motion for a new trial."
admissible evidence :: n. evidence which the trial judge finds is useful ... olving violence. See also: evidence
admission :: n. a statement made by a party to a lawsuit or a c ... mission against interest confession
admission to bail :: n. an order of a court in a criminal case allowing ... lient. See also: bail bail bondsman
admission of evidence :: n. a judge's acceptance of evidence in a trial. Se ... ence in a trial. See also: evidence
acquit :: v. what a jury or judge sitting without a jury doe ... ndant not guilty. See also: verdict
abuse of discretion :: n. a polite way of saying a trial judge has made s ... partner's realistic ability to pay.
code :: n. a collection of written laws gathered together, ... utes or laws. See also: law statute
award :: 1) n. the decision of an arbitrator or commissione ... warded $27,000." See also: judgment
rejection of claim :: n. in probate law (administration of an estate of ... stion of administrative remedies").
permanent injunction :: n. a final order of a court that a person or entit ... ary injunction temporary injunction
title search :: n. the examination of county records for the prope ... e escrow lien title title insurance
title report :: n. the written analysis of the status of title to ... lso: abstract title title insurance
admit :: v. 1) to state something is true in answering a co ... tted." See also: admission evidence
adultery :: n. consensual sexual relations when one of the par ... s and grist for scandal newspapers.
articles of impeachment :: n. the charges brought (filed) to impeach a public ... y the Senate. See also: impeachment
arbitrator :: n. one who conducts an arbitration, and serves as ... he other two. See also: arbitration
attorney-client privilege :: n. the requirement that an attorney may not reveal ... ivileged communication work product
bail bond :: n. a bond provided by an insurance company through ... urned. See also: bail bail bondsman
bank :: n. 1) an officially chartered institution empowere ... erred to as "in bank" or "en banc."
bail bondsman :: n. a professional agent for an insurance company w ... t to jail. See also: bail bail bond
arbitration :: n. a mini-trial, which may be for a lawsuit ready ... tance of the arbitrator's decision.
appellee :: n. in some jurisdictions the name used for the par ... ndent." See also: appeal respondent
after-discovered evidence :: n. evidence found by a losing party after a trial ... also: evidence writ of coram nobis
adverse witness :: n. a witness in a trial who is found by the judge ... r the opposition. See also: witness
agreed statement :: n. occasionally the two parties on opposite sides ... gument and not of the actual facts.
appeal :: 1) v. to ask a higher court to reverse the decisio ... ng, as in "he has filed an appeal."
appellant :: n. the party who appeals a trial court decision he ... e/she/it has lost. See also: appeal
criminal justice :: n. a generic term for the procedure by which crimi ... endered and punishment carried out.
cross-examination :: n. the opportunity for the attorney (or an unrepre ... examination testimony trial witness
hung jury :: n. slang for a hopelessly deadlocked jury in a cri ... also: dismissal jury mistrial trial
hostile witness :: n. technically an "adverse witness" in a trial who ... so: adverse witness leading witness
immaterial :: adj. a commonly heard objection to introducing evi ... ons. See also: irrelevant objection
impeach :: v. 1) to discredit the testimony of a witness by p ... ve been found guilty by the Senate.
impleader :: n. a procedural device before trial in which a par ... than having two suits in a series.
impeachment :: n. 1) discrediting a witness by showing that he/sh ... the trial itself. See also: impeach
harmless error :: n. an error by a judge in the conduct of a trial w ... ar to be harmless." See also: error
go bail :: v. slang for putting up the bail money to get an a ... arrest or pending trial or appeal.
forum :: n. a court which has jurisdiction to hold a trial ... f a particular lawsuit or petition.
forensic :: 1) adj. from Latin forensis for "belonging to the ... in legal matters, including trials.
forum non conveniens :: (for-uhm nahn cahn-vee-nee-ehns) n. Latin for a fo ... most convenient location for trial.
fraud :: n. the intentional use of deceit, a trick or some ... audulent conveyance intrinsic fraud
gag order :: n. a judge's order prohibiting the attorneys and t ... st day in office, January 22, 1993.
fruit of the poisonous tree :: n. in criminal law, the doctrine that evidence dis ... property. See also: Miranda warning
in absentia :: (in ab-sensh-ee-ah) adj. or adv. phrase. Latin for ... tin Bormann, Hitler's closest aide.
