accusation charge of wrongdoing accused one charged with an offense; defendant in criminal case accused one charged with

an offense; defendant in criminal case acknowledgment formal declaration that one has executed a particular legal document action lawsuit or court proceeding adjective law branch of law dealing with rules of procedure adjourn (vb) suspend court proceedings until later stated time administrative law statutes governing procedures before government agencies admiralty law maritime law admission voluntary declaration of facts made by one party in suit, esp. acknowledgment of guilt adversary opposite party in litigation adversary opposite party in litigation advocate lawyer, esp. one pleading clients cause in court advocate lawyer, esp. one pleading clients cause in court affidavit written statement sworn under oath before authorized officer or notary agent person authorized to act for principal in case agent person authorized to act for principal in case allegation contention or accusation; statement by party to legal action as to what will be proved alleged one accused of crime before proven guilty alleged one accused of crime before proven guilty alternate juror jury member chosen to fill in should regular juror be unable to continue alternate juror jury member chosen to fill in should regular juror be unable to continue amended complaint written pleading that contains additional information, allegations, or causes of action in case amendment legislative modification or addition to statute or constitution amicus curiae Latin. lit. friend of the court; counselor assisting and seeking to persuade court on case to which he or she amicus curiae Latin. lit. friend of the court; counselor assisting and seeking to persuade court on case to which he or she appeal procedure by which case is brought from lower to higher court for revised ruling or rehearing appellate court higher court that reviews decision of lower court appellate jurisdiction authority of appellate court to reverse lower court decision arbitration investigation and resolution of dispute by persons named by involved parties, usu. agreed on in contract as w trial arbitrator private, disinterested person chosen to conduct arbitration arbitrator private, disinterested person chosen to conduct arbitration argument attorneys statements in support of clients case arraignment calling of accused before court to hear charges and enter plea arrest restraint or detention of person by legal authority assignment transfer of rights from one person to another assize legislative enactment, statute; judicial inquest assizes former periodic sessions of English superior courts associate subordinate member of law firm associate subordinate member of law firm assumpsit action to recover damages for breach of contract or verbal or implied promise attorney general chief law officer of state or nation

attorney general chief law officer of state or nation attorney one who acts for another, esp. in legal proceedings attorney one who acts for another, esp. in legal proceedings attorney-at-law lawyer admitted to bar and qualified to litigate in court attorney-at-law lawyer admitted to bar and qualified to litigate in court attorney-in-fact one given power of attorney to act for another but not necessarily an attorney-at-law attorney-in-fact one given power of attorney to act for another but not necessarily an attorney-at-law bail payment of bond that is forfeited if one fails to appear in court bailiff court attendant charged with keeping order and escorting prisoners in court bailiff court attendant charged with keeping order and escorting prisoners in court bar association local or state organization of lawyers voluntarily or mandatorily registered in that jurisdiction bar entire body of lawyers and counselors-at-law barrister counsel admitted to plead at bar and in public superior court trials (Britain) barrister counsel admitted to plead at bar and in public superior court trials (Britain) bench entire body of judges; where judge sits in court bench warrant arrest order issued by judge, usu. for failure to appear in court bencher Chiefly Brit. senior member of an Inn of Court bencher Chiefly Brit. senior member of an Inn of Court bill of attainder unconstitutional legislative act that finds person guilty of high crime and imposes sentence bill of particulars statement filed in court that gives details of claim or counterclaim bind over (vb) put under bond to appear in court for trial; shift case to grand jury or superior court from lower court binding arbitration arbitration stipulated in contract as obligatory to all parties bondsman one who assumes responsibility of paying bond if defendant fails to appear in court bondsman one who assumes responsibility of paying bond if defendant fails to appear in court canon law codified law governing church case court action, cause, suit, or controversy case law precedent-setting judicial opinions cause case, claim, or lawsuit seeking recovery from another certiorari Latin. lit. to be made more certain; higher courts review procedure on actions of lower court or government a cessation temporary adjournment of case challenge objection to prospective juror during pretrial jury selection chambers judges private office in courthouse chancery separate judicial system that administers natural right or golden rule in courts of equity without jury, used esp. character witness one who verifies anothers reputation as honest and law-abiding character witness one who verifies anothers reputation as honest and law-abiding charge judges instructions to jury at close of trial regarding what to consider in reaching verdict charter state grant allowing corporation to exist chief justice presiding judge of court, esp. Supreme Court chief justice presiding judge of court, esp. Supreme Court circuit court court sitting at two or more places circuit judge judge presiding over circuit court circuit judge judge presiding over circuit court citation writ issued by court commanding person to appear in court and perform some duty or show cause why not

