Legal Glossary

The legal glossary is a comprehensive index of legal terms aimed at educating and helping consumers better understand some of the legal terminology and jargon that is often used in describing legal matters.

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Answer questions in court.

Evidence presented orally by witnesses during trials or before grand juries.

A civil wrong or breach of a duty to another person as outlined by law. A very common tort is negligent operation of a motor vehicle that results in property damage and personal injury in an automobile accident.

A written, word-for-word record of what was said, either in a proceeding such as a trial or during some other conversation.

A hearing that takes place when the defendant pleads not guilty,” and the parties are required to come to court to present evidence.

A lawyer appointed by the President in each judicial district to prosecute and defend cases for the federal government.

enforce the rules of behavior in courtrooms.

The decision of an appellate court not to reverse a lower court decision. Also called “affirm.”

The geographical location in which a case is tried.

The decision of a petit jury or a judge.

work with prosecutors and assist the victims of a crime.

An offense for which the only sentence authorized is a fine.

The process by which judges and lawyers select a petit jury from among those eligible to serve by questioning them to determine knowledge of the facts of the case and a willingness to decide the case only on the evidence presented in court. Voir dire is a phrase meaning to speak the truth.

An arrest warrant is a written order directing the arrest of a party. A search warrant orders that a specific location be searched for items, which if found, can be used in court as evidence. Search warrants require probable cause in order to be issued.

A person called upon by either side in a lawsuit to give testimony before the court or jury.

A formal written command, issued from the court, requiring the performance of a specific act.

An order issued by the Supreme Court directing the lower court to transmit records for a case for which it will hear on appeal. The Supreme Court is usually not required to hear appeals of cases. A denial of “cert” by the Supreme Court allows the previous ruling to stand.

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