LEGAL TERMS AND DEFINITIONS

The following definitions will make it easier for you to understand these common legal words and
phrases which will occur frequently during the course of the trial:

Action, Case, Suit, Lawsuit: These words refer to a legal dispute brought into court for a hearing or
trial.
Answer: A pleading filed by the defendant before the trial in a civil case in which the defendant
answers or denies the claims of the plaintiff.

Argument: After all the evidence on both sides of a lawsuit has been presented, the lawyers are
permitted to tell the jury what they think the evidence proves and why they think their side should win.
This is usually called an "argument' or 'summing up.' It is not evidence.

Cause of Action: The legal grounds on which a party to a lawsuit relies to get a verdict against his
opponent.

Complaint: The first pleading in a civil case stating facts and demanding relief.
Counterclaim: A counterclaim results when the defendant, in his answer to the complaint, claims
that he or she is entitled to damages or other relief from the plaintiff.
Cross Examination: The questions which a lawyer puts to the party or a witness on the opposing side.
This is designed to test whether the witness is telling the truth.
Deliberations: The discussions of the jury which occur after the judge has instructed the jury to retire
to the jury room and consider the verdict.
Deposition: if a party to a lawsuit or a witness cannot be in court because of illness or other inability,
his or her testimony maybe written out in question-and-answer form just as it would have been given in
court. This testimony, called a deposition, is then read at the trial. Attorneys for both sides are present
when a deposition is taken. A deposition may also be used to deny or contradict a witness's testimony
or for the purpose of refreshing a witness's recollection.

Examination, Direct Examination, Examination-in-chief: The questions which the lawyer asks his
or her own client and witnesses.

Exhibit: Articles such as pictures, books, letters, and documents are called exhibits and are given to the
jury to take to the jury room while deliberating.
Indictment: The written document used to inform the defendant that he or she is charged with
committing a crime.
Instructions: After all the evidence is in, and the lawyers have made their arguments, the judge will
outline the questions the jury must decide. The judge will outline the rules of law which must guide the
deliberations and control the verdict. This is called either the judge's “charge" to the jury or
“instructions". A judge may, and sometimes must, give an instruction to the jury on some point of law
while the trial is in progress.

Issue: A disputed question of fact which the jury must decide.

Jury Panel: The whole number of all prospective jurors from which the trial jury is chosen.
"Objection Overruled" or "Overruled": This term means that the judge ruled that the lawyer's objection
is
not well taken under the rules for the conduct of the trial. The judge's ruling, so far as you are
concerned, is final and may not be questioned.
"Objection Sustained" or "Sustained": When a lawyer objects to the form of a question or the
answer a question calls for, the judge may say “Objection sustained” or “sustained”. This means the
evidence sought cannot be admitted or accepted as evidence.

Opening Statement: Before introducing any evidence in the case, each lawyer is permitted to tell the
jury what the case is about and what evidence is expected to prove his or her side of the case. The
opening statement is not evidence.

Parties: The plaintiff and defendant in the case - also called the “litigants.”
Pleadings: All the documents filed by the parties before the trial to establish what issues must be
decided by the jury.
Record: The record is the official copy of the proceedings, taken in shorthand, steno type, or audio-
transcription by an official court reporter. Often the judge or the lawyers may declare that something is,
or is not, "for the record" or "in the record".
Rest: This is the legal phrase which means that the lawyer has concluded the evidence he or she wants
to introduce at that stage of the trial.

INTRODUCTION
The Handbook of Legal Terms is produced by the Michigan Judicial Institute to meet the needs of those
employees of the court system who are not legally trained, yet work with the law and court procedures.
Since this Handbook is designed for non-legal personnel, the definitions are written in plain English
rather than in complicated legal terms.
It is the product of hundreds of interviews and the analysis of survey questionnaires completed by
many court employees in 1976, and has been periodically updated with the assistance of judges, SCAO
staff and other court officials. It has been prepared at the request of judges, court administrators and
other court supervisory personnel.
The Michigan Judicial Institute wishes to thank the countless court employees who participated in the
preparation of this booklet, and hopes that the Handbook will be a useful reference.
This project was initially supported by a grant awarded by the Michigan Office of Criminal Justice
Programs under the Crime Control Act of 1976. It was updated and revised prior to the third printing in
1989. Additional revisions were made prior to the seventh printing.
A
Abate — To reduce, or diminish or defer a cause of action.
Abrogate — To annul, repeal, or destroy a former law, rule, or order.
Abstract of Conviction — Summary of the court's finding on a moving violation. This term
commonly refers to the form that the courts prepare and send to the Michigan Department of State.
Abstract of Record — An abbreviated or partial record.
Abstract of Title — A condensed history of the chain of title to land, used to determine or establish
present ownership.
Accessory — One who knowingly and intentionally contributes to or aids in the commission of a
crime, before or after, but not necessarily during, the commission of a crime.
Accomplice — One who participates in the commission of a crime, other than the person actually
doing the act constituting the crime.
Acquit — To find not guilty and set free.
Acquittal — A judgment of not guilty in a criminal case.
Action — A legal dispute brought before a court. An "action" is also referred to as a "case," "lawsuit,"
"cause of action," or "cause."
Active Case — Pending case; not disposed of.
Ad Damnum — The amount of the plaintiff's claim of damages in a civil case.
Ad Valorem — According to the value. For example, an ad valorem tax on an automobile is one where
the amount of tax depends on the automobile's value.
Additur — The power of the trial court to increase the amount of an award made by jury verdict as an
alternative to granting a new trial.
Adjourn — To suspend indefinitely, or until a later stated time.
Adjournment — The postponing or putting off of a case or session of court until another time or place.
Adjudicate — To determine judicially.
Adjudication — The final judicial determination of a case by a finding of guilt or innocence by a trial
court in a criminal case or the giving of a judgment or a decree in a civil case.
Administrative Agency Regulations — Rules adopted by an administrative agency (such as the
Department of State or the Department of Natural Resources) to govern matters under the jurisdiction
of the agency.
Administrative Orders — Orders issued by the Michigan Supreme Court to regulate court procedures.
Administrator —
1. The chief administrative officer of a court (usually "court administrator").
2. A person appointed by a court to administer the estate of a deceased person. Under the
Michigan Revised Probate Code, this person is referred to as a "personal representative" (if
acting with court supervision), or an "independent personal representative" (if acting without
court supervision). A female administrator is called an "administratrix." See also Fiduciary,
Independent Personal Representative, Michigan Revised Probate Code, Personal
Representative.
Administrator De Bonis Non — In cases where the administration of a decedent's estate is left
unfinished due to the death, removal, or resignation of the personal representative, a court may appoint
a new personal representative to complete the administration of the estate. In some jurisdictions, the
new personal representative is called the "administrator de bonis non." Under the Michigan Revised
Probate Code, this person is referred to as a "successor personal representative." See also Michigan
Revised Probate Code.
Adoption — The act by which a person takes the child of another into his or her family and makes the
child, for all legal purposes, his or her own child.
Adult — Someone who is no longer a minor. In criminal cases, an adult is someone age 17 or older.
See MCL 712A.2(a). In most other proceedings, an adult is someone age 18 or older. See MCL
700.8(5). See also Minor.
ADR — See Alternative Dispute Resolution.
Adversary Proceedings — An action contested by opposing parties.
Adverse Possession — A method of acquiring title to land by possession under a claim of right for a
prescribed period of time without receiving a valid deed or conveyance from the legal owner.
Affiant — One who, being sworn, makes and signs an affidavit; a deponent.
Affidavit — A written statement of fact that is verified by oath or affirmation.
Affinity — The relationship that exists as a result of a marriage, between a wife and her husband's
relatives, or a husband and his wife's relatives, as distinguished from relationship by blood.
Affirmation — A solemn and formal declaration that a statement is true. In certain cases, an
affirmation may be substituted for an oath. See also Oath, Verification.
Agent — Someone authorized to act for another person. The other person is known as the "principal."
See also Principal.
Alias Summons — A second or subsequent summons issued after the originally issued summons
expires without being served.
Alimony — See Spousal Support.
Allegation — A declaration, assertion, or statement of a party to a lawsuit, made in a pleading, and
setting out what the party intends to prove.
Alternative Dispute Resolution ("ADR") — Resolving a dispute without litigating it in a court. For
descriptions of specific means of alternative dispute resolution, see Arbitration, Conciliation,
Mediation.
Amicus Curiae — One who is not a party to a case but who is interested in or affected by its outcome
and is allowed by the court to introduce argument or evidence to assist the court in deciding the case.
Ancillary — That which is part of but subordinate to some other proceeding.
Ancillary Administration — Administration of an estate in another jurisdiction where a decedent had
property but where the decedent did not live.
Ancillary proceedings — A proceeding which is subordinate to the primary action.
Ancillary suit — A lawsuit growing out of and supplementary to another suit, i.e., a suit seeking
enforcement of a judgment.
Annotations — Brief summaries of cases interpreting statutes. These summaries are found in
annotated compilations of statutes. See Michigan Compiled Laws Annotated, Michigan Statutes
Annotated.
Annul — To make void or of no effect. To annul a judgment or judicial proceeding is to deprive it of
all force and authority.
Annulment — A court order declaring that a marriage or other agreement or contract was invalid or
not legal.
Answer — The legal paper in which the defendant answers the claims of the plaintiff in a lawsuit.
Antenuptial — Made or done before marriage. Usually an agreement regarding how property is to be
distributed upon the death of one of the marriage partners.
Appeal — A request to a higher court to change the judgment of a lower court.
Appeal by Application or Leave — An appeal where permission must be obtained from the higher
court before the appeal may be filed.
Appeal by Right — An appeal to a higher court where permission does not first have to be obtained.
Appeal Record — The record sent by the trial court of what happened at the trial court. Must be either
a copy of the court record and transcripts or a settled record.
Appearance —
1. Coming into court: the formal act by which a defendant submits to the jurisdiction of a court.
2. Document identifying one who is representing himself or another. An attorney files an
"appearance," making it known to the court and the other parties that (s)he is representing a
specific individual.
Appellant — In a case on appeal, the party appealing a decision or judgment to a higher court.
Appellate Court — A court which reviews lower court decisions, generally on the record of the lower
court. Cases from the district courts are appealed to the circuit court. Cases from the circuit court are
appealed to the Court of Appeals. Cases from the probate court are appealed to either the circuit court
or the Court of Appeals depending upon the type of case. A limited number of cases may also be
appealed to the Michigan Supreme Court .
Appellee — In a case on appeal, the party who did not appeal the lower court's decision.
Application — Placing a request or petition before the court. The act of making the request.
Application for Leave to Appeal — A document requesting the appellate court to hear a party's appeal
from a judgment when the party has no appeal of right or the time limit for an appeal of right has
expired. An "application for leave to appeal" must be made if one wishes to have the court consider
one's appeal where there is no appeal of right. The Court has final discretion to accept or reject an
application.
Arbitration — A form of alternative dispute resolution under which the parties agree to have a neutral
third party or a neutral panel resolve their dispute. The parties are generally bound by the arbitrator's
decision.
Arraign — To bring a person charged with a crime before the court for the purpose of informing him
or her of the charges, appointing counsel if necessary, setting bail, making pretrial motions, and taking
a plea to the charges.
Arraignment — In a criminal case, a pretrial court hearing at which the defendant is informed of the
charges against him or her, is appointed counsel if necessary, and is permitted to plead to the charges.
Pretrial motions may be made, and bail is set.
Arrearage — Money which is overdue and unpaid; usually child support.
Arrest warrant — An order issued to a peace officer by a judge or magistrate, requiring the arrest of a
named person. Assets —
1. Generally, all property belonging to a person, corporation, or estate that may be used to pay
his/her/its debts.
2. In probate matters, all of the property available to the personal representative for payments of
debts, charges, and expenses, and for distribution to the parties who are entitled to it.
Assignment —
 1. Assignment of Cases: the system or method that a court used to assign cases to the judges of the
court.
2. Assignment of Counsel: refers to the appointment of attorneys for indigent criminal defendants.
3. Assignment of Judges: the function performed by the State Court Administrative Office in
assigning judges to the various courts to handle vacancies caused by vacations, illness, etc., or
to help reduce the number of cases pending in a court.
Attachment — The act of seizing a person or property under the authority of a judicial order so that
the person or property is before the court, subject to its judgment.
Attest, Attestation — Signing as a witness to the execution of a written document.
Attorney — A lawyer; a person admitted to legal practice in a state who is qualified to represent the
legal interests of another person.
Attorney in Fact — The attorney acting in a fiduciary capacity under a "power of attorney." See
Power of Attorney.
Attorney of Record — The attorney named in the records or file of a case who bears the responsibility
for the handling of the case on behalf of the party he or she represents.
Authenticated — Certification of original or copy of recorded document.
Automatic Waiver — See Waiver of Jurisdiction.
Averment — Something alleged or asserted in a pleading. See also Allegation.
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B
Backlog — Total inventory of cases at issue (in civil cases) or defendants arraigned (in criminal cases)
and awaiting trial.
Bail — A method of pretrial release of an accused person by means of having the accused or someone
on his or her behalf deposit money with the court or agree to pay a certain amount (post security) to
insure his or her appearance at later proceedings, such as trial.
Bail Bond — A financial obligation signed by the accused and those who serve as sureties to guarantee
his or her future appearance in court.
Bailiff — A court employee who maintains order in the courtroom and who is responsible for the
custody of the jury, among other functions.
Bench Trial — Trial of a case held before a judge sitting without a jury.
Bench Warrant — An order issued by the court, ("from the bench") for the arrest of a person for
violating a court order. See capias.
Beneficiary —
1. One who receives benefits under a trust or a will.
2. The person who is entitled to receive payments under an insurance policy.
Bequeath — To give personal property by a will. This term has been replaced by the term "devise"
under the Michigan Revised Probate Code. See Devise, Michigan Revised Probate Code.
Bequest — Former term used for gift of personal property by a will. Under the Michigan Revised
Probate Code, now called a "devise." See Devise, Michigan Revised Probate Code.
Bind — To create a legal obligation upon one's self or upon another.
Bind Over — To hold for trial; a finding at a preliminary examination that sufficient evidence exists to
require a trial on the charges made against the defendant
Bond — A promise or contract to do or perform a specified act(s) or to pay a penalty for failure to
perform, usually guaranteed by a "surety" who promises to pay if the "principal" defaults, or by deposit
of money as a "cash bond." Means basically the same as "bail" on criminal cases; contract to pay;
security. A contract to pay when another person defaults — a surety. A contract to act as surety and to
pay where the principal defaults. It is given by public officers to guarantee honest and faithful
performance of their official duties while in office.
• If the principal defaults, the surety has to pay, and the surety can then collect from the principal.
Not the same as insurance.
Brief — A written argument submitted to the court by counsel setting forth facts and/or law supporting
his or her client's case.
Burden of Proof — The duty to prove a fact or facts in dispute. In criminal cases, the prosecution must
prove its case "beyond a reasonable doubt." In most civil cases, the plaintiff must prove its case by a
"preponderance of the evidence."
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C
Calendar — A list of all pending cases, or all pending issues ready for trial in court. A court's complete
trial (etc.) schedule. Often used interchangeably, but improperly, with "docket."
Calendar Audit — Review of status of all cases on active lists. The audit might result in the removal
of cases from the calendar and identification of cases which have been delayed excessively.
Canons of Ethics — A document outlining the professional responsibilities and goals of doctors,
lawyers, judges, etc. In Michigan, the canons for judges are found in the Code of Judicial Conduct.
Canons for lawyers are found in the Michigan Rules of Professional Conduct.
Capias — A bench warrant, issued when a defendant does not appear in court when required to do so;
court-issued warrant for arrest.
Case — A legal dispute brought before a court. A "case" is also referred to as an "action," "lawsuit,"
"cause of action," or "cause."
Caseflow — The management of cases through the court; the passage of cases through the court
system. (Ideally cases are to "flow" through the judicial process in a smooth, orderly manner, hence the
name "caseflow").
Caselaw — Published decisions issued by appellate courts in particular cases. The legal principles
announced in these decisions are binding authority for lower courts.
Caseload — The number of cases a judge handles in a specific time period.
Cause of Action, Cause —
1. A legal dispute brought before a court, also referred to as an "action," "lawsuit," or "case."
 2. The right to judicial relief, also referred to as a "claim."
Certification — As pertains to mental health: The written conclusion and statements of a physician
that an individual is a person requiring treatment together with the information and opinions in
reasonable detail which underlie the conclusion.
Certified Copy — A copy of a document, order or record of the court, or other public office, signed
and certified as an exact duplicate by the officer of the court having custody of the original.