cite (vb) issue citation; call upon to appear; hold someone responsible for objectionable conduct, such as contempt citizens arrest arrest made by private citizen rather than law officer civil action lawsuit between private parties, usu. to recover money, property, or remedies, or to enforce rights civil case lawsuit between private parties, as distinguished from criminal case civil law codes, statutes, and case law governing civil actions; Roman law set forth in Justinian Code claim demand for something rightfully due but possessed by another claimant one asserting claim, esp. in civil case claimant one asserting claim, esp. in civil case class action suit brought on behalf of many persons with similar interest in alleged wrong clerk one who keeps records, has power to issue specific writs, and files documents clerk one who keeps records, has power to issue specific writs, and files documents client person hiring attorney as representative client person hiring attorney as representative closing final exchange of title and monies in real estate transaction code systematic statement of body of law codicil amendment or addition to will commercial law body of laws governing all business transactions not covered by maritime law commital Chiefly Brit. commitment commitment court order to take person into custody in penal or mental institution common law precedents set by court decisions, distinguished from statute law; body of English law forming foundation o community property property recognized in some states as owned in common by spouses competent party individual who is legally able to enter into binding contracts competent party individual who is legally able to enter into binding contracts condemned criminal sentenced to death condemned criminal sentenced to death confession voluntary admission of guilt or responsibility conservator person designated to protect interests of an incompetent conservator person designated to protect interests of an incompetent constabulary body organized by government to preserve public order constitution fundamental law by which state governs constitutional law body of decisions and precedents that results from interpreting a constitution contest (vb) dispute or challenge by litigation continuance deferral of court proceedings to future date contract voluntary, lawful, mutual agreement to do or not do something in return for consideration convict one found guilty of a crime convict one found guilty of a crime cop a plea Informal. plead guilty to lesser offense to avoid standing trial for more serious one copyright law law protecting exclusive ownership of and rights to artistic and intellectual properties counsel lawyer managing court trial; lawyer advising and representing an individual, corporation, or public body on legal counsel lawyer managing court trial; lawyer advising and representing an individual, corporation, or public body on legal counselor lawyer; counsel counselor lawyer; counsel counselor-at-law lawyer

counselor-at-law lawyer counterclaim case brought against plaintiff by defendant counterplea plaintiffs reply to defendants plea or counterclaim court attendant low-level functionary at legal proceeding court attendant low-level functionary at legal proceeding court hearing preliminary examination of arguments by judge court judge as embodiment of a particular court court judge as embodiment of a particular court court of appeals court hearing appeals of lower court decisions court of claims court with jurisdiction over claims, esp. against government court of common pleas former English civil superior court; intermediate court in some U.S. states with civil and criminal court of inquiry military court that investigates military matters court of law court hearing and deciding cases based on statutes and common law court of record court whose acts and proceedings are kept on permanent record and that has power to impose penaltie court of sessions state criminal court of record court officer bailiff or other official of court court officer bailiff or other official of court court official assembly for transaction of judicial business; session of such an assembly; chamber for such an assembly court reporter stenographer who records and transcribes court proceedings verbatim court reporter stenographer who records and transcribes court proceedings verbatim court trial trial by judge without jury courthouse building in which court of law convenes court-martial judicial court proceeding in armed forces courtroom chamber in which court proceedings are held criminal case charge by state against individual, brought to punish violation of criminal laws criminal court court with jurisdiction to try and punish violators of criminal law criminal justice administration and enforcement of criminal law criminal law statutes and common law of crimes and their punishment cross-claim claim made by defendant against plaintiff cross-complaint complaint arising from original complaint, made by defendant against codefendant or third party cross-examination questioning of witness by lawyer for other party in case cross-question (vb) Chiefly Brit. cross-examine customs court federal court having jurisdiction over tariff law cases DA district attorney DA district attorney deed document transferring ownership of real property defendant party sued by plaintiff or accused by state defendant party sued by plaintiff or accused by state defense attorney lawyer representing a defendant defense attorney lawyer representing a defendant defense reasons of law put forth as to why adversary or claim should be denied deliberations jurys consideration of case to reach verdict depose (vb) elicit testimony outside court under oath or by affidavit; take witnesss deposition

