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Court & Procedure
Terms related to how courts operate, case processes, and procedural rules.
Term
Plain-English Meaning
A formal request to a higher court to review and change the decision of a lower court.
A court hearing where a defendant is formally read the charges against them and enters a plea.
Sworn out-of-court testimony given under oath, recorded for later use in trial.
The pre-trial process where both sides exchange relevant evidence and information.
The constitutional guarantee that legal proceedings will be fair and follow established rules.
A court order requiring a person or entity to do something or stop doing something.
The legal authority a court has to hear a particular case in a specific geographic area.
A legal order compelling a person to appear in court or produce evidence.
The formal decision reached by a jury or judge at the end of a trial.
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Criminal Law
Terms relating to crimes, criminal charges, and the criminal justice system.
Term
Plain-English Meaning
A formal judgment that the defendant is not guilty of the charges brought against them.
Money or property given to the court to secure a defendant's release before trial.
Latin for "body of the crime." The evidence that proves a crime was actually committed.
A group of citizens who review evidence to decide whether criminal charges should be filed.
A legal order requiring authorities to justify why a person is being detained or imprisoned.
A formal criminal charge issued by a grand jury based on presented evidence.
Latin for "guilty mind." The intent to commit a crime, a required element in many criminal cases.
A defendant's formal response to criminal charges: guilty, not guilty, or no contest.
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Civil Law
Terms covering disputes between individuals, contracts, property, and civil liability.
Term
Plain-English Meaning
Money awarded by a court to compensate the injured party for their losses.
The legal right to use someone else's property for a specific, limited purpose.
A body of law focused on fairness and justice, often providing remedies beyond money.
A person with a legal duty to act in the best interest of another party, such as a trustee.
A legal claim against a property, typically used as security for a debt.
Failure to exercise the level of care a reasonable person would in similar circumstances.
The person or party who initiates a civil lawsuit by filing a complaint against another party.
A civil wrongdoing (not a crime) that causes harm to another person, creating legal liability.
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Evidence & Testimony
Terms covering how information is gathered, presented, and evaluated in legal proceedings.
Term
Plain-English Meaning
A written statement made under oath, used as evidence in court proceedings.
Any information, document, or object presented to prove or disprove facts in a legal case.
An out-of-court statement offered to prove the truth of its contents; generally not admissible as evidence.
The crime of lying under oath in a legal proceeding.
Latin for "at first look." Evidence sufficient to establish a fact unless contradicted.
A statement given under oath, either in court or in a deposition, to serve as evidence.
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Educational Disclaimer
All definitions on this site are provided for general educational reference only. They do not constitute legal advice. Legal meanings vary by jurisdiction, statute, and case law. Consult a licensed attorney for guidance on any legal matter.