Certify — To vouch for something in writing; to put in writing a statement. To attest in writing to the
authenticity and accuracy of a written instrument or document, or a copy of it.
Certiorari — An order by an appellate court directing a lower court to certify and forward the record
of a case for judicial review for legal error. This term is obsolete in Michigan.
Challenge —
1. To ask that a member of the jury panel be excused.
2. To question or dispute an action.
Challenge for Cause — To ask that a member of the jury panel be excused because there appears to be
a specific reason, set out in the court rule, that one is not legally qualified to act as a juror in this case.
Challenge to the Array — To question the qualifications of an entire panel summoned for jury duty,
usually because of alleged partiality or some deficiency in the manner by which the panel was selected
and summoned.
Change of Venue — A transfer or removal of a case to a court of another territorial location and
jurisdiction, either because it should have been commenced there in the first place, or for the
convenience of the parties or witnesses, or because a fair trial cannot be had in the original court
location.
Charge to the Jury — A judge's instructions to the jury which contain information about the laws
which relate to the issues to be decided in a case.
Chattels — Personal property as opposed to real property.
Chief Judge — In all trial courts one judge is selected by the Michigan Supreme Court as chief judge.
The chief judge represents the court in its relations with other agencies and the public. In addition the
chief judge is the director of the administration of the court. See MCR 8.110.
Child Abuse — Mistreatment of a minor by an adult legally responsible for the minor.
Child Born Out Of Wedlock —
1. A child born to a woman who was not married from the date of conception to the date of birth;
or,
2. A child who the court has determined to be born or conceived during a marriage but who is not
a child of the marriage. See MCL 722.711(a).
Child Care Fund — State funds used to reimburse counties for part of the expenses incurred in
providing foster care and other services to children under the jurisdiction of the family division of the
circuit court.
Child Care Rules — The administrative rules for the care of children in foster care.
Child Custody — The responsibility to care for and exercise control over a child. Child custody may
be awarded incident to a domestic relations proceeding. See Domestic Relations Action.
Child Neglect — The failure of a parent, guardian, or custodian of a minor to provide the minor with
proper or necessary support, education, medical care, or physical care; also, the failure to provide a fit
home environment for the minor.
Child Protective Proceedings — Proceedings in the family division of the circuit court regarding
children under age 18 who are abused or neglected. See MCL 712A.2(b).
Child Support — In domestic relations cases, ongoing payments made by a parent to meet the
financial needs of that parent's child, including medical, dental, educational, and child care expenses.
See also Support Order.
Child Support Formula — Factors used by the Friend of the Court and the Prosecuting Attorney
when recommending an appropriate amount of child support. Both the non-custodial and custodial
parent's income are factors considered in the determination of child support under the formula.
Children's Protective Services ("CPS") — A division in the Office of Children's Services in the
Family Independence Agency. Children's Protective Services workers investigate reports of suspected
child abuse or neglect. They can also provide services to families in an effort to prevent abuse or
neglect. See the Child Protection Act, MCL 722.622 et seq.
Circuit Court — The trial court of general jurisdiction in Michigan. The following cases are heard in
circuit court: felony trials; civil lawsuits seeking injunctions, equitable relief, or damages in excess of
$25,000; domestic relations matters; adoptions; child protection proceedings; juvenile delinquency
proceedings; emancipation of minors; waiver of parental consent to an abortion; personal protection
orders; name changes; and, guardianships or conservatorships arising out of protective proceedings,
delinquency proceedings, or domestic relations custody cases. Each circuit court has superintending
control over the district and probate courts in its circuit. See also Adoption, Conservator, Domestic
Relations Action, Child Protective Proceedings, Emancipation, Equity, Family Division of Circuit
Court, Felony, Guardian, Injunction, Juvenile Delinquency Proceedings, Personal Protection Order,
Superintending Control.
Circuit Court Misdemeanor — Includes any offense which the statute designates as a misdemeanor
which is punishable by more than one year imprisonment. It is processed in circuit court exactly like a
felony.
Citation —
1. The court copy (original) of the "traffic ticket" is the citation, and also serves as the original
complaint in the case.
2. Also can be reference to an authority (such as case or statute), that supports a statement of law
or from which a quotation is taken. Citations occur most frequently in briefs.
Citators — Books or services which provide, through letterform abbreviations or words, the judicial
history and interpretation of reported decisions, and information as to cases and legislative enactments
construing, applying or affecting statutes.
Civil Actions or Lawsuits — Generally, non-criminal cases concerning the claim of one private
individual against another.
Civil Contempt — See Contempt of Court.
Civil Infraction — An act or omission prohibited by law which is not a crime, for which civil
sanctions may be ordered. Many traffic violations are classified as civil infractions.
Civil Infraction Determination — A decision whether a person is responsible for a civil infraction by
one of the following:
 1. An admission of responsibility for the civil infraction.
2. An admission of responsibility for the civil infraction with an explanation.
3. An informal hearing or formal hearing.
4. A default judgment, for failing to appear at a scheduled informal or formal hearing.
Civil Infraction Formal Hearing — A hearing conducted only by a district court judge involving the
police officer, defendant and all witnesses. Defendant may be represented by an attorney and a
prosecutor must be present.
Civil Infraction Informal Hearing — A hearing conducted by a district court magistrate or judge
involving the police officer, the defendant and any witnesses, held without a prosecutor or defense
attorney. The determination may be appealed to a formal hearing.
Civil Infraction Sanction — The penalty imposed upon a person found responsible for a civil
infraction; such as the assessment of fine and costs, mandatory attendance at a corrective program such
as driver's training program, drug or alcohol abuse program.
Civil Law — Laws regarding the establishment, recovery, or redress of private and civil rights.
Claim —
1. The right to judicial relief, also referred to as a "cause of action." See Cause of Action.
2. A creditor's right to payment from a decedent's estate that arises at or before the decedent's
death, including the decedent's funeral and burial expenses.
3. A creditor's right to payment from the estate of a minor, legally incapacitated person,
disappeared person, or ward.
1. Contingent Claim — A claim for expenses not yet incurred that is dependent on some
future event that may or may not happen.
2. Tardy Claim — A claim filed after the date for the final presentation of claims.
Claim and Delivery — A civil action to recover: 1) property unlawfully taken or held by another; and,
2) damages sustained by the unlawful taking or retention. See MCR 3.105. An action for claim and
delivery is also known as an action for Replevin.
Claim of Appeal — The form or paper that is filed indicating an appeal is being taken. The original is
filed with court where appeal is going to take place and copy with trial court.
Claimant — One who has a claim to or makes a claim to something.
Code — A grouping of statutes, relating to a particular subject matter and arranged in classified order.
Usually created by enactment of a new statute by the legislature embodying all the old statutes relating
to the subject and including changes necessitated by court decisions. In some cases, the change would
result in a new statutory concept. For examples, see Juvenile Code, Mental Health Code, Michigan
Revised Probate Code.
Codicil — A legal document made after a will that modifies the will.
Collateral — Money or goods given to secure payments of a debt (civil law) or to insure appearance in
court (criminal law).
Collateral Matters — Matters related to but not legally relevant to the question before the court.
Commit — The act of sending a person to a prison, reformatory, mental hospital or other facility,
pursuant to a court order.
Commitment — The order by which the court directs:
1. The sending of a person to a prison or jail in execution of sentence.
2. The sending of a person to a hospital because of a mental disorder.
Common Law — A system of laws which has evolved from early days to the present consisting of old
and accepted customs, precedents and court decisions, old English statutes and other unwritten but
accepted standards. Common law is the foundation for the legal system in every state of the United
States except Louisiana. In Michigan, the common law is still in effect except where it has been
modified or repealed by statute.
Common Pleas Court — This Court was abolished in 1981 and merged into the 36th District Court. It
was a court in the City of Detroit that had exclusive jurisdiction over civil cases involving claims up to
$5,000 and concurrent jurisdiction with Wayne County Circuit Court over civil cases involving claims
up to $10,000.
Competency — The presence of those characteristics, which make a witness legally fit and qualified to
give testimony in court — applied, in the same sense, to documents or other written evidence.
Competent — Legally sufficient, relating primarily to evidence and witnesses in a court action, i.e.,
competent to stand trial.
Complainant — In a civil case, one who makes a complaint, often referred to as the "plaintiff." In a
criminal case, the one who instigates the prosecution, also referred to as the "complaining witness.
Complaint — In a civil lawsuit, the first paper filed with the court in which the plaintiff gives the
reasons for the suit. A complaint in a criminal action is a written accusation (under oath or upon
affirmation) that a felony, misdemeanor, or ordinance violation has been committed and probable cause
exists that the named person is guilty of the offense.
Conciliation — A form of alternative dispute resolution in which a "conciliator" uses mediation
principles to assist the disputing parties in reaching an agreement. A conciliator may prepare a
recommendation for the court if the parties are not able to agree; this recommendation may become the
court's order unless one of the parties objects. See Mediation.
Concurrent Jurisdiction — The authority of multiple courts to hear the same type of case at the
choice of the litigants.
Concurrent Sentences — Sentences of imprisonment served simultaneously in cases where a criminal
defendant is convicted of more than one offense and sentenced to separate terms of imprisonment for
each offense. The defendant is entitled to release from prison at the expiration of the longest term
specified. In Michigan, sentences must always be imposed to run concurrently absent specific statutory
authorization to the contrary. See also Consecutive Sentence.
Concurring Opinion — An opinion written by an appellate judge who agrees with the decision
reached in a case on appeal, but who would base this decision on reasons different from those
expressed by the majority of judges considering the case. See also Dissenting Opinion, Majority
Opinion.
Condemnation — The process by which private real estate is taken for public use without the owner's
consent but with just compensation, pursuant to a court order — a forced sale for public use.
Destruction ordered for public health or safety. In such cases, there is no taking for a public use and
thus there is no compensation.
Confession — A statement by person, either oral or written, admitting that he committed a certain
offense. The statement must include all of the elements of the offense, or it is not a confession but an
admission. An oral or written statement is not necessarily a confession.
Consanguinity — A relationship created by blood; persons who descend from a common ancestor.
Consecutive Sentence — In cases where a criminal defendant is sentenced to separate terms of
imprisonment for multiple offenses, a consecutive sentence is one that will be served after another
sentence has expired. In Michigan, a consecutive sentence may only be imposed if there is specific
statutory authorization to do so. See also Concurrent Sentences.
Consent Calendar — A schedule of informal hearings involving a child in which it appears it will
serve the best interests of the child and society, with the consent of the child and all interested parties,
to hear the case informally. The schedule or calendar upon which such informal hearings are placed is
called the "consent calendar."
Conservator — Under the Michigan Revised Probate Code, a person with the legal duty and power to
manage and protect the estate of another individual who:
1. Is under age 18; or,
2. Is a legally incapacitated person.
See also Estate, Guardian, Legally Incapacitated Person, Michigan Revised Probate Code,
Protected Person, Ward.
Conspiracy — An unlawful agreement to commit a crime or do a lawful act in an illegal manner.
Conspiracy is a crime in Michigan.
Contemnor — One who commits an act in contempt of court.
Contempt of Court — An act or failure to act that violates a court order, impedes the functioning of
the court, or impairs the authority of the court. Contempt may be "direct" (i.e., in the immediate view
and presence of the court), or "indirect" (i.e., outside the immediate view and presence of the court).
Contempt of court is subject to civil or criminal contempt sanctions, both of which can involve fines
and/or jail terms. Civil contempt sanctions are generally imposed to compel a contemnor to comply
with the court's directives. Criminal contempt sanctions are generally imposed to punish past
misconduct.
Continuance — Postponement of an action pending in court. See adjournment.
Contract — An agreement between two or more parties to do or not do a particular thing. The
agreement may be stated in an oral or written exchange of promises or implied by the parties' actions.
Conversion — The wrongful exercise of the right of ownership or control over goods which belong to
another.
Convey — To transfer title to property; to transport, carry; to make known, communicate.
Conveyance —
1. The transfer of a title to property from one person to another.
2. The instruments in writing (documents) which effect the transfer of title.
Convict —
1. To find or adjudge guilty of a criminal offense.
2. One who has been convicted of a criminal offense.
Corpus Delicti — The body of the crime. That which the prosecutors must prove (that a crime was
committed) before introducing a confession or admission into evidence.
Counsel — An attorney; one who gives advice, especially legal advice.
Counterclaim — In a civil lawsuit, a claim that the defendant asserts against the plaintiff. See MCR
2.203(C) and Claim.
County Agent — An officer of the juvenile court who serves under the supervision of a family division
judge to organize, direct and develop the child welfare work of the court. Also known as a "juvenile
officer." See MCL 712A.8.
Court of Appeals — The Michigan court in which appeals from the probate courts, court of claims,
and circuit courts are heard and decided. See MCL 600.308.
Court of Claims — Has the authority to hear only claims against the State of Michigan. As a general
rule, a state cannot be sued without its consent. Michigan granted that consent by establishing the Court
of Claims, which has jurisdiction over claims above $100, except where the circuit court has
jurisdiction. Since 1979 the Court is administratively housed within the Ingham County Circuit Court.
Court Congestion — An accumulation of cases impeding the timely movement of those cases through
the judicial process.
Court of Record — A court whose proceedings are by law permanently recorded by a public officer
other than the judge; they have the power to fine or imprison for contempt. Courts not of record have
less authority and their proceedings are not permanently recorded. The only courts not of record in
Michigan are municipal courts.
Court Recorder — A court official who records the activities of a court using an electronic recording
device, usually for the purpose of preparing a verbatim transcript.
Court Reporter — A person who records the activities of a court using manual shorthand, a stenotype
machine or a stenomask.
Court Reporting and Recording Board of Review — A Board appointed by the Supreme Court to
administer the certification of court reporters and recorders.
Court Rules — Rules adopted by the Michigan Supreme Court to govern procedure in all the state's
courts.
Court System — Consists of: Michigan Supreme Court, Court of Appeals, Circuit Court, District
Court, Probate Court, Municipal Court, Court of Claims. See the name of each court for descriptions of
individual courts.
CPS — See Children's Protective Services. \ Crime — An act in violation of criminal law; an offense
against the State of Michigan. Punishable by imprisonment or a fine other than a civil fine.
Criminal — One who has committed a criminal offense; one who has been legally convicted of a
crime; one adjudged guilty of a crime.
Criminal Case — A lawsuit is called a criminal case when it is between the People of the State of
Michigan on one side as plaintiff, and a person or corporation on the other as defendant and involves a
question of whether the defendant has violated one of the laws defining crimes.
Criminal Contempt — See Contempt of Court.
Criminal Law — The statutes that forbid certain actions or conduct as detrimental to the welfare of the
state and that provide punishment. Criminal acts are prosecuted by the Prosecuting Attorney.
Cross Appeal — In a case on appeal, the appellee's request that the court review aspects of the lower
court's decision that were not raised in the appellant's papers.
Cross-Claim — In a civil lawsuit involving multiple plaintiffs or multiple defendants, a claim brought
by one plaintiff against another plaintiff, or by one defendant against another defendant. See MCR
2.203(D) and Claim.
Cross Examination — The questioning of a witness by the opposing party to test the truthfulness of
the witness's testimony, to further develop it or to otherwise expand on it.
Custodial Parent — The parent having custody of a child. See Child Custody. Custody —
1. Care and control of a thing or person. See also Child Custody.
2. A person who is "in custody" is imprisoned or otherwise physically detained.
Custody Statement — In some circumstances a child in custody is not released to his/her parent(s),
guardian, etc., but is detained by the court. When this occurs, the officer taking the child in custody
must prepare a statement setting forth the grounds for detention and submit this report to the court.
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Damages — Money paid to a person who has been injured by the actions of another person.
DDP — See Developmentally Disabled Person.
De Bonis Non — See Administrator De Bonis Non.
De Bonis Non Administratis — See Administrator De Bonis Non.
De Novo — Latin. Means "anew". For example, a trial de novo is a trial anew or a new trial, as
opposed to a mere review of the record of the first trial.
• Means to start over from beginning. For example, appeals from the probate court are not de
novo, but rather on the record of what happened in the probate court.
Decedent — A person who has died.
Decedent's Estate — Property that was owned by a person who has died.
Declaratory Judgment — A judgment of a court determining the rights of the parties or giving the
court's opinion on a legal point, without ordering that anything be done. A declaratory judgment is
usually requested before the happening of (and to prevent) any specific act which could result in a
claim for damages.
Decree — A court judgment. A final decree is one fully and finally disposing of a case; an interlocutory
decree is preliminary in nature, determining some issue in the case but not the ultimate question
involved.