deposition sworn testimony of witness taken outside court proceedings direct examination questioning of witness by lawyer who called him or her to stand direct testimony statements of witness in answer to questions posed by attorney who called him or her to stand discovery pretrial fact-finding through interrogatories, depositions, and other investigative procedures district attorney DA; public officer acting as lawyer for government in prosecuting criminal cases; prosecutor district attorney DA; public officer acting as lawyer for government in prosecuting criminal cases; prosecutor district court trial court with jurisdiction in specific judicial district divorce court court handling dissolution of marriages double jeopardy repeat prosecution for same criminal offense, prohibited by U.S. Constitution enter plea place plea in court record in proper form equity natural right or justice; flexible body of law and nonjury court system, esp. for gaining relief other than financial ex delicto Latin. lit. out of wrong; cause of action arising from crime or tort ex post facto Latin. lit. after the fact; fixing or changing punishment for act after it was committed, now forbidden by U.S executor one responsible for administration of decedents estate and for carrying out terms of a will executor one responsible for administration of decedents estate and for carrying out terms of a will executrix female executor executrix female executor eyewitness person who actually saw crime committed eyewitness person who actually saw crime committed fair hearing special administrative procedure required by court when person might otherwise be denied rights without d federal court court established under U.S. Constitution, esp. to deal with violations of federal statutes fiduciary one entrusted to care for anothers property fiduciary one entrusted to care for anothers property file (vb) perform first act of lawsuit; place among official records, return to office of court clerk firm partnership or association of two or more lawyers forum tribunal, court of law gag rule court order banning all parties involved in case from publicly disclosing anything about it or reporting on it in th garnishee one in possession of anothers property pending settlement of debts garnishee one in possession of anothers property pending settlement of debts go to trial determine that dispute warrants trial and commence proceedings grand jury body of usu. twelve to twenty-three citizens who investigate facts to determine whether a crime has been com guardian one legally empowered to manage affairs of a minor or incompetent person guardian one legally empowered to manage affairs of a minor or incompetent person habeas corpus Latin. lit. have the body; court order requiring that detained prisoner be produced in court to inquire into Hammurabi Code ancient Babylonian code of criminal and civil law written in cuneiform characters (18th c. B.C.) hearing preliminary court examination of contested issues in criminal or civil proceeding heir one who would be entitled to inherit property of deceased by intestate succession under terms of will heir one who would be entitled to inherit property of deceased by intestate succession under terms of will hostile witness witness unfriendly to side calling him, subject to cross-examination by that side hostile witness witness unfriendly to side calling him, subject to cross-examination by that side impanel (vb) select jury from official list of names impeachment of witness providing evidence or engaging in questioning that attacks credibility of witness in camera Latin. lit. in chambers; judicial proceeding from which public is excluded

