Legal Glossary
Understanding legal terminology is essential when navigating legal issues, contracts, or court proceedings. This glossary provides clear and concise definitions of common legal terms to help you better comprehend legal discussions and documents. These definitions are meant as a general guide and may vary depending on jurisdiction and context.
Court Structure and Roles
The court officer who manages administrative functions and maintains court records. This is role is typically filled by an administrative worker who is employed by the goverment.
A person who makes a word-for-word record of what is said during court proceedings. They are not present for every case, as many cases are simply recorded digitally today.
An official who presides over court proceedings. They are responsible for ensuring the law is followed and rulings are made in cases before the court. They can be appointed, elected, or hired as government employees depending on the type of court and where it is located.
The authority of a court or legal body to hear and decide a case based on geographic area or subject matter.
A group of citizens selected to hear evidence and render a verdict in a trial. The group is typically selected from a larger pool of potential candidates. Members of the jury are typically paid a daily fee.
A lawyer who represents the government in criminal cases.
Legal Procedures and Processes
A court proceeding where a criminal defendant is formally charged and asked to enter a plea.
A request made to a higher court to review and change the decision of a lower court.
Questioning of a witness by the opposing party’s attorney after direct examination.
An out-of-court statement made under oath by a witness, used to gather information before trial.
The pre-trial process where both parties exchange information and evidence related to the case.
A formal charge issued by a grand jury stating there is enough evidence to bring the defendant to trial.
A formal request made to a court for an order or ruling on a specific issue.
A meeting before trial where the judge and lawyers discuss case procedures, evidence, and potential settlements.
The punishment ordered by the court for a defendant convicted of a crime.
The process of selecting a jury by questioning prospective jurors to determine their suitability.
Types of Cases and Legal Actions
A legal process for individuals or businesses unable to repay debts, offering relief and restructuring options.
A trial without a jury, where the judge serves as the fact-finder.
A dispute between individuals or organizations over rights, responsibilities, or obligations.
A lawsuit where one or more plaintiffs represent a larger group with similar claims against a defendant.
A case involving actions considered offenses against the state or society, punishable by law.
A judgment awarded to the plaintiff because the defendant failed to respond or appear in court.
A court order preventing a party from taking a specific action.
An invalid trial caused by fundamental error, requiring the trial to start again with a new jury.
An agreement between parties in a lawsuit to resolve the dispute without proceeding to a trial.
A hearing where the parties present evidence and arguments to a judge or jury to resolve a dispute.
Legal Documents
A written statement made under oath, used as evidence in court to present facts or claims.
The formal written response by a defendant in a civil case addressing the complaint.
A written statement submitted in a trial or appellate proceeding explaining one side’s legal and factual arguments.
A document formally starting a civil action, outlining allegations by the plaintiff against the defendant.
A judge’s statement regarding the rights of parties without ordering any specific action or awarding damages.
The document that initiates the filing of a bankruptcy proceeding, setting forth basic information about the debtor.
A document that authorizes one person to act on behalf of another in legal matters.
A court order requiring a person to appear and testify in court.
An order requiring a person to appear before a court to answer to a charge.
A formal written command issued by a court requiring a person to perform or refrain from performing a specific act.
Evidence and Testimony
Evidence that may be considered by a jury or judge in civil and criminal cases.
Evidence that requires an inference to connect it to a conclusion of fact.
Evidence that supports a fact directly, without needing any inference, such as eyewitness testimony.
Evidence that tends to show the defendant’s innocence.
Doctrine that says evidence obtained in violation of a criminal defendant’s constitutional or statutory rights is not admissible at trial.
Physical evidence or documents presented in a court proceeding.
Statements made by a witness that are based on what someone else said rather than firsthand knowledge, generally not admissible in court.
Evidence that tends to show the defendant’s guilt.
Evidence presented orally by witnesses during trials or before grand juries.
A person called upon by either side in a lawsuit to give testimony before the court or jury.