Default — A failure to do what ought to be done, i.e., when a defendant does not plead within the time
allowed or fails to appear for trial.
Default Judgment — Action taken by the court when a person fails to appear in court in answer to a
summons in a civil case.
Defendant — The person against whom a lawsuit is started or a crime charged.
Defense Attorney — The attorney representing the accused (defendant).
Delay — Time periods between phases in the processing of cases through the judicial system.
Delayed Appeal — An appeal after the time for taking an appeal has run out and the higher court has
granted permission to appeal because of some special circumstances.
Deliberate —
1. Criminal Cases. As applied to a jury, the weighing of evidence relating to the law, for the
purpose of determining the guilt or innocence of a defendant.
2. Civil Cases. As applied to a jury, the weighing of evidence for the purpose of determining
relevant facts.
Delinquency Proceedings — See Juvenile Delinquency Proceedings.
Demur — To respond to a civil complaint by filing a demurrer. See Demurrer.
Demurrer — In some states, a response to a civil complaint alleging that even if the facts alleged in
the complaint are true, they do not create any legal liability and therefore do not warrant any further
proceedings in the matter. In Michigan, such a response is made by way of a motion for summary
disposition. See Summary Disposition.
Denial —
1. A refusal by a court to grant a request presented by petition or motion.
2. In pleadings, an assertion that the allegations of the opposing party are untrue.
Department of Human Services — The state agency responsible for administering a broad range of
social services programs in Michigan, including financial aid to families and elderly persons, foster
care services, and adoption services. The Department of Human Services was formerly known as the
Family Independence Agency (FIA). See also Children's Protective Services.
Deponent — One who gives a deposition.
Deposition — A method of pretrial discovery in civil cases. During a deposition, a party or witness (the
"deponent") is placed under oath and required to give oral answers to questions. Most depositions are
taken without court supervision; the deponent is usually questioned by an attorney for one of the
parties. At the deposition, a transcript or videotape is made of the deponent's testimony. The transcript
or videotape may be used to support various pretrial motions, or admitted into evidence at trial in cases
where the deponent is unable to be present in court. See also Discovery.
DEQ — An abbreviation for the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality.
Descent — There are two types of descent: lineal and collateral.
1. Lineal descent is descent in a direct line, as from father or grandfather to son or grandson.
2. Collateral descent is descent in a collateral or oblique line; that is, up to the common ancestor
and then down from him, as from brother to brother, or between cousins.
Designated Proceedings — Proceedings in which a juvenile under age 17 is tried in criminal
proceedings that occur within the family division of the circuit court. The juvenile is afforded all the
legal and procedural protections that an adult would be given if charged with the same offense in a
court of general criminal jurisdiction.
Detention — The temporary care of a child who requires custody for his or her own welfare or the
community's protection pending disposition by the court or execution of an order of the court for
placement or commitment. Also, holding cell or area in a trial court for defendants in custody pending
appearances in court.
Developmentally Disabled Person ("DDP") — Under the Mental Health Code, a person with either
of the following characteristics:
1. The person is older than five years of age and has a severe, chronic condition attributable to a
mental and/or physical impairment. This condition manifested before the individual's 22nd
birthday, is likely to continue indefinitely, and results in substantial functional limitations in
three or more areas of major life activity, including self-care, language, learning, mobility, self-
direction, capacity for independent living, or economic self-sufficiency. Because of his or her
condition, the person needs individually planned services that are of lifelong or extended
duration.
2. The person is age five or younger and has a substantial developmental delay or a specific
congenital or acquired condition with a high probability of resulting in a developmental
disability as defined in (1) above if services are not provided.
See MCL 330.1100a(19), and Legally Incapacitated Person, Mental Health Code
Devise —
1. (Noun) Under the Michigan Revised Probate Code, a gift of personal or real property or both,
made in a will. See MCL 700.4(1).
2. (Verb) Under the Michigan Revised Probate Code, to give real or personal property or both in a
will. See MCL 700.4(2). See Michigan Revised Probate Code.
Devisee — A person given real or personal property under a will.
Dictum — See Obiter Dictum.
Dilatory Defenses — Defenses made solely for purposes of delay.
Dilatory Fiduciary — A fiduciary (trustee) who causes undue delays in administering an estate.
Dilatory Motion — A motion made only for purposes of delay.
Dilatory Plea — A response to a lawsuit which has the object of delaying the action, without
responding to the merits of the lawsuit.
Directed Verdict — A verdict issued by a judge at the conclusion of a civil jury trial when a party has
not presented sufficient evidence to establish a necessary part of his or her case. A directed verdict is
issued in response to a motion brought by the party's opponent at the end of the party's presentation of
evidence. In granting such a motion, the judge "directs a verdict" in favor of the opponent who brought
the motion, without sending the case to the jury for consideration. See MCR 2.515.
Directed Verdict of Acquittal — A verdict issued by a judge at the conclusion of a criminal jury trial
when the prosecutor has not presented sufficient evidence to convict the defendant. A directed verdict
may not be granted to the prosecutor in criminal cases. See MCR 6.419.
Disappeared Person — Absent from place of residence for at least seven continuous years;
whereabouts unknown by person most likely to know whereabouts (for seven years as above); has not
communicated with person above.
Discontinuance — The termination of a civil case by withdrawal or failure to continue it by the
plaintiff. A voluntary dismissal by the plaintiff.
Discovery — The process of gathering and preserving evidence prior to trial in a civil or criminal case.
See also Deposition, Interrogatories.
Dismiss — To order a cause or prosecution to be terminated; to refuse to hear further.
Dismissal — An order or judgment deciding a particular lawsuit in favor of the defendant by sending it
out of court without trial. Dismissal "with prejudice" forever bars the right to bring a lawsuit on the
same claim or cause; dismissal "without prejudice" disposes of the particular lawsuit before the court
but permits a new lawsuit to be brought based on the same claim or cause.
Disposed Case — Not pending; decided; closed case.
Disposition — Determination of a case, whether by dismissal, plea and sentence, settlement and
dismissal, verdict and judgment.
Disqualification — Refers to the disqualification of judges from hearing a case. Any interest which
may impair the ability of a judge to decide the case in a fair and impartial manner. Disqualification
maybe voluntary or it may be done on the motion of a party to the case. See MCR 2.003.
Dissenting Opinion — An opinion written by an appellate judge explaining why he or she disagrees
with the decision reached by the majority of judges considering the case. See also Concurring Opinion,
Majority Opinion.
Distributee — One who receives property from a personal representative (but not a creditor or
purchaser); a testamentary trustee to the extent of assets remaining in his/her hands; a beneficiary
taking through a trustee.
Distribution — The division of the residue of an estate among the parties entitled thereto by the order
of the court, after the payment of the debts and charges. It also includes the division of the residue of an
estate by the Independent Personal Representative.
District Court — A Michigan trial court that hears the following types of cases: civil suits involving
$25,000 or less; adult criminal misdemeanor offenses punishable by up to one year's imprisonment;
civil infractions; landlord/tenant disputes; small claims (civil suits involving $1,750 or less); and, land
contract forfeitures. Additionally, the district court is the court in which all adult criminal proceedings
begin, regardless of the nature of the offense. In carrying out this function, the district court issues
arrest and search warrants, sets bail, conducts arraignments, and presides over preliminary
examinations. See also Arraignment, Bail, Civil Infraction, Land Contract, Preliminary Examination,
Small Claims Court, Warrant.
Diversion — A decision or program designed to divert offenders from official processing to a less
formal, less adversarial and more community-based setting.
Divorce — The termination of the legal relationship between a husband and wife.
DNR — An abbreviation for the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.
Docket — A written list of all important acts done in court in the conduct of an individual case from
beginning to end. This is properly called a "case docket." The docket (for acts done), the case file (for
documents filed) and any transcript of proceedings together form the "record" or a court of record.
This word is often improperly used interchangeably with "calendar."

Domestic Abuse — A pattern of sexual, physical, emotional and/or financial abuse, perpetrated with
the intent and result of establishing and maintaining control over an intimate partner. Domestic abuse
may include both criminal and non-criminal acts, such as hitting, choking, kicking, shoving, scratching,
biting, raping, kidnapping, threatening violence, stalking, destroying property, or attacking pets. The
abuse may be directed at persons other than the intimate partner (e.g., children) for the purpose of
controlling the partner.
Domestic Relations Action — A case involving divorce, separate maintenance, annulment of
marriage, affirmation of marriage, paternity, child or spousal support, custody of a minor, parenting
time, or grandparenting time. See MCR 3.201.
Domestic Violence — See Domestic Abuse.
Domicile — The permanent home to which a person, when absent, always intends to return. See
Residence.
Double Jeopardy — Being placed more than once in danger of being convicted and sentenced for the
same offense.
Dower — That part of a man's real property which his widow is entitled to use for her lifetime after her
husband's death, as a result of her status as wife, as opposed to property devised or inherited.
DSS — An abbreviation for the Michigan Department of Social Services. This agency has been
renamed the "Family Independence Agency" ("FIA"). See Family Independence Agency.
Duces Tecum — A Latin term meaning "bring with you." On a subpoena it means that the person
subpoenaed must bring records or other specified material into court.
Due Process (of Law) — The fundamental procedural rules that guarantee "fair play" in the conduct of
legal proceedings; e.g., the right to notice and a hearing, the right to an impartial judge and jury, the
right to present evidence on one's own behalf, the right to confront one's accuser, the right to be
represented by counsel, etc.
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Easement — The right to use another's land for a specific limited purpose. One common type of
easement arises when one parcel of land is separated from any access to a road by a second parcel. In
this case, the owner of the first parcel might obtain access to the road by way of an easement across the
second parcel.
Emancipation — The process by which a minor between the ages of 16 and 18 can be freed from his
or her parents' control.
Enjoin — To forbid; restrain.
Equal Protection — The Constitution requires that the government and courts of a state be open and
available to all persons under the same conditions with like rules of procedure and evidence.
Equity —
1. The amount or value of property above the total liens, charges or encumbrances.
2. A system of legal principles and remedies in civil cases that originated in England and survives
in modern U.S. jurisprudence. Historically, there were two distinct courts in England - courts of
law and courts of equity. Courts of law could award monetary damages in civil cases, but could
give no other relief. If a party sought relief other than monetary damages, he or she had to turn
to a court of equity, which could grant injunctions, grant divorces, afford relief from creditors in
bankruptcy, etc. There are no longer separate courts of law and equity in the U.S; most trial
courts can now issue both monetary and non-monetary relief. Different legal principles still
apply to law and equity actions, however, and a few procedural distinctions survive, most
 notably the absence of a right to a jury trial in cases seeking equitable relief.
Escheat — The reversion of property to the State when a person dies leaving no heirs.
Estate —
1. The interest a person has in real or personal property. Examples: Property that was owned by a
person who has died is referred to as a decedent's estate. Property held in trust for the benefit of
another is a trust estate. The property of a person or corporation that has declared bankruptcy is
an estate in bankruptcy or bankrupt estate.
2. The assets of a decedent or other person subject to be administered under the authority of a
court.
Estates and Protected Individuals Code — Michigan statutes governing wills, decedent's estates,
trusts, and guardianships or conservatorships over minors or legally incapacitated persons. The Estates
and Protected Individuals Code will take effect on April 1, 2000, and will replace the Michigan Revised
Probate Code. See Conservator, Decedent's Estate, Guardian, Legally Incapacitated Person, Michigan
Revised Probate Code, Minor, Trust, Will.
Estoppel — A prohibition against a claim or position which is inconsistent with the claimant's prior
conduct, e.g., one who sells land representing that he/she is authorized to do so may not claim in a later
lawsuit against him or her that he or she had no authority to sell.
Evidence — Testimony, documents, physical objects, or other things presented at a trial or court
hearing for the purpose of proving or disproving facts relevant to a case.
Evidentiary Motion Hearing — Hearings at which evidence is presented (a "speaking motion") as
opposed to a hearing at which lawyers argue matters of law.
Ex Parte — Involving only one party to a lawsuit, without prior notice to any other party.
Ex Parte Communication — A communication between the court and one party to a lawsuit, made
without prior notice to any other party.
Ex Parte Injunction — An injunction issued upon the request of one party to a lawsuit, without prior
notice to any other party.
Ex Parte Motion — A motion made to the court by one party to a lawsuit without prior notice to any
other party.
Ex Parte Order — An order made by the court upon the application of one of the parties to a lawsuit,
without prior notice to any other party.
Ex Post Facto — Legislation made applicable to an act after the act was committed. Statutes making a
prior legal act illegal.
Examination — An inspection or investigation. As pertains to court action, the term is used to describe
a preliminary hearing before the district court to determine whether there is sufficient cause to hold a
person to answer a felony charge before the circuit court.
Execute — To carry out, complete or dispose of according to law.
Execution — A post judgment remedy to collect a money judgment. A writ issued by the court to
authorize the process server to seize or take possession of real or personal property to be sold to satisfy
the judgment.
The carrying out of some act or course of conduct to its completion; i.e., execution of a
civil judgment is the putting into effect of the final judgment of the court by obtaining
 possession of that which the judgment has awarded.

Execution of an Instrument — The signing, sealing and delivery of a written instrument or document.
Executor, Executrix — Executor (male). Executrix (female). A person named in a will to carry out
its terms, that is, to execute the will. Under Michigan's Revised Probate Code, this person is called a
personal representative (if acting with court supervision) or an independent personal representative (if
acting without court supervision). See also Michigan Revised Probate code. Exempt Property —
1. Personal property that the surviving spouse of a decedent is automatically entitled to receive
from the decedent's estate.
2. Property of a judgment debtor that is exempt from executions under either state law or federal
bankruptcy law.
Exonerate — To free from suspicion; to show someone to be free of guilt.
Expunge — To legally void records — including criminal records — in files, computers or other
depositories.
Extradition — The formal process of delivering a person found in one state to the authorities of
another state where that person has been accused or convicted of a crime.
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FAC Case — Stands for "Failure to Answer Citation." When a person fails to answer a traffic
citation (ticket) the court concerned notifies the Department of State, which enters this information into
its computer system. When this occurs it is called a "FAC Case," and the defendant's license is
suspended until the FAC is set aside after the case is disposed of, and a fee is paid.
Family Division of the Circuit Court — A division of the circuit court devoted to the following
proceedings: divorce; paternity; child or spousal support; parenting time; child custody; adoptions;
juvenile delinquency; child protective proceedings; name changes; personal protection orders;
emancipation of minors; waiver of parental consent to an abortion; and, guardianships or
conservatorships for persons under 18 where the matter arises out of a child protective proceeding,
delinquency proceeding, or a domestic relations custody case. See also Adoption, Conservator,
Domestic Relations Action, Child Protective Proceedings, Emancipation, Guardian, Juvenile
Delinquency Proceedings, Personal Protection Order.
Family Independence Agency ("FIA") — See Department of Human Services.
FCJ Case — Means "Failure to Comply with Judgment" imposed for violations that are civil
infractions that are issued on traffic violations and follows the same procedure as FAC cases.
FCPV Case — Means "Failure to Comply with Parking Violation" entries. The Secretary of State will
prohibit individuals from obtaining or renewing licenses when they have six or more unpaid parking
tickets within a court. The court concerned notifies the Department of State in the same procedure as in
FAC and FCJ cases.
Fees — A charge fixed by law for services of public officers or for use of a privilege under government
control. A charge or wages for services given to one for the services performed, such as fiduciary or
attorney fees.
Felony — A crime punishable by more than a year in the state prison, unless it is specifically stated to
be a misdemeanor. Felonies are tried in circuit court.
FIA — See Family Independence Agency.
Fiduciary — A person or institution who manages money or property for the benefit of another, and
who is held to a high standard of care in carrying out this responsibility.
1. Successor Fiduciary: One who is appointed to take the place of a prior fiduciary.
2. Temporary Fiduciary: One appointed by the court to act as a fiduciary until a permanent
fiduciary is appointed.
For examples of fiduciaries, see Attorney in Fact, Conservator, Guardian, Independent Personal
Representative, Personal Representative, Trustee.
File — To put in the records, or deposit in the custody or among the records of a court.
Filing — The act of recording the various legal documents pertaining to a suit with the clerk of the
court. "Filing" also specifically refers to the original warrant, complaint, or other document which
initiates the action. See MCR 8.105.
Filing Fees — Sums of money which must be paid to the court clerk before a civil action or an estate
proceeding may start.
Foreign Judgment — A judgment issued by a court having jurisdiction in Indian territory, a foreign
state, or a state other than Michigan. See also Judgment.
Foreign Personal Representative — A personal representative from a jurisdiction other than
Michigan. See also Personal Representative.