in personam Latin. lit. against the person; action directed against individual or owner of property in rem Latin. lit. against the thing; action directed against specific piece of property indictment criminal charge made by grand jury information criminal accusation made by prosecutor rather than by grand jury indictment Inns of Court four legal societies that admit persons to the practice of law in Britain: Inner Temple, Middle Temple, Linco inquest official inquiry or examination before jury; coroners investigation of cause of death instructions judges explanation of applicable law to jury international law body of rules recognized as binding between national states, based on treaties, agreements, and custo interrogatories written questions answered under oath by witness before trial intervention third-party protection of alleged interest in legal proceeding begun by others judge presiding court officer, elected or appointed judge presiding court officer, elected or appointed judiciary court system; governmental branch charged with administration of justice judiciary judges of court system judiciary judges of court system junior partner lawyer with lesser status and seniority among partners in firm junior partner lawyer with lesser status and seniority among partners in firm jurat notarized certification that affidavit has been sworn to jurisdiction scope of authority of specific court to hear particular cases jurisprudence system, body, or philosophy of law jurist judge or lawyer jurist judge or lawyer juror member of jury juror member of jury jury body of citizens sworn to weigh evidence and decide facts of case; petit jury as opposed to grand jury jury is out jury is deliberating while it reaches verdict jury trial consideration of case by jury as opposed to by judge or arbitrator jus gentium Latin. lit. law of nations; international law based on customs of all nations in Roman law justice establishment and administration of rights based on rules of law and equity justice judge; member of Supreme Court justice judge; member of Supreme Court justice of the peace local magistrate empowered to administer oaths, perform marriages, and handle minor cases justice of the peace local magistrate empowered to administer oaths, perform marriages, and handle minor cases Justinian Code Byzantine revision and codification of Roman law with addition of Corpus of Civil Law (6th c.) juvenile court court with jurisdiction over children under age of legal responsibility regarding matters of delinquency or d kangaroo court unauthorized, irregular court operating with disregard for normal legal procedures law body of recognized rules of conduct and order established and enforced by government law clerk law student working for lawyer or judge, usu. at low pay to learn from experience law clerk law student working for lawyer or judge, usu. at low pay to learn from experience law office place of business of lawyer or law firm law rule of conduct or action formally recognized as binding and enforced by controlling authority law school institution of graduate studies for instruction in law lawgiver legislator; one who enacts laws

lawgiver legislator; one who enacts laws lawmaker legislator; one who enacts laws lawmaker legislator; one who enacts laws lawman police officer; one empowered to enforce laws lawman police officer; one empowered to enforce laws lawsuit case in court instituted by one party to achieve justice from another lawyer one licensed to represent people in court and advise on legal matters; attorney or counselor-at-law lawyer one licensed to represent people in court and advise on legal matters; attorney or counselor-at-law legal age minimum age at which person has capacity to enforce legal rights and fulfill obligations legal aid legal assistance to those who cannot afford lawyers fees legal secretary specially trained secretary for lawyer legal secretary specially trained secretary for lawyer legality quality of being legal; obligation imposed by law lex talionis Latin. law of retaliation; principle of correspondence between punishment and crime, as an eye for an eye litigant party to a lawsuit litigant party to a lawsuit litigation legal case contested in court before judge litigator lawyer who participates in court trials; trial lawyer litigator lawyer who participates in court trials; trial lawyer magistrate public officer, esp. judge of lower criminal court magistrate public officer, esp. judge of lower criminal court majority age at which person is legally responsible for his or her actions maker party executing a promissory note maker party executing a promissory note maritime law branch of commercial law relating to commerce and navigation; admiralty law marshal officer of judicial district who executes court processes, performing duties similar to those of sheriff marshal officer of judicial district who executes court processes, performing duties similar to those of sheriff master court representative appointed to do specific act master court representative appointed to do specific act material witness witness whose testimony is essential to case material witness witness whose testimony is essential to case mediator person who settles disputes and serves as intermediary between parties mediator person who settles disputes and serves as intermediary between parties military law system of rules governing military personnel, including establishment of tribunals minutes official records and notes of proceedings moot court pretend student trial motion formal oral or written request to court, seeking judges ruling mouthpiece Slang. lawyer, esp. criminal lawyer mouthpiece Slang. lawyer, esp. criminal lawyer municipal court city or town court with jurisdiction over local criminal and civil cases Napoleonic Code civil code of France and basis of civil law (early 19th c.) nolle prosequi Latin. lit. not wishing to prosecute; choice by district attorney or plaintiff not to proceed with action nolo contendere Latin. lit. I do not wish to contest; essential admission of guilt by defendant, appealing to mercy of cour