in limine :: (in lim-in-ay) from Latin for "at the threshold," ... otion. See also: motion to suppress
jeopardy :: n. peril, particularly danger of being charged wit ... ar Evers. See also: double jeopardy
irrelevant :: adj. not important, pertinent, or germane to the m ... ce immaterial incompetent objection
joinder of issue :: n. that point in a lawsuit when the defendant has ... matters are to be decided by trial.
judgment notwithstanding the verdict :: (N.O.V.) n. reversal of a jury's verdict by the tr ... veredicto. See also: N.O.V. verdict
juror :: n. any person who actually serves on a jury. Lists ... : Grand Jury jury jury panel venire
judicial discretion :: n. the power of the judge to make decisions on som ... iscretion beyond his/her authority.
interrogatories :: n. a set of written questions to a party to a laws ... ing. See also: deposition discovery
insufficient evidence :: n. a finding (decision) by a trial judge or an app ... l court. See also: evidence finding
incontrovertible evidence :: n. evidence introduced to prove a fact in a trial ... erson is not the parent of a child.
incompetent evidence :: n. testimony, documents or things which one side a ... ns. See also: incompetent objection
inference :: n. a rule of logic applied to evidence in a trial, ... . See also: circumstantial evidence
innocent :: adj. without guilt (not guilty). Usually the plea ... also: arraignment plea plea bargain
inspection of documents :: n. the right to examine and copy the opposing part ... evidence subpena duces tecum trial
first impression :: adj. referring to a legal issue which has never be ... s for both sides to assist him/her.
finding :: n. the determination of a factual question vital ( ... e case. See also: conclusion of law
dismiss :: v. the ruling by a judge that all or a portion (on ... nst that party. See also: dismissal
discretion :: n. the power of a judge, public official or a priv ... t a variance to a zoning ordinance.
district court :: n. 1) in the federal court system, a trial court f ... urt in some states. See also: court
DNA :: n. scientifically, deoxyribonucleic acid, a chromo ... is strongly in favor of admission.
election of remedies :: n. an outmoded requirement that if a plaintiff (pa ... dence has not been fully presented.
double jeopardy :: n. placing someone on trial a second time for an o ... that occurred thirty years earlier.
directed verdict :: n. a verdict by a jury based on the specific direc ... element judgment jury trial verdict
direct examination :: n. the first questioning of a witness during a tri ... nation deposition testimony witness
defense :: n. 1) a general term for the effort of an attorney ... tiff. See also: affirmative defense
de novo :: adj. Latin for "anew," which means starting over, ... n, de novo. See also: trial de novo
demonstrative evidence :: n. actual objects, pictures, models and other devi ... the trial judge. See also: evidence
depose :: v. 1) to ask questions of a witness or a party to ... tion. See also: deponent deposition
diminished capacity :: n. essentially a psychological term which has foun ... See also: insanity M'Naughten rule
deposition :: n. the taking and recording of testimony of a witn ... See also: deponent depose discovery
eminent domain :: n. the power of a governmental entity (federal, st ... ngs. See also: condemn condemnation
enter a judgment :: v. to officially record a judgment on the "judgmen ... ounced. See also: entry of judgment
fact finder (finder of fact) :: n. in a trial of a lawsuit or criminal prosecution ... n facts. See also: question of fact
fact :: n. an actual thing or happening, which must be pro ... dge if he/she sits without a jury).
federal courts :: n. the court system which handles civil and crimin ... rans' appeals. See also: bankruptcy
fictitious defendants :: n. when a party suing (plaintiff) is not sure if h ... are not permitted in federal cases.
final settlement :: n. an agreement reached by the parties to a lawsui ... rneys present. See also: settlement
final judgment :: n. the written determination of a lawsuit by the j ... : final decree interlocutory decree
extrajudicial :: adj. referring to actions outside the judicial (co ... gnized by the judge during a trial.
expert witness :: n. a person who is a specialist in a subject, ofte ... sitions. See also: expert testimony
exception :: n. 1) a formal objection during trial ("We take ex ... cluded. See also: exception in deed
evidence :: n. every type of proof legally presented at trial ... material object objection relevant
exclusionary rule :: n. the rule that evidence secured by illegal means ... e poisonous tree motion to suppress
exhibit :: n. 1) a document or object (including a photograph ... ncorporated into the main document.
expert testimony :: n. opinions stated during trial or deposition (tes ... inal case. See also: expert witness
jury :: n. one of the remarkable innovations of the Englis ... hallenge sequester venire voir dire