Foreign Support Order — A support order issued by a court having jurisdiction in Indian territory, a
foreign state, or a state other than Michigan. See also Support Order.
Forensic Center — Another name for the Center for Forensic Psychiatry operated by the Department
of Mental Health. Criminal defendants are often sent there by trial courts to determine if they are
competent to stand trial.
Formal Calendar — If it appears that formal jurisdiction is required in juvenile matters, a petition
shall be filed. Further hearings shall be scheduled on the "formal calendar".
Formal Hearing — See Civil Infraction Formal Hearing.
Forum — A court or the jurisdiction where a court sits.
Forum Non Conveniens — A court's power to decline to exercise its jurisdiction in a case because the
convenience of the parties and/or the interests of justice would be better served if the case were tried in
another court.
Foster Care Review Board — Boards created in many counties throughout Michigan to review
selected court cases and permanency plans of foster care placement of neglected and abused children.
These board are composed of private citizens.
Foster Home — A licensed home for the temporary board and care of abused and neglected or
delinquent children.
Fraud — The intentional communication of an untruth to deceive another to deprive one of property or
to induce one to surrender a legal right, or to injure him or her in some other way.
Friend of the Court —
1. The office connected with the family division of the circuit court that investigates and advises
 the court in domestic relations cases involving minor children. The Friend of the Court Office is
also responsible for enforcement of court orders in those cases.
2. The person responsible for directing the Friend of the Court Office.
Fugitive — One who flees; always used in law with the implication of a flight, evasion, or escape from
some duty or penalty or from the consequences of a misdeed.
Fugitive Warrant — A warrant authorizing the taking into custody of a person who has fled from one
state to another to avoid prosecution or punishment for crime.
Full Faith and Credit — A court's constitutional obligation to recognize and enforce orders, decrees,
and judgments issued by the courts of other U.S. states or Indian tribes. U.S. Const. Art. IV, Sec. 1.
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Garnishment — A court order to take part of a person's wages or other money owed to him or her
before he or she receives the money, because of an unpaid debt owed to a creditor who has obtained a
judgment against the debtor.
Grand jury — A jury of inquiry which receives complaints and accusations in criminal cases. It hears
the prosecutor's evidence and issues indictments when satisfied that there is probable cause to believe
that a crime was committed, and that the accused committed that crime. Grand juries are rarely used in
Michigan, but are very common in the federal judicial system.
Grandparenting Time — The time a child spends with a grandparent. A grandparent may seek a court
order for grandparenting time under MCL 722.27b.
Grant — To transfer property to another, especially real property.
Grantee —The person to whom a grant is made, e.g., the person who receives title to real property by
deed.
Grantor — The person who makes a grant.
Group Home — A licensed home for the temporary board and care of abused and neglected or
delinquent children.
Guarantor — A person who is liable to fulfill another person's financial obligation in the event the
other person fails to fulfill it. The other person is known as the "principal." A guarantor's obligation
typically arises from a different contract than the one binding the principal. See also Principal, Surety.
Guardian —
1. Under the Michigan Revised Probate Code, a person with the legal duty and power to care for
the person of another individual who is: a) under age 18; or, b) a legally incapacitated person.
See Conservator, Legally Incapacitated Person, Michigan Revised Probate Code, Protected
Person, Ward. A guardian may be appointed by a court or designated in a will.
2. Under the Mental Health Code, a person with the legal duty and power to care for the person
and/or the estate of a developmentally disabled person. See Developmentally Disabled Person,
Estate, Mental Health Code.
Guardian Ad Litem — Someone appointed by the court during the course of litigation to promote and
protect the interests of a person affected by the litigation. Examples:
 1. A guardian ad litem may be appointed to protect the interests of a minor or incompetent person
who is a defendant in a civil action. See MCR 2.201(E)(1)(c), and Next Friend.
2. If necessary, a guardian ad litem may be appointed to appear for and represent the interests of
any person in any proceeding in probate court. See MCR 5.201(A)(1). Sometimes a court
appoints a guardian ad litem to protect the interests of an unascertained, unknown, unborn, or
disappeared person.
3. A court sometimes appoints a guardian ad litem to protect the interests of a minor in a domestic
relations or juvenile proceeding. See MCR 3.202(A), 5.916.
Guilty — Responsible for a crime.
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Habeas Corpus — "You have the body," the name of a writ used to bring a person before a court or
judge. Generally, the writ is addressed to an official or person who holds another. It commands him or
her to produce the detained person in court so that the court may determine whether that person is being
denied his or her freedom lawfully.
Habeas Corpus Ad Respondenum — To bring in a prisoner for trial on another charge.
Habeas Corpus Ad Testificandum — To bring a prisoner in to testify.
Harmless Error — An error committed in the course of a trial which does not justify reversal of the
verdict on appeal.
Hearing — A court proceeding on the record. Hearings are often used to determine issues arising
before or after the full trial of a case, and may be less formal than the trial.
Hearsay — Second-hand evidence not arising from personal knowledge of the witness but generally
from repetition of what the witness has heard others say. The repetition of a statement, that was made
outside of court, by a witness in a trial, intended to prove the truth of the statement. Hearsay is
generally inadmissible, but if there is no objection it is admitted into evidence.
Heir —
1. Someone who is entitled by statute to inherit the property of another person in the event that
person dies without a valid will.
2. A person who inherits the property of another, whether by will or by intestate succession. See
also Intestate Succession.
Holographic Will — An unwitnessed will where the dispositionary portions are in the handwriting of
the decedent, signed at the end and dated.
Homestead — An artificial estate in land, devised to protect the possession and enjoyment of the
owner against the claims of creditors.
Hostile Witness — A witness who exhibits such antagonism toward the party who called the witness to
testify that cross-examination of that witness by that party is permitted by the court.
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I
Illegitimate Child — A child born to parties who are not married to each other.
Impanel — (As pertains to juries.) To select a jury and enroll their names.
Impeachment of witness — Questioning of a witness by an adverse party that attempts to cast doubt
on the credibility (believability) of the witness.
In Pro Per — See Pro Per Litigant.
In Propria Persona — See Pro Per Litigant.
Inactive Case — A pending case over which the court has no effective control; a case which is filed in
the court, but for some reason cannot be processed by the court. Examples: non-service, no progress
(civil); defendant absconded or never arraigned (criminal).
Incarceration — Commitment to jail or prison.
Incompetent Evidence — Inadmissible evidence.
Income Withholding Order — An order entered by the circuit court providing for the withholding of
a person's income to enforce a child support order.
Inconvenient Forum — See Forum Non Conveniens.
Independent Personal Representative — Person administering a decedent's estate under the
Michigan Revised Probate Code. An independent personal representative administers the estate without
the court's supervision. See Decedent's Estate, Michigan Revised Probate Code.
Independent Probate — Probate designed to operate without unnecessary intervention by the probate
court as provided for by the Michigan Revised Probate Code. See Michigan Revised Probate Code.
Indictment — Formal accusation, "true bill," presented by a grand jury which charges a person with a
crime.
Indigent — Impoverished; needy; poor; without funds.
Inferior Court — Lower court. Any court subordinate to a higher appellate court in a particular
judicial system.
Informal Hearing — See Civil Infraction Informal Hearing.
Information — A formal accusation (criminal information) of a crime, differing from an indictment in
that it is prepared and signed by the prosecuting attorney instead of the grand jury. This is the most
common means employed in Michigan to bring an accused before the circuit court after a bindover
from the district court.
Inheritance — Property received from someone who dies, whether by will or by intestate succession.
See also Intestate Succession.
Injunction — A court order restraining a person from doing or continuing to do something that
threatens or causes irreparable injury to another; or requiring the person to do a particular act. See
MCR 3.310. See also Enjoin, Temporary Restraining Order.
1. Permanent Injunction — An injunction intended to remain in force unless and until modified by
a later decree of a court.
2. Preliminary Injunction — An injunction granted during the pendency of a suit, to restrain a
party from doing or continuing some act, the right to which is in dispute, and which may either
be discharged or made permanent, according to the result of the controversy, as soon as the
 rights of the parties are determined.
Innocent — Not guilty; acquitted of a crime.
Inquest — A legal inquiry generally before a court of law but in some instances before certain other
officers legally empowered to hold inquiries, such as by a medical examiner investigating a death.
Inter Vivos — Between living persons.
Interested Party — Under the Michigan Revised Probate Code, one of the following: heir; devisee;
beneficiary; a fiduciary of a legally incapacitated person who is an heir, devisee, or beneficiary;
fiduciary or trustee named in an instrument involved; or, a special party. See MCL 700.7, MCR 5.205
and Beneficiary, Devisee, Fiduciary, Heir, Legally Incapacitated Person, Michigan Revised Probate
Code, Trustee.
Interested Person — Under the Michigan Revised Probate Code, one of the following: interested
party; creditor; surety; any person having a property right in a trust estate or estate of decedent or ward
who may be affected by the proceedings, including a person nominated as personal representative; or, a
fiduciary representing an interested person. See MCL 700.7 and Estate, Fiduciary, Interested Party,
Michigan Revised Probate Code, Personal Representative, Surety, Trust.
Interim Bond — Refers to a bond that is set by a police officer when a person is arrested for a
misdemeanor offense without a warrant. Any misdemeanor warrant may also have an interim bond
endorsed on it by the issuing judge or magistrate. Allows one to be released pending an arraignment.
Interim Order — A temporary court decree, which is put into effect until something else is done.
Interlocutory — Temporary; not final, generally decides some point or matter between the beginning
and end of a suit but is not a final decision of the case.
Interlocutory Appeal — An appeal of a decision made by the court during the course of an action, but
before the final order or outcome of the action.
Interpleader — A legal action enabling a person to pay monies into court and force two or more
persons having competing or conflicting claims against him or her for the same thing to dispute the
matter among themselves.
Interrogatories — Written questions posed prior to trial by one party to a civil case and served on
another party to the case, who must answer them in writing under oath. See Discovery.
Interstate — Involving two or more states.
Interstate Income Withholding Order — An order entered to secure the enforcement of child support
obligations by the withholding of income derived in this jurisdiction to enforce the child support order
of another jurisdiction.
Intestate — Dying without having made a valid will.
Intestate Succession — In cases where a decedent has left no valid will, a statutory determination of
the right to inherit the decedent's property, made according to the heirs' relationship to the decedent.
Inventory — A list of the assets of a decedent or ward required by law to be filed in probate court
reflecting assets that are subject to management by the fiduciary.
Inventory Fee — A statutory fee for services rendered to a decedent's estate by the probate court.
Issue —
1. Of a person: All of the person's lineal descendants of all generations, except those who are
 descendants of a living descendant, with the relationship of parent and child at each generation
being determined by the definitions of child and parent contained in the Michigan Revised
Probate Code.
2. In pleading: A single, certain, and material point, raised in the pleadings of the parties to a
lawsuit, which is affirmed on the one side and denied on the other. See also Michigan Revised
probate code.
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J
JIS — See Judicial Information Services.
J.N.O.V. — An abbreviation for judgment non obstante veredicto, i.e., a judgment notwithstanding the
verdict. See Judgment Notwithstanding the Verdict.
Joint Custody — An order of the court in a domestic relations proceeding in which one or both of the
following are provided:
1. That the children live with one parent part of the time and with the other parent part of the time;
2. That the parents both share in making decisions on important issues dealing with the children.
Judges' Associations — Associations formed by various groups of judges by court type to further
understanding and cooperation between the judicial, legislative, and executive branches of government,
to promote public awareness, to support activities designed for sound and efficient administration of
justice, and to encourage high levels of judicial and legal competence.
Judgment — The decision of a court of law.
Judgment Notwithstanding the Verdict — A judgment setting aside a jury's verdict. See MCR 2.610.
Judgment N.O.V. — An abbreviation for judgment non obstante veredicto, i.e., a judgment
notwithstanding the verdict. See Judgment Notwithstanding the Verdict.
Judicial Activity Report — Monthly (district court) or quarterly (circuit court) report to the State
Court Administrator on caseload and court activity.
Judicial Information Services ("JIS") — A data center providing systems analysis and data
processing services to courts throughout the state.
Judicial Tenure Commission — The commission which reviews complaints against judges,
investigates those complaints and reports to the Supreme Court recommending appropriate discipline or
removal of the judge by the Supreme Court.
Jurisdiction — The court's authority to decide cases. Two major aspects of a court's jurisdiction are:
1. Subject Matter Jurisdiction: The authority to hear a particular type of case; for example, the
circuit court has jurisdiction over divorce cases, and the district court has jurisdiction over small
claims cases.
2. Personal Jurisdiction: The legal power of a court to render a judgment against a party to a
proceeding.
See also Concurrent Jurisdiction, Waiver of Jurisdiction.
Jury — A body of persons sworn to consider the evidence presented, to determine issues of fact, and to
deliver a verdict in a judicial proceeding. There are 6 jurors for district court in civil and criminal
matters. In circuit court, there are 6 jurors for civil matters and 12 for criminal matters. There are 6
jurors in probate court. See also Grand Jury, Petit Jury.
Jury Commissioner — The officers responsible for choosing the panel of persons to serve as potential
jurors for a particular county.
Jury Instructions — Directions given by the judge to the jury informing the jurors of the law
applicable to the case.
Jury Panel — The group of prospective jurors, from which the trial jury of 6 or 12 is chosen.
Juvenile — A minor under the age of 17. See also Minor.
Juvenile Code — The group of statutes governing juvenile delinquency proceedings, designated
proceedings, and child protective proceedings. See MCL 712A.1 et seq., and Child Protective
Proceedings, Designated Proceedings, Juvenile Delinquency Proceedings.
Juvenile Delinquency Proceedings — Proceedings in the family division of the circuit court regarding
a minor under age 17 who has: committed an offense that would be a crime if committed by an adult,
including a misdemeanor traffic offense; deserted his or her home; been absent from school; repeatedly
violated school rules; or, disobeyed the reasonable and lawful commands of his or her parents. See
MCL 712A.2(a).
Juvenile Officer — See County Agent.
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K
Kin — One who is related by blood.
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L
Land Contract — A contract for the sale of land on a time payment plan.
Larceny — The trespassory taking of property with the intent to permanently deprive the owner of its
ownership rights.
Law Enforcement Information Network ("LEIN") — A computerized communications system for
law enforcement agencies that contains information on such things as personal protection orders,
pretrial release conditions in criminal cases, outstanding arrest warrants, driving records, and
automobile registration.
Lawsuit — A legal dispute brought before a court. A "lawsuit" is also referred to as an "action," "case,"
"cause of action," or "cause."
Lawyer — See Attorney.
Lease — A contract or agreement for the renting of real or personal property for a specified or
determined period of time and giving rise to the relationship of landlord (the lessor) and tenant (the
lessee).
Legacy — A gift of personal property left by will. Under Michigan's Revised Probate Code, this is now
called a "devise." See MCL 700.4(1). See Michigan Revised Probate Code.
Legally Incapacitated Person ("LIP") — Under the Michigan Revised Probate Code, an adult who is
impaired by reason of mental illness, mental deficiency, physical illness or disability; chronic use of
drugs, chronic intoxication, or other cause, to the extent that the person lacks sufficient understanding
or capacity to make or communicate responsible decisions concerning his or her person. See MCL
700.8(2). Former term: legally incompetent person. See Developmentally Disabled Person, Michigan
Revised Probate Code.
Legatee — A person who receives property under a will. Under Michigan's Revised Probate Code, this
person is now called a "devisee." See Devisee, Michigan Revised Probate Code.
LEIN Network — See Law Enforcement Information Network.
Lessee — The tenant under a lease.
Lessor — The landlord under a lease.
Libel — Injury to a person's character or reputation by print, writing, pictures, or signs.
Liber — Latin for "book." Sometimes used to refer to the large, bound book(s) of records in a court
clerk's office, register of deeds, etc.
Lien — A claim against property to secure a debt or other obligation.
Limited Guardian — Under the Michigan Revised Probate Code, a guardian for a minor or legally
incapacitated person whose powers over the person have been limited by a court's order. See MCL
700.424a (minors), 700.444 (legally incapacitated persons). See Guardian, Legally Incapacitated
Person, Michigan Revised Probate Code, Minor.
Lineup — A police procedure by which the suspect in a crime is exhibited, usually as one of a group of
similar-appearing persons, before the victim or witness to determine if he or she can be identified as the
person who committed the offense.
LIP — See Legally Incapacitated Person.
Lis Pendens — Control that a court acquires over property that is the subject of litigation. Where real
estate is the subject of litigation, a "notice of lis pendens" may be filed with the register of deeds in the
county where the property is located. This notice warns persons who deal with the property that it is
subject to litigation and that they may be bound by the court's judgment regarding the property. See
MCL 600.2701 et seq.