notary officer of state authorized to administer oaths and acknowledge signing of documents; notary public notary officer of state authorized to administer oaths and acknowledge signing of documents; notary public novation substitution of new contract or obligation for an old one objection lawyers protest to judge over statement or question by opposition offer of proof lawyers explanation to judge, away from jury, of intentions on some point ombudsman government official who investigates complaints against public officials ombudsman government official who investigates complaints against public officials open court proceedings that are accessible to public own recognizance condition of release of accused person without payment of bail paralegal specially trained aid to lawyer paralegal specially trained aid to lawyer partner member of law firm who shares ownership of firm partner member of law firm who shares ownership of firm party one who sues or is sued in court party one who sues or is sued in court patent government grant of exclusive intellectual property rights for an invention patent law legal system for issuance and court jurisdiction over patents that protect rights of invention peremptory challenge veto challenge by lawyer to prospective juror that precludes any debate personal injury physical damage to body, usu. as a result of accident or negligence, forming grounds for suit petit jury trial jury made up usu. of twelve citizens, as distinct from grand jury petitioner one seeking court remedies or making formal complaint or statement of cause of action in civil suit petitioner one seeking court remedies or making formal complaint or statement of cause of action in civil suit pettifogger unethical lawyer who engages in petty arguments and obstruction of justice pettifogger unethical lawyer who engages in petty arguments and obstruction of justice plaintiff one who complains of another by bringing court action to obtain remedy plaintiff one who complains of another by bringing court action to obtain remedy plea bargaining agreement whereby defendant pleads guilty to reduced charge plea legal suit or action; defendants answer to plaintiffs declaration; accuseds answer to criminal charge plead (vb) argue case in court of law; make allegation or answer previous pleading post bail pay bond to guarantee appearance in court power of attorney written authority allowing one person to act for another in specific situations preliminary hearing hearing before magistrate to determine whether sufficient evidence exists to justify trial presentment accusation by grand jury, based on its own investigations presiding (adj) designating judge who directs court proceedings, including assigning cases to be heard by other judges presiding (adj) designating judge who directs court proceedings, including assigning cases to be heard by other judges press charges pursue accusations into court action pretrial hearing meeting in which lawyers and judge plan procedures for upcoming trial preventive detention holding of prisoner without bail or on very high bail principal one on whose behalf an agent acts; party to contract principal one on whose behalf an agent acts; party to contract prior restraint court order prohibiting publication or broadcast of certain material, generally not used in society committ press pro bono lit. for the good (Latin); legal work undertaken on behalf of public for little or no fee

probate court surrogate court probate proof that will is valid and genuine procedural law prescribed steps and methods of enforcing ones rights in court, opposite of substantive law proceeding legal action, esp. in court process server person who hands over process to person sought by court process server person who hands over process to person sought by court process service service process summons, subpoena, or warrant used to compel witness or party to appear in court prosecution government proceeding in court against person accused of crime prosecutor lawyer hired by government to conduct criminal proceeding; district attorney prosecutor lawyer hired by government to conduct criminal proceeding; district attorney public defender lawyer hired by government to defend accused who cannot afford lawyers fees public defender lawyer hired by government to defend accused who cannot afford lawyers fees rebuttal reply; evidence counter to that of opponent receiver person appointed to hold property to be disposed of by court order; one who receives goods knowing they are receiver person appointed to hold property to be disposed of by court order; one who receives goods knowing they are recess brief break in court proceedings reconvene (vb) continue court proceedings after recess recording public filing of documents to give notice to interested parties referee court officer appointed to hear argument on matter whose decision is final or is reported back to court referee court officer appointed to hear argument on matter whose decision is final or is reported back to court reference proceeding in which matter is heard by referee replevin action to recover actual item of personal property rather than its value in damages respondent defendant in certain proceedings; one required to answer appeal from judgment; party replying to petition respondent defendant in certain proceedings; one required to answer appeal from judgment; party replying to petition restraining order court order barring one party in suit from contacting, harassing, or acting against another RICO Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organization; statute detailing laws relating to organized crime Roman law legal system of ancient Rome that is basis of modern civil law and English common law search warrant court order authorizing search of certain premises or persons for stolen or illegal property security person bound to pay debt if another fails security person bound to pay debt if another fails senior partner ranking partner in law firm senior partner ranking partner in law firm sequester (vb) isolate jury in private place for purposes of discussion and reaching a verdict service physical act of handing warrant or subpoena to person who is required to appear in court; process service sheriff elected chief law enforcement officer of county sheriff elected chief law enforcement officer of county small-claims court special court handling disputes over minor debts solicitor personal lawyer; lower court trial lawyer who prepares cases for barristers in higher courts (Britain) solicitor personal lawyer; lower court trial lawyer who prepares cases for barristers in higher courts (Britain) special court court created for exceptional and temporary purpose special prosecutor individual appointed to investigate and indict in single, exceptional case special prosecutor individual appointed to investigate and indict in single, exceptional case

