Court Lingo: Your Glossary of Legal Terms
Navigating the legal system can feel overwhelming, especially when confronted with unfamiliar terminology. Whether you’re preparing for a legal matter, following a court case, or simply trying to understand a legal document, knowing the meaning of key legal terms is crucial. Below is a comprehensive glossary of essential court lingo from Janet Altschuler to help you better understand legal proceedings and documents.
A
- Affidavit: A written statement of facts sworn or affirmed to be true, often used as evidence in court.
- Appeal: A request made to a higher court to review a lower court’s decision.
- Arraignment: A formal court proceeding where a defendant is informed of the charges and enters a plea.
B
- Bail: Money or property that a defendant gives to the court as a guarantee they will return for their trial.
- Bench Trial: A trial conducted without a jury, where the judge serves as the fact-finder and decides the case.
- Brief: A written document submitted to the court outlining one party’s legal arguments.
C
- Case Law: Legal principles established by decisions of higher courts, often used as precedents in similar cases.
- Civil Case: A legal dispute between individuals, organizations, or the government, typically seeking monetary damages or specific performance rather than criminal punishment.
- Contempt of Court: An act that disrespects the court or obstructs the administration of justice, such as failing to comply with a court order.
- Cross-Examination: The questioning of a witness by the opposing party during a trial or hearing.
D
- Defendant: The person or entity being accused or sued in a legal proceeding.
- Deposition: A sworn, out-of-court testimony given by a witness, often used to gather evidence before trial.
E
- Evidence: Any material, such as testimony, documents, or physical objects, presented in court to prove or disprove facts.
- Ex Parte: Latin for “from one party,” referring to motions or discussions with the judge where only one party is present.
- Exhibit: A document, photograph, or physical item presented in court as evidence.
F
- Felony: A serious crime punishable by imprisonment for more than a year or, in some cases, by death.
- Foreperson: The leader of a jury, responsible for communicating the jury’s decision to the court.
G
- Grand Jury: A group of citizens tasked with determining whether there is sufficient evidence to indict a defendant and proceed to trial.
- Guilty Plea: A defendant’s formal admission in court that they committed the crime they are accused of.
H
- Habeas Corpus: Latin for “you shall have the body,” a legal action challenging the legality of a person’s detention or imprisonment.
- Hearing: A legal proceeding where arguments, evidence, or testimony are presented to a judge.
I
- Indictment: A formal accusation issued by a grand jury, charging a person with a crime.
- Injunction: A court order requiring a person to do or refrain from doing a specific act.
J
- Judgment: A court’s final decision resolving a legal matter, including the ruling and any orders.
- Jurisdiction: The authority of a court to hear and decide a case, based on geographic location or subject matter.
- Jury: A group of citizens selected to evaluate evidence and render a verdict in a trial.
L
- Litigation: The process of taking legal action or resolving disputes through the court system.
- Lawsuit: A legal claim brought by one party against another in civil court.
M
- Mediation: A form of alternative dispute resolution where a neutral third party helps disputing parties reach a voluntary agreement.
- Misdemeanor: A less serious crime punishable by a fine, probation, or jail time of less than a year.
O
- Objection: A formal protest raised during a trial, questioning the admissibility of evidence or the appropriateness of a question.
- Opinion: A written statement by a judge or court explaining the reasoning behind their decision.
P
- Plea Bargain: An agreement between a defendant and prosecutor where the defendant pleads guilty to a lesser charge to avoid trial or receive a lighter sentence.
- Probation: A court-imposed sanction allowing a convicted individual to remain in the community under supervision instead of serving time in prison.
R
- Record: The official documentation of court proceedings, including evidence, testimony, and rulings.
- Remand: A higher court’s order sending a case back to a lower court for further proceedings.
S
- Settlement: An agreement reached between parties in a lawsuit, often resolving the dispute without a trial.
- Subpoena: A legal order requiring someone to appear in court or provide evidence.
T
- Testimony: Statements made by a witness under oath during a trial or hearing.
- Trial: A formal examination of evidence and arguments before a judge (and sometimes a jury) to resolve a dispute or determine guilt.
V
- Verdict: The decision reached by a jury or judge in a trial, determining the outcome of the case.
- Voir Dire: The process of selecting jurors through questioning by attorneys or the judge.
W
- Warrant: A court-issued document authorizing law enforcement to conduct an arrest, search, or seizure.
- Witness: A person who provides testimony or evidence relevant to a case.
Get the Legal Guidance You Need
Understanding legal terms is essential for anyone engaging with the court system. By familiarizing yourself with these terms, you’ll feel more confident and informed when navigating the complex world of law.
If you need a good lawyer, Janet Altschuler can help. With more than 20 years of experience, she is dedicated to helping her clients achieve the best result. Contact her office today for a free initial consultation at her Tucson law firm.