Litigant — Party to a lawsuit.
Litigation — The process of resolving a dispute over legal rights in court.
Local Court Rules — Rules adopted by a particular local trial court to govern procedural matters in
that court. Local court rules may not contradict the Michigan Court Rules.
GLOSSARY -- COMMON LEGAL TERMS
NOTE: The following definitions are not legal definitions.
Rather, these definitions are intended to give you a general idea
of the meanings of these words. "Black's Law Dictionary" is a
dictionary that provides comprehensive definitions of legal terms.
This dictionary is available at most law libraries.
A
Abstract of title A chronological summary of all official records
and recorded documents affecting the title to a
parcel of real property.
Acceptance The taking and receiving of anything with the
intention of retaining it.
Accomplice 1. A partner in a crime. 2. A person who
knowingly and voluntarily participates with
another in a criminal activity.
Acknowledgment 1. A formal declaration before an authorized
official by the person who executed an instrument
that it is his/her free act and deed. 2. The
certificate of the official on such instrument
attesting that such execution was so
acknowledged.
Acquittal A release, absolution or discharge of an
obligation or liability. In criminal law, the
finding of not guilty.
Action Case, cause, suit or controversy disputed or
contested before a court.
Additur An increase by a judge in the amount of damages
awarded by a jury.
Adjudication 1. Giving or pronouncing a judgment or decree.
2. The judgment given.
Administrative
agencies Agencies created by the legislative branch of
government to administer laws pertaining to
specific areas such as social security, taxes,
transportation and labor.
Administrator 1. One who administers the estate of a person
who dies without a will. 2. A court official.
Common Legal Terms.2
Admiralty law Also, maritime law. That body of law relating to
ships, shipping, marine commerce and navigation;
the transportation of persons or property by sea,
etc.
Admissible
evidence Evidence that can be legally and properly
introduced in a civil or criminal trial.
Admonish To advise or caution. For example, the court may
admonish counsel for improper actions.
Advance sheets Paperback pamphlets published by legal publishers
periodically which contain cases. When there are
a sufficient number of cases, advance sheets are
replaced by a bound volume.
Adversary
proceeding A proceeding having opposing parties, such as a
plaintiff and a defendant.
Adverse
possession Method of acquiring real property under certain
conditions by possession of same for a statutory
period.
Affiant The person who makes and subscribes to an
affidavit.
Affidavit A voluntary, written, declaration of facts,
confirmed by oath of the party making it before
a person with authority to administer the oath.
Affirmation A solemn and formal declaration that an affidavit
is true. This may be substituted for an oath in
certain cases.
Affirmative
defense A defense raised in a responsive pleading, for
example, an answer, concerning a matter raised in
a pleading; affirmative defenses include
contributory negligence or estoppel in civil
actions and in criminal cases insanity, duress or
self-defense.
Affirmed In the practice of appellate courts, the word
means that the decision of the trial court is
found to be correct on appeal.
Common Legal Terms.3
Agreement Mutual consent.
Aid and Abet To actively, knowingly or intentionally assist
another person in the commission or attempted
commission of a crime.
Alien A foreign-born person who has not qualified as a
citizen of the country.
Allegation A statement of the issues in a written document
(a pleading) which a person is prepared to prove
in court.
Alteration Changing or making different.
Alternative dispute
resolution A process by which parties can settle a dispute
without a full, formal trial. Methods include
mediation, conciliation, arbitration and
settlement, among others.
American Bar
Association A national association of lawyers whose primary
purpose is improvement of lawyers and the
administration of justice.
American Law
Reports A publication which reports cases from all United
States jurisdictions by subject matter.
Ancillary A proceeding which is auxiliary or subordinate to
another proceeding.
Annotations Remarks, notes, case summaries or commentaries
following a statute which describe
interpretations of a statute or a case.
Answer A formal, written statement by the defendant in
a lawsuit which answers each allegation contained
in the complaint.
Answers to
Interrogatories A formal, written statement by a party to a
lawsuit which answers each question or
interrogatory propounded (asked) by the other
party. These answers must be acknowledged before
a notary public or other person authorized to
take acknowledgments.
Common Legal Terms.4
Antitrust acts Federal and state statutes to protect trade and
commerce from unlawful restraints, price
discriminations, price fixing and monopolies.
Appeal A request to a higher court to review a lower
court decision.
Appeal Bond A guaranty by the appealing party which insures
that certain court costs will be paid.
Appearance The act of formally coming into court as a party
to a suit either in person or through an
attorney.
Appendix Supplementary materials added to the end of a
document.
Appellate court A court having jurisdiction to hear appeals and
review a lower court's decisions.
Appellee The party against whom an appeal is taken.
Arbitration The hearing of a dispute by an impartial third
person or persons whose award the parties agree
to accept.
Arbitrator A private, disinterested person chosen by the
parties in arbitration to hear evidence
concerning the dispute and to make an award based
on the evidence.
Arraignment The hearing at which the accused is brought
before the court to enter a plea to the criminal
charge in the indictment. A party may plead
"guilty," "not guilty," or where permitted, "nolo
contendere." See preliminary hearing.
Arrest To take into custody by legal authority.
Assault A threat to inflict injury on someone with an
apparent ability to do so. Also, any intentional
display of force that would give the victim
reason to fear or expect immediate bodily harm.
Assignment The transfer to another person of an interest in
any property, real or personal.
Common Legal Terms.5
Assumption of
risk A doctrine under which a person may not recover
for an injury received when a person has
voluntarily exposed himself/herself to a known
danger.
Attachment Taking a person's property to satisfy a courtordered
debt.
Attorney-at-law An advocate, counsel or official agent employed
in preparing, managing and trying cases in the
courts.
Attorney-in-fact A person (who is not necessarily a lawyer)
authorized by another to act in his or her place,
either for some particular purpose, as to do a
specific act or for the transaction of business
in general, not of legal character. This
authority is conferred by an instrument in
writing, called a "letter of attorney," or more
commonly "power of attorney." You must be an
attorney at law in order to represent another
party in court.
Attorney of record The principal attorney in a lawsuit who signs all
formal documents relating to the suit. In pro se
cases, the party signs such documents.
B
Bail Money or other security (such as a bail bond)
provided to the court to temporarily allow a
person's release from jail and assure their
appearance in court. "Bail" and "Bond" are often
used interchangeably.
Bail bond An obligation signed by the accused to secure his
or her presence at the trial. This obligation
means that the accused may lose money by not
appearing for the trial. Often referred to
simply as "bond."
Bailiff An officer of the court responsible for keeping
order, maintaining appropriate courtroom decorum
and custody of the jury.
Common Legal Terms.6
Bankruptcy Refers to statutes and judicial proceedings
involving persons or businesses that cannot pay
their debts and seek the assistance of the court
in getting a fresh start. Under the protection
of the bankruptcy court, debtors may be released
or "discharged" from their debts, perhaps by
paying a portion of each debt. Bankruptcy judges
preside over these proceedings. The person who
owes the debts is called the debtor and the
people or companies to whom the debtor owes money
are called creditors.
Bankruptcy Judge The judge who determines whether a debtor is
entitled to a discharge in bankruptcy.
Bankruptcy law The area of federal law dealing with bankrupt
persons or businesses.
Bar 1. Historically, the partition separating the
general public from the space occupied by the
judges, lawyers and other participants in a
trial. 2. More commonly, the term means the
whole body of lawyers.
Bar examination A state examination taken by prospective lawyers
in order to be admitted and licensed to practice
law.
Battery A beating or wrongful physical violence. The
threat to use force is an "assault;" the actual
use of force is a battery, which usually includes
an assault.
Bench The seat occupied by the judge. More broadly,
the court itself.
Bench trial Trial without a jury in which a judge decides the
facts. (Also known as court trial.)
Bench warrant An order issued by a judge for the arrest of a
person.
Beneficiary Someone named to receive property or benefits in
a will. In a trust, a person who is to receive
benefits from the trust.
Bequeath To give a gift to someone through a will.
Bequests Gifts made in a will.
Common Legal Terms.7
Best evidence Primary evidence; the best evidence available.
Evidence short of this is "secondary." For
example, an original letter is "best evidence,"
while a photocopy of a letter is "secondary
evidence."
Beyond a
reasonable doubt The burden of proof that the State must establish
in a criminal action.
Bond See bail bond. A written agreement by which a
person insures he/she will pay a certain sum of
money if he/she does not perform certain duties.
Bound supplement A supplement to a book or books which updates the
material in permanent form. See pocket part.
Booking The process of photographing, fingerprinting and
recording identifying data of a suspect. This
process follows the arrest.
Breach 1. The breaking or violating of a law, right or
duty, either by an act or omission. 2. The
failure to carry out any condition of a contract.
Breach of
contract An unjustified failure to perform under the terms
of a contract when performance is due.
Brief A written argument by counsel or a pro se
litigant arguing a case that contains a summary
of the facts of the case, pertinent laws and an
argument of how the law applies to the fact.
Also called a memorandum of law.
Burden of proof In the law of evidence, the necessity or duty of
affirmatively proving a fact or facts in dispute
on an issue raised between the parties in a
lawsuit. The responsibility of proving a point.
Business
bankruptcy A proceeding under the Bankruptcy Code filed by
a business entity.
Bylaws Rules or laws adopted by an association or
corporation that governs its actions.
Common Legal Terms.8
C
Capital crime A crime punishable by death.
Calendar A list of cases scheduled for hearing in court.
Canons of ethics Standards of ethical conduct for attorneys.
Capacity Having legal authority or mental ability. Being
of sound mind.
Caption Heading or introductory part of a pleading.
Case law Law established by previous decisions of
appellate or district courts. See stare decisis
in Foreign Words Glossary.
Cases General term for an action, cause, suit or
controversy, at law or in equity.
Cause A lawsuit, litigation or action. Any question,
civil or criminal, litigated or contested before
a court of justice.
Cause of action The fact or facts which give a person a right to
relief in court.
Caveat A warning; a note of caution.
Censure An official reprimand or condemnation of an
attorney. See disbarment or suspension.
Certification 1. Declaration that a statement is true. 2.
Declaration that an instrument is a true and
correct copy of the original.
Certiorari A writ of review issued by a higher court to a
lower court. A means of getting an appellate
court to review a lower court's decision. If an
appellate court grants a writ of certiorari, it
agrees to take the appeal. (Sometimes referred
to as "granting cert.")
Challenge An objection, such as when an attorney objects at
a hearing to the seating of a particular person
on a civil or criminal jury.
Common Legal Terms.9
Challenge for
cause A request from a party to a judge that a
prospective juror not be allowed to be a member
of a jury because of specified causes or reasons.
See peremptory challenge.
Chambers A judge's private office. A hearing in chambers
takes place in the judge's office outside of the
presence of the jury and the public.
Change of venue Moving a lawsuit or criminal trial to another
place for trial. See venue.
Charge, jury The judge's instructions to the jury concerning
the law that applies to the facts of the case on
trial.
Chief Judge Presiding or administrative judge in a court.
Chattel An article of personal property.
Child Offspring of parentage; progeny, "issue."
Chronological Arranged in the order in which events happened;
according to date, from the first event to the
last event.
Circumstantial
evidence All evidence except eyewitness testimony. One
example is physical evidence, such as
fingerprints, from which an inference can be
drawn.
Citation 1. The written reference to legal authorities,
precedents, reported cases, etc., in briefs or
other legal documents. 2. A writ or order
issued by a court commanding the person named
therein to appear at the time and place named.
Citators A set of books which provides the subsequent
history of reported decisions through a form of
abbreviations or words.
Civil Relating to private rights and remedies sought by
civil actions as contrasted with criminal
proceedings.
Civil action An action brought by a party to enforce or
protect private rights.
Common Legal Terms.10
Civil law Law based on a series of written codes or laws.
Civil procedure The rules and processes by which a civil case is
tried and appealed, including the preparations
for trial, the rules of evidence and trial
conduct and the procedure for pursuing appeals.
In the Northern District, parties must follow
both the federal and local rules of civil
procedure.
Claim 1. A cause of action in a law suit. 2. A debt
owing by a debtor to another person or business.
Class action A lawsuit brought by one or more persons on
behalf of a larger group. Individuals seeking to
maintain a class action must file a formal motion
requesting certification of the class; a judge
may then choose to certify the proposed class
pursuant to Fed.R.Civ.P. 25.
Clean air acts Federal and state environmental statutes enacted
to regulate and control air pollution.
Clear and
convincing
evidence Standard of proof used in certain lawsuits and in
regulatory agency cases. It governs the amount
of proof that must be offered in order for the
plaintiff to win the case.
Clerk of Court Administrator or chief clerical officer of the
court.
Closing argument The closing statement, by counsel or a pro se
litigant, to the trier of facts after all parties
have concluded their presentation of evidence at
trial.
Code of Federal
Regulations (CFR) An annual publication which contains the
cumulative executive agency regulations.
Code of
Professional
Responsibility The rules of conduct that govern the legal
profession.
Codicil An amendment to a will.
Common Legal Terms.11
Collateral
Estoppel Doctrine which provides that a court ruling
concerning a disputed set of facts in one action
is binding on those same parties in future
proceedings against each other.
Commit To send a person to prison, asylum or reformatory
by a court order.
Common law Law established by subject matter heard in
earlier cases. Also called case law.
Commutation The reduction of a sentence, as from death to
life imprisonment.
Comparative
negligence The rule under which negligence is measured by
percentage, (and damages are diminished) in
proportion to the amount of negligence
attributable to the person seeking recovery.
Complainant The party who complains or sues; one who applies
to the court for legal redress. See plaintiff.
Complaint 1. The legal document that usually begins a
civil lawsuit. It states the facts and
identifies the action the court is asked to take.
2. Formal written charge that a person has
committed a criminal offense.
Conciliation A form of alternative dispute resolution in which
the parties bring their dispute to a neutral
third party, who helps lower tensions, improve
communications and explore possible solutions.
Conciliation is similar to mediation, but it may
be less formal.
Concurrent
sentences Sentences for more than one crime that are to be
served at the same time, rather than one after
the other. (Compare with cumulative or
consecutive sentences.)
Condemnation The legal process by which the government takes
private land for public use, paying the owners a
fair price. See eminent domain.
Conformed copy An exact copy of a document that could not be or
was not copied. For example, a written signature
may be replaced on a conformed copy with a
notation that it was signed by the parties.
Common Legal Terms.12
Consecutive
sentences Successive sentences, one beginning at the
expiration of another, imposed against a person
convicted of two or more crimes. See cumulative
or concurrent sentences.
Consent Agree to voluntarily accept the wish of another.
Conservatorship Legal right given to a person to manage the
property and financial affairs of a person deemed
incapable of doing that for himself or herself.
See guardianship.
Consideration The price bargained for and paid for a promise,
goods or real estate.
Constitution The fundamental law of a nation or state which
establishes the character and basic principles of
the government.
Constitutional
law Law set forth in the Constitution of the United
States and the state constitutions.
Consumer
bankruptcy A proceeding under the Bankruptcy Code filed by
an individual (or husband and wife) who is not in
business.
Contempt of court Willful disobedience of a judge's command or of
an official court order.
Continuance Postponement of a legal proceeding to a later
date. Also, adjournment.
Contract An agreement between two or more persons which
creates an obligation to do or not to do a
particular thing either orally or in writing.
Contributory
negligence The rule of law under which an act or omission of
plaintiff is a contributing cause of injury and
a possible bar to a complete recovery.
Conveyance Instrument transferring title of an object from
one person or group of persons to another.
Conviction A judgment of guilt against a criminal defendant.
Common Legal Terms.13
Corroborating
evidence Supplementary evidence that tends to strengthen
or confirm the initial evidence.
Counsel A legal adviser; a term used to refer to lawyers
in a case.
Counterclaim A claim made by the defendant in a civil lawsuit
against the plaintiff.
Court A body in government to which the administration
of justice is delegated.
Court-appointed
attorney Attorney appointed by the court to represent a
defendant, usually with respect to criminal
charges and without the defendant having to pay
for the representation.
Court costs The expenses of prosecuting or defending a
lawsuit, other than attorneys fees. An amount of
money may be awarded to the successful party (and
may be recoverable from the losing party) as
reimbursement for court costs.
Court of original
jurisdiction A court where a matter is initiated and heard in
the first instance; a trial court.
Court reporter A person who transcribes by shorthand or
stenographically takes down testimony during
court proceedings, a deposition or other trialrelated
proceedings.
Court rules Regulations governing practice and procedure in
the various courts.
Creditor A person to whom a debt is owed by another.