stand trial defend oneself in court of law, usu. against criminal charges statute legislative act with power of law statute of limitations legislative act limiting time in which plaintiff may bring civil suit or state may bring criminal action a statutory (adj) designating crime or law enacted by legislature stipulation arrangement agreed upon between parties subpoena (vb) Latin. lit. under penalty; command to appear in court and testify substantive law law that describes what ones legal rights are, opposite of procedural law substituted service process service by mail, newspaper publication, or to third party when person named cannot be foun sue (vb) bring suit against another, usu. to collect damages suit court action or proceeding to recover rights or make claim summons court paper announcing suit and stating time for court appearance superior court court of general jurisdiction in many states Supreme Court usu. highest judicial tribunal of a political entity surety person promising to make good anothers obligation surety person promising to make good anothers obligation surrogate court court with jurisdiction to prove wills and administer estates and guardianships; probate court surrogate judge in court that administers estates and guardianships surrogate judge in court that administers estates and guardianships talesman bystander summoned as juror when too few are called talesman bystander summoned as juror when too few are called tax court court that decides tax cases tenant one who temporarily possesses anothers real property tenant one who temporarily possesses anothers real property tender (vb) offer money or property to fulfill an obligation testimony oral evidence given by witness under oath tort civil wrong or injury, other than breach of contract, that is grounds for suit tort law form of law settling rights of monetary damages for injuries in civil and private cases transcript written record of court proceedings; copy of document trial by jury usu. criminal trial decided by jury of citizens trial court court in which trials are conducted trial court examination of facts to decide issue in dispute trial examiner person appointed to hold hearings, investigate, and make recommendations to court trial examiner person appointed to hold hearings, investigate, and make recommendations to court trial lawyer lawyer who participates in trials; litigator trial lawyer lawyer who participates in trials; litigator tribunal court of justice; seat of particular judge true bill grand jury endorsement of indictment as warranting trial trustee one who holds property in trust for another as a fiduciary trustee one who holds property in trust for another as a fiduciary United States District Court USDC; court with jurisdiction in specific region unwritten law law based on custom rather than legislative statute USDC United States District Court venire facias Latin. lit. make come; writ summoning jurors to court

venue courts geographic jurisdiction; place where significant elements of cause of action took place or where case is trie voir dire French. lit. to speak truly; preliminary examination of qualifications of juror or witness waiver intentional abandonment of right ward minor child or incompetent person in care of guardian or conservator ward minor child or incompetent person in care of guardian or conservator warrant court order authorizing action by public officer, usu. arrest or search and seizure witness one who testifies under oath in judicial proceeding as to what he or she has seen or observed; one present at so document witness one who testifies under oath in judicial proceeding as to what he or she has seen or observed; one present at so document writ of certiorari request by higher court for case records for review writ written court order issued to serve administration of justice, usu. stipulating that something be done or not be done