A
A
TermPlain-English Summary
Reduction, decrease, or elimination of something, such as a nuisance or a tax obligation.
Formal court judgment that a defendant is not guilty of criminal charges.
The formal legal process by which a court hears a dispute and issues a binding decision.
Written statement of facts given under oath and certified by a notary or other authority.
"Friend of the court." A non-party who submits information or arguments to help the court.
A request to a higher court to review and potentially reverse a lower court's decision.
Private dispute resolution where a neutral arbitrator issues a binding or non-binding decision.
Court hearing where a defendant is formally charged and enters a plea.
B
B
TermPlain-English Summary
Money or property deposited to secure a defendant's release before trial.
A trial decided by a judge alone, without a jury.
The obligation to present sufficient evidence to establish a claim. Varies by case type.
C
C
TermPlain-English Summary
An order from a higher court to review a lower court's case. "Granting cert" means agreeing to hear an appeal.
Law governing private disputes between individuals or organizations; remedies are usually money damages.
Law derived from court decisions and precedent rather than statutes.
Willful disobedience or disrespect toward a court's authority or orders.
"Body of the crime." Concrete evidence proving a crime actually occurred.
D
D
TermPlain-English Summary
Money awarded by a court to compensate for losses caused by another's wrongful act.
A court ruling for one party because the other failed to appear or respond to the lawsuit.
The person or entity being sued (civil) or accused of a crime (criminal).
Sworn testimony given outside of court during the pre-trial discovery process.
Pre-trial process where parties exchange evidence and information.
Constitutional guarantee of fair legal procedures before life, liberty, or property is taken.
Wrongful threats or coercion that force a person to act against their free will.
E
E
TermPlain-English Summary
The right to use another's property for a specific, limited purpose without owning it.
Government power to take private property for public use, with fair compensation to the owner.
Branch of law focused on fairness; provides remedies beyond simple money damages.
Information, documents, or objects presented in court to prove or disprove facts.
A legal proceeding involving only one party, without the other side present.
F
F
TermPlain-English Summary
Person with a legal duty to act in the best interests of another party.
G
G
TermPlain-English Summary
Citizens who review prosecution evidence and decide whether to issue a formal indictment.
H
H
TermPlain-English Summary
"You shall have the body." A right requiring authorities to justify why someone is imprisoned.
Out-of-court statement offered to prove the truth of its contents; generally not admissible.
I
I
TermPlain-English Summary
Protection from prosecution or liability, often granted in exchange for cooperation.
Formal criminal charge issued by a grand jury based on probable cause.
Court order requiring someone to do or stop doing a specific action.
J
J
TermPlain-English Summary
A court's legal authority to hear a particular case or govern certain parties or territory.
Citizens selected to hear evidence and render a verdict in a legal proceeding.
L
L
TermPlain-English Summary
Legal claim against property used as security for a debt.
The process of resolving a legal dispute through the court system.
M
M
TermPlain-English Summary
Professional negligence by a licensed professional (doctor, lawyer, etc.) causing harm.
A voluntary process where a neutral third party helps disputing parties reach agreement.
"Guilty mind." The intent required to commit a crime.
N
N
TermPlain-English Summary
Failing to exercise reasonable care, resulting in harm to another person.
An official authorized to witness signatures, administer oaths, and certify documents.
O
O
TermPlain-English Summary
A formal protest by an attorney challenging the admissibility of evidence or opposing conduct.
P
P
TermPlain-English Summary
The crime of willfully lying under oath in a legal proceeding.
The party who initiates a civil lawsuit by filing a complaint.
A defendant's formal response to criminal charges: guilty, not guilty, or no contest.
Legal document granting someone authority to act on another person's behalf.
A prior court decision that guides how future similar cases are decided.
"At first appearance." Evidence sufficient to prove a fact unless contradicted.
Q
Q
R
R
TermPlain-English Summary
To remove a judge, juror, or official from a case due to conflict of interest or bias.
The court-ordered means by which a right is enforced or a wrong is compensated.
Compensation ordered to restore a victim to their original position by repaying what was taken.
S
S
TermPlain-English Summary
A penalty imposed by a court for improper legal conduct, such as filing frivolous claims.
A written law enacted by a legislative body such as Congress or a state legislature.
The legal deadline by which a lawsuit or criminal charge must be filed.
A legal order compelling a person to appear in court or produce evidence.
A court ruling before trial when facts are undisputed and one party is entitled to win as a matter of law.
T
T
V
V
W
W
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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 affecting your rights or obligations.