Crime An act in violation of the penal laws of a state
or the United States. A positive or negative act
in violation of penal law.
Criminal justice
system The network of courts and tribunals which deal
with criminal law and its enforcement.
Common Legal Terms.14
Cross-claim A pleading which asserts a claim arising out of
the same subject matter as the original complaint
against a co-party. For example, a co-defendant
may file a cross-claim against another codefendant
for contribution for any damages
assessed against the cross-claimant.
Cross-examination The questioning of a witness produced by the
other side.
Cumulative
sentences Sentences for two or more crimes to run
consecutively, rather than concurrently. See
consecutive sentences.
Custody Detaining of a person by lawful process or
authority to assure his or her appearance to any
hearing; the jailing or imprisonment of a person
convicted of a crime.
D
Damages Money awarded to a person injured by the wrongful
act of another person.
Debtor One who owes a debt to another; a person filing
for relief under the Bankruptcy Code.
Decision The opinion of the court in concluding a case at
law.
Declaratory
judgment A statutory remedy for judicial determination of
a controversy where a party is in doubt about
his/her legal rights.
Decree An order of the court. A final decree is one
that fully and finally disposes of the
litigation. See interlocutory.
Defamation That which tends to injure a person's reputation.
See libel and slander.
Default Failure of the defendant to appear and answer the
summons and complaint.
Default judgment A judgment entered against a party who fails to
appear in court or respond to the charges.
Common Legal Terms.15
Defendant The person defending a suit.
Defense of
property Affirmative defense in criminal law or tort law
where force was used to protect one's property.
Deficient Incomplete; defective; not sufficient in quantity
or force.
Defunct A corporation no longer operative; having ceased
to exist.
Demurrer A pleading filed by the defendant which alleges
that the complaint as filed is not sufficient to
require an answer.
Dependent One who derives existence and support from
another.
Deposition Testimony of a witness or a party taken under
oath outside the courtroom, the transcript of
which may become a part of the court's file.
Digests Legal volumes that contain summaries of cases
arranged alphabetically by topic.
Direct evidence Among other things, proof of facts by witnesses
who saw acts done or heard words spoken.
Direct examination The first questioning of witnesses by the party
on whose behalf they are called.
Directed verdict See judgment as a matter of law.
Disbarment Form of discipline of a lawyer resulting in the
loss (often permanently) of that lawyer's right
to practice law. See censure or suspension.
Discharge The name given to the bankruptcy court's formal
discharge of a debtor's debts.
Disclaim To refuse a gift made in a will.
Discovery The name given pretrial devices for obtaining
facts and information about the case. See Federal
Rules of Civil Procedure (FRCP) 26-37)
Dismissal The termination of a lawsuit either with or
without prejudice.
Common Legal Terms.16
Dissent To disagree. An appellate court opinion setting
forth the minority view and outlining the
disagreement of one or more judges with the
decision of the majority.
Dissolution The termination; process of dissolving or winding
up something.
Diversity of
citizenship The condition when the party on one side of a
lawsuit is a citizen of one state and the other
party is a citizen of another state; such cases
may be under the jurisdiction of federal courts.
Diversion The process of removing some minor criminal,
traffic or juvenile cases from the full judicial
process, on the condition that the accused
undergo some sort of rehabilitation or make
restitution for damages.
Docket An abstract or listing of all pleadings or the
documents filed in a case; the book containing
such entries; "trial docket" is a list or
calendar of cases to be tried in a certain term.
Docket control A system for keeping track of deadlines and court
dates for both litigation and non-litigation
matters.
Domicile The place where a person has a permanent home to
which he/she intends to return.
Double jeopardy Putting a person on trial more than once for the
same crime. It is forbidden by the Fifth
Amendment to the United States Constitution.
Due process of law The right of all persons to receive the
guarantees and safeguards of the law and the
judicial process. It includes such
constitutional requirements as adequate notice,
assistance of counsel and the rights to remain
silent, to a speedy and public trial, to an
impartial jury and to confront and secure
witnesses.
E
Eminent Domain The power of the government to take private
property for public use through condemnation.
Common Legal Terms.17
En Banc All the judges of a court sitting together.
Appellate courts can consist of a dozen or more
judges, but often they hear cases in panels of
three judges. If a case is heard or reheard by
the full court, it is heard "en banc."
Encyclopedia A book or series of books arranged alphabetically
by topics containing information on specific
areas of law.
Enjoining An order by the court telling a person to stop
performing a specific act.
Entity A legally recognized organization.
Entrapment The act of inducing a person to commit a crime so
that a criminal charge will be brought against
him.
Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA) A federal agency created to permit
coordinated and effective governmental action to
preserve the quality of the environment.
Equal Protection
of the Law The guarantee in the Fourteenth Amendment to the
U.S. Constitution that all persons be treated
equally by the law.
Equity Justice administered according to fairness; the
spirit of fairness in dealing with other persons.
Escheat The process by which a deceased person's property
goes to the state if no heir can be found.
Escrow Money or a written instrument such as a deed
that, by agreement between two parties, is held
by a neutral third party (held in escrow) until
all conditions of the agreement are met.
Esquire In the United States the title commonly appended
after the name of an attorney. Abbreviated:
Esq.
Estate A person's property.
Estate tax Generally, a tax on the privilege of transferring
property to others after a person's death. In
addition to federal estate taxes, many states
have their own estate taxes.
Common Legal Terms.18
Estoppel An impediment that prevents a person from
asserting or doing something contrary to his own
previous assertion or act.
Ethics Of or relating to moral action and conduct;
professionally right; conforming to professional
standards.
Evidence Information presented in testimony or in
documents that is used to persuade the fact
finder (judge or jury) to decide the case for one
side or the other.
Exceptions Declarations by either side in a civil or
criminal case reserving the right to appeal a
judge's ruling on a motion. Also, in regulatory
cases, objections by either side to points made
by the other side or to rulings by the agency or
one of its hearing officers.
Exclusionary Rule The rule preventing illegally obtained evidence
from being used in any trial.
Execute To complete; to sign; to carry out according to
its terms.
Executor A personal representative, named in a will, who
administers an estate.
Exempt property All the property of a debtor which is not
attachable under the Bankruptcy Code or the state
statute.
Exhibit A document or other item introduced as evidence
during a trial or hearing.
Exonerate Removal of a charge, responsibility or duty.
Ex parte On behalf of only one party, without notice to
any other party. For example, a request for a
search warrant is an ex parte proceeding, since
the person subject to the search is not notified
of the proceeding and is not present at the
hearing.
Ex parte
proceeding Actions taken by or orders made by a court upon
the application or petition of one party without
notice or hearing to other interested parties.
Common Legal Terms.19
Extenuating
circumstances Circumstances which render a crime less
aggravated, heinous or reprehensible than it
would be otherwise.
Expungement The process by which a record is destroyed or
sealed.
Extradition The surrender of an accused criminal by one state
to the jurisdiction of another.
F
Fair market value The value for which a reasonable seller would
sell an item of property and for which a
reasonable buyer would buy it.
Family law Those areas of the law pertaining to families,
i.e., marriage, divorce, child custody, juvenile,
paternity, etc.
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA) A federal agency which regulates air
commerce to promote aviation safety.
Federal Bureau of
Investigation (FBI) A federal agency which investigates all
violations of federal laws.
Federal
Communications
Commission (FCC) A federal agency which regulates
interstate and foreign communications by wire and
radio.
Federal Deposit
Insurance
Corporation (FDIC) A federal agency which insures deposits
in banking institutions in the event of financial
failure.
Federal Mediation
and Conciliation
Service A federal agency which provides mediators to
assist in labor-management disputes.
Federal Register A daily publication which contains federal
administrative rules and regulations.
Common Legal Terms.20
Federal Reporters ("F.," "F.2d" or "F.3d") Books which contain
decisions of the Circuit Courts throughout the
country.
Federal Supplement ("F. Supp.") Books which contain decisions of
the District Courts throughout the country.
Federal Unemployment
Tax (FUTA tax) A tax levied on employers based upon
employee wages paid.
Felony A serious criminal offense. Under federal law,
any offense punishable by death or imprisonment
for a term exceeding one year.
Fiduciary A person or institution who manages money or
property for another and who must exercise a
standard of care imposed by law, i.e., personal
representative or executor of an estate, a
trustee, etc.
File To place a paper in the official custody of the
clerk of court/court administrator to enter into
the files or records of a case.
Filing Fee The fee required for filing various documents.
In civil actions, the filing fee is $120.00.
Applications for a writ of habeas corpus require
a filing fee of $5.00.
Finding Formal conclusion by a judge or regulatory agency
on issues of fact. Also, a conclusion by a jury
regarding a fact.
Food and Drug
Administration (FDA) A federal agency which sets safety and
quality standards for food, drugs, cosmetics and
household substances.
Foreclosure A court proceeding upon default in a mortgage to
vest title in the mortgagee.
Forfeiture A cancellation. A legal action whereby a person
loses all interest in the property.
Fraud A false representation of a matter of fact which
is intended to deceive another.
Common Legal Terms.21
G
Garnishment A legal proceeding in which a debtor's money, in
the possession of another (called the garnishee)
is applied to the debts of the debtor, such as
when an employer garnishes a debtor's wages.
General
Jurisdiction Refers to courts that have no limit on the types
of criminal and civil cases over which they may
preside.
Good time A reduction in sentenced time in prison as a
reward for good behavior. It usually is one
third to one half of the maximum sentence.
Government
Printing
Office (GPO) The federal agency in charge of printing,
binding and selling of all government
publications.
Grand Jury A jury of inquiry whose duty it is to receive
complaints and accusations in criminal matters
and, if appropriate, issue a formal indictment.
Grantor The person who sets up a trust. Also referred to
as "settlor."
Grievance 1. An injury, injustice or wrong which gives
ground for complaint. 2. In labor law, a
complaint filed by an employee regarding working
conditions to be resolved by procedural machinery
provided in the union contract.
Guardian A person appointed by law to assume
responsibility for incompetent adults or minor
children.
Guardianship Legal right given to a person to be responsible
for the food, housing, health care and other
necessities of a person deemed incapable of
providing these necessities for himself or
herself.
H
Habeas corpus The name of a writ having for its object to bring
a person before a court.
Common Legal Terms.22
Harmless error An error committed during a trial that was
corrected or was not serious enough to affect the
outcome of a trial and therefore was not
sufficiently harmful (prejudicial) to be reversed
on appeal.
Headnote A brief summary of a legal rule or significant
facts in a case, which, along with other
headnotes, precedes the printed opinion in
reports.
Hearing A formal proceeding (generally less formal than
a trial) with issues of law or of fact to be
heard. Hearings are used extensively by
legislative and administrative agencies.
Hearsay Statements by a witness who did not see or hear
the incident in question but heard about it from
someone else. Hearsay may not be admissible.
Hostile witness A witness whose testimony is not favorable to the
party who calls the person as a witness. A
hostile witness may be asked leading questions
and may be cross-examined by the party who calls
him or her to the stand.
Hung jury A jury whose members cannot agree upon a verdict.
Immigrants Persons who come into a foreign country or region
to live.
Immigration The entry of foreign persons into a country to
live permanently.
Immigration and
Naturalization
Service (INS) A federal agency which regulates
immigration and naturalization of aliens.
Immunity A grant that assures someone that he/she will not
face prosecution in return for providing evidence
against another.
Impeachment A criminal proceeding against a public official.
Impeachment of a
witness An attack on the credibility (believability) of
a witness, through evidence introduced for that
purpose.
Common Legal Terms.23
Implied contract A contract not created or evidenced by the
explicit agreement of the parties but one
inferred by law.
In forma pauperis As a poor person; a pauper.
Inadmissible That which, under the rules of evidence, cannot
be admitted or received as evidence.
Incapacity Lack of legal ability to act; disability,
incompetence; lack of adequate power.
Incarceration Imprisonment in a jail, prison or penitentiary.
Incompetent One who lacks ability, legal qualification or
fitness to manage his/her own affairs.
Indeterminate
sentence A sentence of imprisonment to a specified minimum
and maximum period of time, specifically
authorized by statute, subject to termination by
a parole board or other authorized agency after
the prisoner has served the minimum term.
Indictment A written accusation by a grand jury charging a
person with a felony. See information.
Indigent Needy or impoverished.
Initial appearance The defendant comes before a judge within hours
of the arrest to determine whether or not there
is probable cause for his or her arrest.
Information Accusatory document, filed by a prosecutor,
detailing misdemeanor charges against a party.
Infraction A violation of law not punishable by
imprisonment. Minor traffic offenses generally
are considered infractions.
Inheritance tax A tax on property that an heir or beneficiary
under a will receives from a deceased person's
estate. The heir or beneficiary pays this tax.
Injunction An order or remedy issued by the court at the
request of the complaining party, which forbids
another party to do some act which he/she is
threatening or attempting to do. Conversely, it
may require a person to perform an act which
he/she is obligated to perform but refuses to do.
Common Legal Terms.24
Insolvent When the total debt of an entity is greater than
all of its property.
Instructions Judge's explanation to the jury before it begins
deliberations of the questions it must answer and
the applicable law governing the case. (Also
referred to as "charge.")
Intentional tort Wrong perpetrated by one who intends to break the
law.
Interlocutory Temporary; provisional; interim; not final.
Internal Revenue
Service (IRS) The federal agency which administers the
tax laws of the United States.
Interrogatories A set or series of written questions propounded
to a party, witness or other person having
information or interest in a case; a discovery
device.
Interstate Commerce
Commission (ICC) A federal agency which regulates all
transportation in interstate commerce.
Intervention An action by which a third person who may be
affected by a lawsuit is permitted to become a
party to the suit.
Involuntary
bankruptcy A proceeding initiated by creditors requesting
the bankruptcy court to place a debtor in
liquidation.
Issue 1. The disputed point in a disagreement between
parties in a lawsuit. 2. To send out
officially, as in to issue an order.
J
Joint and several
liability A legal doctrine that makes each of the parties
who are responsible for an injury, liable for all
the damages awarded in a lawsuit if the other
parties responsible cannot pay.
Common Legal Terms.25
Joint tenancy A form of legal co-ownership of property (also
known as survivorship). At the death of one coowner,
the surviving co-owner becomes sole owner
of the property. Tenancy by the entirety is a
special form of joint tenancy between a husband
and wife.
Judge A presiding officer of the court.
Judgment The official and authentic decision of a court of
justice upon the rights and claims of parties to
an action submitted to the court for
determination. See summary judgment.
Judgment as a
matter of law In a case in which the plaintiff has failed to
present on the facts of his case proper evidence
for jury consideration, the trial judge may order
the entry of a verdict without allowing the jury
to consider it.
Judgment debtor One who owes money as a result of a judgment in
favor of a creditor.
Judicial lien A lien obtained by judgment or other judicial
process against a debtor.
Judicial review The authority of a court to review the official
actions of other branches of government. Also,
the authority to declare unconstitutional the
actions of other branches.
Judiciary The branch of government invested with judicial
power to interpret and apply the law; the court
system; the body of judges.
Jurat Certificate of person and officer before whom a
writing is sworn to.
Jurisdiction,
Personal The power or authority of a court to hear and try
a case with respect to an individual.
Jurisdiction,
Subject Matter The power or authority of a court to hear and try
a case.
Jurisprudence The study of law and the structure of the legal
system.
Common Legal Terms.26
Jury A certain number of men and women selected
according to law and sworn to try a question of
fact or indict a person for public offense.
Jury Administrator The court officer responsible for choosing the
panel of persons to serve as potential jurors for
a particular court term.
Justiciable Issues and claims capable of being properly
examined in court.
K
Key number system A research aid developed by West Publishing
Company which classifies digests of cases into
various law topics and subtopics which are given
paragraph numbers called "Key Numbers." Each key
number for a given topic helps the researcher
quickly find all references to the legal matter
being researched.
L
Lapsed gift A gift made in a will to a person who has died
prior to the will-maker's death.
Larceny Obtaining property by fraud or deceit.
Law The combination of those rules and principles of
conduct promulgated by legislative authority,
derived from court decisions and established by
local custom.
Law Blank A printed legal form available for preparing
documents.
Law Clerk A lawyer (or law school student) employed to do
legal research.
Lawsuit An action or proceeding in a civil court; term
used for a suit or action between two parties in
a court of law.
Leading question A question that suggests the answer desired of
the witness. A party generally may not ask one's
own witness leading questions. Leading questions
may be asked only of hostile witnesses and on
cross-examination.
Common Legal Terms.27
Legal aid Professional legal services available to persons
or organizations unable to afford such services.
Legal process A formal paper that is legally valid; something
issuing from the court, usually a command such as
a writ or mandate.
Legal texts Books that cover specific areas of the law,
usually dealing with a single topic.
Legislation The act of giving or enacting laws; the power to
make laws via legislation in contrast to courtmade
laws.
Legitimate That which is legal, lawful, recognized by law or
according to law.
Leniency Recommendation for a sentence less than the
maximum allowed.
Liable Legally responsible.
Libel Published defamation which tends to injure a
person's reputation.
Licensing boards State agencies created to regulate the issuance
of licenses, i.e., to contractors,
cosmetologists, realtors, etc.
Lien An encumbrance or legal burden upon property.
Limine See "in limine" in Foreign Words Glossary.
Limited
Jurisdiction Refers to courts that are limited in the types of
criminal and civil cases they may hear. For
example, federal courts are courts of limited
jurisdiction courts.
Litigant A party to a lawsuit.
Litigation A lawsuit; a legal action, including all
proceedings therein.
Living trust A trust set up and in effect during the lifetime
of the grantor. (Also called inter vivos trust.)
Loose-leaf servicesLoose-leaf replacement pages provided by a
publisher in areas of the law where changes occur
at a rapid rate.
Common Legal Terms.28
M
Magistrate See U.S. Magistrate Judge.
Malfeasance The commission of an unlawful act.
Malicious
prosecution An action instituted with intention of injuring
the defendant and without probable cause and
which terminates in favor of the person
prosecuted.
Malpractice Any professional misconduct.
Marshal In federal court, the individual that serves
process on behalf of an indigent party to an
action.
Martindale-Hubbell
Law Directory A publication consisting of several volumes which
contains names, addresses, specialties and rating
of United States lawyers; also includes digests
of state and foreign statutory law.
Mediation A form of alternative dispute resolution in which
the parties bring their dispute to a neutral
third party, who helps them agree on a
settlement.
Memorandum of law A legal brief in support of the position taken by
a party in an action.
Merger The absorption of one thing or right into
another.
Minor A person under the age of legal competence.
Minute book A book maintained in state court that contains
minute entries of all hearings and trial
conducted by the judge.
Minutes Memorandum of a transaction or proceeding.
Miranda warning Requirement that police tell a suspect in their
custody of his or her constitutional rights
before they question him or her. So named as a
result of the Miranda v. Arizona ruling by the
United States Supreme Court.
Common Legal Terms.29
Misdemeanor A criminal offense lesser than a felony and
generally punishable by fine or by imprisonment
of less than 1 year.
Misfeasance Improper performance of an act which a person
might lawfully do.
Mistrial An invalid trial, caused by fundamental error.
When a mistrial is declared, the trial must start
again from the selection of the jury.
Mitigating
circumstances Those which do not constitute a justification or
excuse for an offense but which may be considered
as reasons for reducing the degree of blame.
Mitigation A reduction, abatement or diminution imposed by
law.
Moot A moot case or a moot point is one not subject to
a judicial determination because it involves an
abstract question or a controversy that has not
yet actually arisen or has already passed.
Mootness usually refers to a court's refusal to
consider a case because the issue involved has
been resolved prior to the court's decision,
leaving nothing that would be affected by the
court's decision.
Motion An application made to a court or judge by a
party which requests a ruling or order in favor
of the applicant or "movant."
Motion in Limine A motion made prior to trial by counsel or the
pro se litigant requesting that information which
might be prejudicial not be allowed in a case.
Mutual assent A meeting of the minds; agreement.
N
National Labor
Relations Board (NLRB) A federal agency which remedies unfair
labor practices by employers and labor
organizations.
Common Legal Terms.30
Naturalization Process by which a person acquires nationality
after birth and becomes entitled to privileges of
citizenship in a country other than that in which
such person was born.
Negligence Failure to use care which a reasonable and
prudent person would use under similar
circumstances.
No Bill This phrase, endorsed by a grand jury on the
written indictment submitted to it for its
approval, means that the evidence was found
insufficient to indict.
No-contest Clause Language in a will that provides that a person
who makes a legal challenge to the will's
validity will be disinherited.
No-fault
Proceedings A civil case in which parties may resolve their
dispute without a formal finding of error or
fault.
Noise Control Act A act which gives government agencies the right
to promulgate standards and regulations relating
to abatement of noise emissions, i.e.,
requirement that automobiles and like vehicles
must have mufflers.
Nonfeasance Nonperformance of an act which should be
performed; omission to perform a required duty or
total neglect of duty.
Non-jury trial Trial before the court but without a jury. In a
non-jury trial, the court is the finder of both
the law and the facts.
Notary Public A public officer whose function it is to
administer oaths, to attest and certify documents
and to take acknowledgments.
Notice A form of notification given by a court or a
party to a legal proceeding.
Notice to creditors A notice given by the bankruptcy court to all
creditors of a meeting of creditors.
Nuncupative will An oral (unwritten) will.
Common Legal Terms.31
O
Oath A solemn pledge in attestation of the truth of a
statement or in verification of a statement made.
Objection The process by which one party takes exception to
some statement or procedure. An objection is
either sustained (allowed) or overruled by the
judge.
Occupational Safety
and Health Act (OSHA) A federal law designed to develop and
promote occupational safety and health standards.
Official reports The publication of cumulated court decisions of
state or federal courts in advance sheets and
bound volumes as provided by statutory authority.
On a person's own
recognizance Release of a person from custody without the
payment of any bail or posting of bond, upon the
promise of the party to return to court.
Opening statement The initial statement made by attorneys or pro se
litigant for each side, outlining the facts each
intends to establish during the trial.
Opinion A judge's written explanation of a decision of
the court or of a majority of judges. A
dissenting opinion disagrees with the majority
opinion because of the reasoning and/or the
principles of law on which the decision is based.
A concurring opinion agrees with the decision of
the court but offers further comment. (A per
curiam opinion is an unsigned opinion "of the
court.")
Oral argument Presentation of an aspect of a case before a
court by spoken argument; for example, at a
motion calendar.
Order 1. Direction of a court or judge made in
writing. 2. A mandate, command, or direction
authoritatively given.
Ordinance A rule established by authority; may be a
municipal statute of a city council, regulating
such matters as zoning, building, safety, matters
of municipality, etc.
Common Legal Terms.32
Overrule A judge's decision not to allow an objection.
Also, a decision by a higher court finding that
a lower court decision was in error.
P
Paper bound
supplement A temporary supplement to a book or books.
Paralegal 1. A person with legal skills who works under
the supervision of a lawyer. 2. A legal
assistant.
Pardon An act of grace from governing power which
mitigates punishment and restores rights and
privileges forfeited on account of the offense.
Parol evidence Oral or verbal evidence; evidence given by word
of mouth in court.
Parole Supervised release of a prisoner from
imprisonment on certain prescribed conditions
which entitle him to relief from a prison
sentence.
Party A person, business, or government agency actively
involved in the prosecution or defense of a legal
proceeding.
Patent A grant to an inventor of the right to exclude
others, for a limited time, from making, using,
or selling his invention in the United States.
Patent and
Trademark
Office (PTO) The federal agency which examines and
issues patents and registers trademarks.
Peremptory
challenge Request by a party that a judge not allow a
certain prospective juror as a member of the
jury. No reason or cause need be stated. See
challenge for cause.
Periodical A publication which appears regularly but less
often than daily.
Common Legal Terms.33
Perjury The criminal offense of making a false statement
under oath.
Permanent
injunction A court order requiring that some action be
taken, or that some party refrain from taking
action on a permanent basis. It differs from
forms of temporary relief, such as a temporary
restraining order or preliminary injunction.
Per se doctrine Under this doctrine, an activity such as price
fixing can be declared as a violation of the
antitrust laws without necessity of a court
inquiring into the reasonableness of the
activity.
Personal property Anything a person owns other than real estate.
Personal
recognizance In criminal proceedings, the pretrial release of
a defendant without bail upon his or her promise
to return to court. See recognizance.
Personal
representative The person who administers an estate. If named
in a will, that person's title is an executor.
If there is no valid will, that person's title is
an administrator.
Person in need of
supervision (PINS) Juvenile found to have committed a
"status offense" rather than a crime that would
provide a basis for a finding of delinquency.
Petitioner The person filing a certain type of action in a
court of original jurisdiction. Also, the person
who appeals the judgment of a lower court. See
respondent.
Plaintiff A person who brings an action; the party who
complains or sues in a civil action. See
complainant.
Plea The first pleading by a criminal defendant, the
defendant's declaration in open court that he or
she is guilty or not guilty. The defendant's
answer to the charges made in the indictment or
information.
Common Legal Terms.34
Plea bargaining Process where the accused and the prosecutor in
a criminal case work out a satisfactory
disposition of the case, usually by the accused
agreeing to plead guilty to a lesser offense.
Such bargains are not binding on the court. Also
referred to as plea negotiating.
Pleadings The written statements of fact and law filed by
the parties to a lawsuit.
Pocket part Supplements to law books in pamphlet form which
are inserted in a pocket inside the back cover of
the books to keep them current.
Polling the jury The act, after a jury verdict has been announced,
of asking jurors individually whether they agree
with the verdict.
Post-trial Refers to items happening after the trial, i.e.,
post-trial motions.
Pour-Over will A will that leaves some or all estate assets to
a trust established before the will-maker's
death.
Power Authority to do. One has the power to do
something if he is of legal age. Also, used as
"powers," the term refers to authority granted by
one person to another, i.e., powers given an
executor in a will or an agent in a power of
attorney.
Power of attorney A formal instrument authorizing another to act as
one's agent or attorney.
Precedent Laws established by previous cases which must be
followed in actions involving identical
circumstances. See stare decisis in Foreign
Words Glossary.
Preliminary
injunction Court order requiring action or forbidding action
until a decision can be made whether to issue a
permanent injunction. It differs from a
temporary restraining order.
Common Legal Terms.35
Preliminary
hearing Also, preliminary examination. A hearing by a
judge to determine whether a person charged with
a crime should be held for trial. See
arraignment.
Preponderance of
the evidence Greater weight of the evidence, the common
standard of proof in civil cases.
Presentence report A report to the sentencing judge containing
background information about the crime and the
defendant to assist the judge in making his or
her sentencing decision.
Presentment Declaration or document issued by a grand jury
that either makes a neutral report or notes
misdeeds by officials charged with specified
public duties. It ordinarily does not include a
formal charge of crime. A presentment differs
from an indictment.
Pretermitted child A child born after a will is executed, who is not
provided for by the will. Most states have laws
that provide for a share of estate property to go
to such children.
Pretrial
conference Conference among the opposing attorneys (or pro
se parties) and the judge called at the
discretion of the court to narrow the issues to
be tried and to make efforts to settle the case
without a trial.
Prima facie case A case that is sufficient and has the minimum
amount of evidence necessary to allow it to
continue in the judicial process. See prima
facie in the Foreign Words Glossary.
Primary authority Constitutions, codes, statutes, ordinances, and
case law sources.
Privilege A benefit or advantage to certain persons beyond
the advantages of other persons, i.e., an
exemption, immunity, power, etc.
Pro se For oneself; on one's own behalf.
Probable cause 1. The basis for all lawful searches, seizures
and arrests. 2. A reasonable belief that a
crime has or is being committed.
Common Legal Terms.36
Probate Court proceeding by which a will is proved valid
or invalid. Term used to mean all proceedings
pertaining to the administration of estates such
as the process by which assets are gathered;
applied to pay debts, taxes, and expenses of
administration; and distributed to those
designated as beneficiaries in the will.
Conducted in courts.
Probate court The court with authority to supervise estate
administration.
Probate estate Estate property that may be disposed of by a
will. See estate.
Probation An alternative to imprisonment allowing a person
found guilty of an offense to stay in the
community, usually under conditions and under the
supervision of a probation officer. A violation
of probation can lead to its revocation and to
imprisonment.
Product liability Legal responsibility of manufacturers and sellers
to buyers, users, and bystanders for damages or
injuries suffered because of defects in goods.
Promisee An individual to whom a promise is made.
Promisor An individual who makes a promise.
Promissory
estoppel A promise which estops or legally prevents the
promisee from asserting or taking certain action.
Property tax A tax levied on land and buildings (real estate)
and on personal property.
Proprietor Owner; person who has legal right or title to
anything.
Prosecutor A lawyer representing the government in a
criminal case and the interests of the state in
civil matters. In criminal cases, the prosecutor
has the responsibility of deciding who and when
to prosecute.
Proximate cause The last negligent act which contributes to an
injury. A person generally is liable only if an
injury was proximately caused by his or her
action or by his or her failure to act when he or
she had a duty to act.
Common Legal Terms.37
Proxy The instrument authorizing one person to
represent, act, and vote for another at a
shareholders' meeting of a corporation.
Public law That law such as traffic ordinances or zoning
ordinances which applies to the public.
Public defender Government lawyer who provides free legal defense
services to a poor person accused of a crime.
Public Service
Commission Also, Public Utilities Commission. A state
agency which regulates utilities.
Punitive damages Money award given to punish the defendant or
wrongdoer.
Purchase agreement/
purchase offer Also, sales agreement. Agreement between buyer
and seller of property which sets forth the price
and terms of a proposed sale.
Putative Alleged; supposed; reputed.
Q
Quash To vacate or void a summons, subpoena, etc.
Quasi-contract An obligation created by the law in the absence
of an agreement or contract; not based upon the
intentions or expressions of the parties.
Quasi-criminal
action A classification of actions such as violation of
a city ordinance that is not also violation of a
criminal statute, which are wrongs against the
public punishable through fines but are not
usually indictable offenses.
Quiet title action A court proceeding to remove a cloud on the title
to real property.
Quitclaim deed A deed without warranty of title which passes
whatever title the grantor has to another.
R
Common Legal Terms.38
Real property Land, buildings, and whatever is attached or
affixed to the land. Generally synonymous with
the words "real estate."
Reasonable doubt A person accused of a crime is entitled to
acquittal if, in the minds of the jury, his or
her guilt has not been proved beyond a
"reasonable doubt;" i.e., when jurors cannot say
they feel an abiding conviction as to the truth
of the charge.
Reasonable person A phrase used to denote a hypothetical person who
exercises qualities of attention, knowledge;
intelligence, and judgment that society requires
of its members for the protection of their own
interest and the interests of others. Thus, the
test of negligence is based on either a failure
to do something that a reasonable person, guided
by considerations that ordinarily regulate
conduct, would do, or on the doing of something
that a reasonable and prudent (wise) person would
not do.
Rebut Evidence disproving other evidence previously
given or reestablishing the credibility of
challenged evidence. See rejoinder.
Recognizance An obligation entered into before a court whereby
the recognizor acknowledges that he will do a
specific act required by law.
Record All the documents and evidence plus transcripts
of oral proceedings in a case.
Recuse The process by which a judge is disqualified from
hearing a case, on his or her own motion or upon
the objection of either party.
Re-direct
examination Opportunity to present rebuttal evidence after
one's witness has been subjected to crossexamination.
Redress To set right; to remedy; to compensate; to remove
the causes of a grievance.
Referee A person to whom the court refers a pending case
to take testimony, hear the parties, and report
back to the court. A referee is an officer with
judicial powers who serves as an arm of the
court.
Common Legal Terms.39
Rehearing Another hearing of a civil or criminal case by
the same court in which the case was originally
heard.
Registered mark Trademark with the words "Registered in the U.S.
Patent and Trademark Office" or the letter "R"
enclosed within a circle.
Rejoinder Opportunity for the plaintiff/petitioner to offer
limited response to evidence presented by the
defendant/respondent. See rebut.
Remand To send a dispute back to the court where it was
originally heard. Usually it is an appellate
court that remands a case for proceedings in the
trial court consistent with the appellate court's
ruling.
Remedy Legal or judicial means by which a right or
privilege is enforced or the violation of a right
or privilege is prevented, redressed, or
compensated.
Remittitur The reduction by a judge of the damages awarded
by a jury.
Removal The transfer of a state case to federal court.
Replacement
volumes Volumes which replace books and their pocket
parts when the pocket parts cause the books to
become too bulky.
Replevin An action for the recovery of a possession that
has been wrongfully taken.
Reply The response by a party to charges raised in a
pleading by the other party.
Reporters Books which contain court decisions.
Request for
admission Also, Request to Admit. Written statements of
facts concerning a case which are submitted to an
adverse party and which that party must admit or
deny; a discovery device.
Common Legal Terms.40
Request for
production
of documents A direction or command served upon another party
for production of specified documents for review
with respect to a suit; a discovery device.
Request to admit See Request for Admission.
Rescission The undoing of a contract; repeal.
Research A careful hunting for facts, truth and/or the law
about a subject.
Respondent 1. The person that must respond to allegations
contained in a petition. 2. The person against
whom an appeal is taken. See petitioner.
Rest A party is said to "rest" or "rest its case" when
it has presented all the evidence it intends to
offer.
Restatement A publication which tells what the law is in a
particular field, as compiled from statutes and
decisions.
Restitution Act of restoring anything to its rightful owner;
the act of restoring someone to an economic
position he enjoyed before he suffered a loss.
Retainer Act of the client in employing the attorney or
counsel, and also denotes the fee which the
client pays when he or she retains the attorney
to act for them.
Return A report to a judge by police on the
implementation of an arrest or search warrant.
Also, a report to a judge in reply to a subpoena,
civil or criminal.
Reverse An action of a higher court in setting aside or
revoking a lower court decision.
Reversible error A procedural error during a trial or hearing
sufficiently harmful to justify reversing the
judgment of a lower court.
Revocable trust A trust that the grantor may change or revoke.
Revoke To cancel or nullify something.
Common Legal Terms.41
Right of way The right of a party to pass over the land of
another.
Robinson-Patman
Act An amendment to the Clayton Act which deals with
price discrimination.
Robbery Felonious taking of another's property, from his
or her person or immediate presence and against
his or her will, by means of force or fear. See
larceny.
Rules Established standards, guides, or regulations set
up by authority that must be followed by parties
to an action.
Rules of evidence Standards governing whether evidence in a civil
or criminal case is admissible.
S
Search warrant A written order issued by a judge that directs a
law enforcement officer to search a specific area
for a particular piece of evidence.
Seal To mark a document with a seal; to authenticate
or make binding by affixing a seal. Court seal,
corporate seal.
Secondary authority Legal encyclopedias, treatises, legal texts, law
review articles, and citators. Writings which
set forth the opinion of the writer as to the
law.
Secured debts In bankruptcy, a debt is secured if the debtor
gave the creditor a right to repossess the
property or goods used as collateral.
Securities and
Exchange
Commission (SEC) A federal agency which monitors the
securities industry.
Self-defense The claim that an act otherwise criminal was
legally justifiable because it was necessary to
protect a person or property from the threat or
action of another.
Common Legal Terms.42
Self-incrimination,
privilege against: The constitutional right of people to refuse to
give testimony against themselves that could
subject them to criminal prosecution. The right
is guaranteed in the Fifth Amendment to the
United States Constitution. Asserting the right
is often referred to as "taking the Fifth."
Self-proving will A will whose validity does not have to be
testified to in court by the witnesses to it,
since the witnesses executed an affidavit
reflecting proper execution of the will prior to
the maker's death.
Sentence The punishment ordered by a court for a defendant
convicted of a crime. See concurrent and
consecutive sentences.
Sentence Report See Presentence Report.
Sequester To separate. Sometimes juries are separated from
outside influences during their deliberations.
For example, this may occur during a highly
publicized trial.
Sequestration of
witnesses Keeping all witnesses (except plaintiff and
defendant) out of the courtroom except for their
time on the stand, and cautioning them not to
discuss their testimony with other witnesses.
Also referred to as "separation of witnesses."
Service of process The delivering of writs, summonses, subpoenas or
other documents by delivering them to the party
named in the document. Also referred to as
"service."
Settlement An agreement between the parties disposing of a
lawsuit.
Settlor The person who sets up a trust. Also referred to
as "grantor."
Shepardizing Method for finding subsequent development of a
legal theory by tracing status of a case as legal
authority.
Sheriff The executive officer of local court in some
areas. In other jurisdictions the sheriff is the
chief law enforcement officer of a county.
Common Legal Terms.43
Sherman Act The basic antitrust statute prohibiting any
unreasonable interference, conspiracy, restraint
of trade, or monopolies with respect to
interstate commerce.
Sidebar A conference between the judge and lawyers or pro
se litigant, usually held in the courtroom, but
neither the jury nor other people in the
courtroom may hear the conversation.
Slander Spoken defamation which tends to injure a
person's reputation. See libel.
Small Business
Administration (SBA) A federal agency which provides assistance
of all kinds, including loans, to small
businesses.
Small Claims Court A state court that handles civil claims for small
amounts of money. People often represent
themselves rather than hire an attorney.
Social Security A system of federal old-age pensions for employed
persons begun in 1935. A portion of the payment
is deducted from the employee's salary and an
equal portion is contributed by the employer.
Social Security
Administration (SSA) The federal agency which administers the
national social security program.
Social Security Tax A payroll deduction based on gross wages paid;
this amount is matched by the employer as
required by the Federal Insurance Contribution
Act (FICA).
Sovereign Immunity The doctrine that the government, state or
federal, is immune to lawsuit unless it gives
consent to the suit through statute.
Specific
performance A remedy requiring a person who has breached a
contract to perform specifically what he or she
has agreed to do. Specific performance is
ordered when damages would be inadequate
compensation.
Speedy Trial Act Federal law establishing time limits for carrying
out major events, i.e. indictment, arraignment,
etc., in a criminal prosecution.
Common Legal Terms.44
Spendthrift trust A trust set up for the benefit of someone whom
the grantor believes would be incapable of
managing his or her own financial affairs.
Standard of proof Indicates the degree to which an aspect of a case
must be proven. In a civil case, the burden of
proof rests with the plaintiff, who must
establish his or her case by such standards of
proof as a "preponderance of evidence" or "clear
and convincing evidence." See burden of proof.
Standing The legal right to bring a lawsuit. Only a
person with something at stake has standing to
bring a lawsuit.
Statute Legislative enactment; it may be a single act of
a legislature or a body of acts which are
collected and arranged for a session of a
legislature. See statutory law.
Statute of frauds A statutory requirement that certain contracts
must be in writing.
Statute of
limitations A statute which limits the right of a plaintiff
to file an action unless it is done within a
specified time period after the occurrence which
gives rise to the right to sue.
Statutory Relating to a statute; created or defined by a
law.
Statutory
construction Process by which a court seeks to interpret the
meaning and scope of legislation.
Statutory law Laws promulgated by Congress and state
legislatures. See case law and common law.
Statutory research Research of legislation enacted by a state or the
United States.
Stay A court order halting an event.
Stipulation An agreement between the parties involved in a
lawsuit regulating one or more aspects relating
to that lawsuit.
Common Legal Terms.45
Strict liability Concept applied by the courts in product
liability cases that when a manufacturer presents
his goods for public sale, it is representing
that they are suitable for their intended use.
Strike Pleadings, evidence or other matters in a case
that have been improperly presented to the court
and will not be allowed to remain as part of the
case.
Subpoena A command to appear at a certain time and place
to give testimony upon a certain matter.
Subpoena Duces
Tecum A court order commanding a witness to bring
certain documents or records to court.
Substantive law The statutory or written law that governs rights
and obligations of those who are subject to it.
Summary judgment A pre-trial judgment given on the basis of
pleadings, affidavits, and exhibits presented for
the record by way of a motion. It is used when
there is no genuine issue of material fact and
one party is entitled to a judgment as a matter
of law. See FRCP 56.
Summons Instrument used to commence a civil action or
special proceeding; the means of acquiring
jurisdiction over a party.
Support trust A trust that instructs the trustee to spend only
as much income and principal (the assets held in
the trust) as needed for the beneficiary's
support.
Suppress To forbid the use of evidence at a trial because
it is improper or was improperly obtained. See
exclusionary rule.
Surety Bond A bond purchased at the expense of the estate to
insure the executor's proper performance. Also
referred to as "fidelity bond."
Survivorship See joint tenancy.
Suspension A temporary loss of the right to practice law by
an attorney. See disbarment or censure.
Sustain A court ruling upholding an objection or a
motion.
Common Legal Terms.46
T
Taxable income The income against which tax rates are applied to
compute tax paid; gross income of businesses or
adjusted gross income of individuals less
deductions and exemptions.
Tax Court of the
United States A judicial body which hears cases concerning
federal tax laws.
Temporary relief Any order from the court that protects an
interest of a party pending further action by the
court.
Temporary
restraining order An emergency remedy of brief duration issued by
a court only when immediate or irreparable
damages or loss might result before the
opposition could take action, and where the
moving party can establish irreparable harm if
not for the remedy and a likelihood of success on
the merits of his/her underlying claim.
Tender of
performance An offer or attempt to do what is required under
a contract or under the law.
Testamentary
capacity The legal ability to make a will.
Testamentary trust A trust set up by a will.
Testator Person who makes a will (Female: testatrix).
Testimony The evidence given by a witness under oath. It
does not include evidence from documents and
other physical evidence.
Third party
complaint A pleading filed by a defendant against a third
party (not presently a party to the suit) which
alleges that the third party is liable for all or
part of the damages plaintiff may obtain from
defendant.
Title Legal ownership of property, usually real
property or automobiles.
Common Legal Terms.47
Tort A private or civil wrong or injury for which the
court provides a remedy through an action for
damages.
Trademark A word, name, symbol, or devise used by a
manufacturer to distinguish its goods from those
sold by others.
Transcript A written, word-for-word record of what was said
during a proceeding. Usually refers to a record
of a trial, hearing, or other proceeding which
has been transcribed from a recording or from
shorthand.
Treatise A book or writing containing a narrative
statement on a field of law.
Trial A judicial examination of issues between parties
to an action.
Trial brief A written document prepared for the court and
used at trial. It contains the issues to be
tried, synopsis of evidence to be presented and
case and statutory authority to substantiate the
party's position at trial.
Trust A legal device used to manage real or personal
property, established by one person (grantor or
settlor) for the benefit of another
(beneficiary). See trustee.
Trust agreement
or declaration The legal document that sets up a living trust.
Testamentary trusts are set up in a will.
Trustee The person or institution that manages the
property put in trust.
Truth in lending Statutes which provide that precise and
meaningful cost of credit information be provided
to the credit customer.
U
Unfair labor
practice Actions by the employer which interfere with,
restrain, coerce, or threaten employees with
respect to their rights as employees.
Common Legal Terms.48
Uniform
Commercial Code (UCC) A uniform law governing commercial
transactions. The UCC has been adopted by all
states except Louisiana.
Uniform Laws
Annotated Annotated uniform and model acts approved by the
National Conference of Commissioners on Uniform
State Laws.
Unilateral
contract An agreement by which one undertakes an express
performance without receiving any express promise
of performance from the other.
Union An organization of workers formed for the purpose
of collective bargaining.
United States
Attorney A federal district attorney appointed by the
President to prosecute all offenses committed
against the United States; to prosecute or defend
the government in all civil actions in which it
is concerned.
United States
Bankruptcy Court The judicial body which hears matters pertaining
to bankruptcy and reorganization.
United States Court
of Appeals Courts which hear appeals from federal district
courts, bankruptcy courts, and tax courts.
United States Court
of Claims Court which hears certain actions brought against
the U.S. Government.
United States Court
of Military Appeals Court which hears appeals from court marshal
decisions.
United States Court
of Customs &
Patent Appeals Court which hears appeals from all U.S. customs
courts.
United States Court
of International
Trade Court which hears cases concerning federal tariff
laws.
Common Legal Terms.49
United States
District Courts Courts which hear both criminal and civil actions
and admiralty cases.
United States
Magistrate Judge Judicial officer given authority by 28 U.S.C. §
636. This judicial officer hears all preliminary
criminal matters, but does not conduct felony
trials. A United States Magistrate Judge also
presides over any pretrial civil matters referred
by the district judge. If all parties consent,
criminal misdemeanor and civil trials can be
heard by a United States Magistrate Judge.
United States
Marshals Service Agency which serves civil and criminal process in
federal courts for those people who have been
found to be a pauper.
United States
Postal Service The federal office which provides mail delivery
to individuals and businesses within the United
States.
United States
Reports Publication of court decisions of the United
States Supreme Court.
United States
Supreme Court The highest court in the land, established by
U.S. Constitution.
Unsecured debts In bankruptcy, debts such as open accounts at
department stores for which the debtor has not
pledged collateral to guarantee payment.
Urban A city or town.
Usury Extraction of interest on a loan above the
maximum rate permitted by statute.
V
Vacate To set aside.
Venire A writ summoning persons to court to act as
jurors. See venire facias in Foreign Words
Glossary.
Common Legal Terms.50
Venue Authority of a court to hear a matter based on
geographical location.
Verdict A conclusion, as to fact or law, that forms the
basis for the judgment of the jury or the court.
See Judgment as a Matter of Law.
Veterans'
Administration (VA) The federal agency which administers a
system of benefits for veterans and their
dependents.
Visa An official endorsement on a document or passport
denoting that the bearer may proceed.
Void Invalid; a void agreement is one for which there
is no remedy.
Voidable Capable of being declared invalid; a voidable
contract is one where a person may avoid an
obligation, as a contract between an adult and a
minor.
Voir dire The preliminary examination made in court of a
witness or juror to determine his/her competency
or interest in a matter. Literally, to speak the
truth.
Voluntary
bankruptcy A proceeding by which a debtor voluntarily asks
for a discharge of his/her debts under the
Bankruptcy Code.
W
Waiver The giving up of a right.
Waiver of immunity A means authorized by statute by which a witness,
before testifying or producing evidence, may
relinquish the right to refuse to testify against
himself or herself, thereby making it possible
for his or her testimony to be used against him
or her in future proceedings.
Common Legal Terms.51
Warrant Most commonly, a court order authorizing law
enforcement officers to make an arrest or conduct
a search. An application seeking a warrant must
be accompanied by an affidavit which establishes
probable cause by detailing the facts upon which
the request is based.
Warranty A promise that a proposition of fact is true.
Warranty deed A deed which guarantees that the title conveyed
is good and its transfer rightful.
Water rights The right to use water.
Will A legal declaration that disposes of a person's
property when that person dies.
Withholding A tax deducted from a salary, wage, or other
income on behalf of the government at the time of
payment of wages to the person who pays it.
With prejudice A declaration which dismisses all rights. A
judgment barring the right to bring or maintain
an action on the same claim or cause.
Without prejudice A declaration that no rights or privileges of the
party concerned are waived or lost. In a
dismissal, these words maintain the right to
bring a subsequent suit on the same claim.
Witness One who personally sees or perceives a thing; one
who testifies as to what he has seen, heard, or
otherwise observed.
Words and Phrases
Legally Defined A set of books in dictionary form which lists
judicial determinations of a word or phrase.
Worker's
compensation A state agency which handles claims of workers
injured on their jobs.
Writ A judicial order directing a person to do
something.
Writ of certiorari An order issued by the Supreme Court directing
the lower court to transmit records for a case
for which it will hear on appeal. See certiorari
in Foreign Words Glossary.
Common Legal Terms.52
Writ of execution An order of the court evidencing debt of one
party to another and commanding the court officer
to take property in satisfaction of the debt.
Writ of garnishment An order of the court whereby property, money, or
credits in the possession of another person may
be seized and applied to pay a debtor's debt. It
is used as an incident to or auxiliary of a
judgment rendered in a principal action.
Z
Zoning Commission Local agencies with jurisdiction to regulate use
of properties within their geographic area.
GLOSSARY -- COMMON FOREIGN TERMS
A
Ab initio From the beginning.
Absence d'esprit Absence of mind.
A contrario Argument based on contract.
Ad curiam Before the court; to the court.
Ad damnum To the damage.
A datu From the date.
Addendum (Pl. addenda) Something added; appendix or
supplement.
Ad finem To the end; at the end.
Ad hoc For this purpose or occasion.
Ad infinitum To infinity.
Ad libitum (Abbr. ad lib) At will.
Ad litem For purpose of the suit or action.
Admortization Amortization.
Ad rem To the thing at hand.
Ad valorem To the value.
Adversus Against.
A fortiori With greater force.
Agenda Things to be done.
Alias Called by another name.
Alibi Elsewhere; in another place.
Alii Others.
Alter ego A counterpart.
A maximis ad
minima From the greatest to the least.
Common Foreign Terms.2
Amicus Friend.
Amicus curiae Friend of the court.
Animo With intent.
Animo et facto An intention and fact.
Anno Domini (Abbr. A.D.) In the year of our Lord.
Ante Before.
A fortiori To draw inference that because a certain
conclusion of fact is true, then a second
conclusion must also be true.
A priori From something previously determined.
Apropos Pertinent to the purpose or time.
Arguendo By arguing or reasoning; being in argument.
B
Bona fide In good faith.
C
Capita Persons; heads.
Causa A cause; an action, expectation; reason.
Causa mortis In expectation of death.
Causa prima First or original cause.
Causa proxima Immediate cause.
Caveat Notice of opposition; caution; warning.
Caveat actor Let the doer beware.
Caveat emptor Let the buyer beware.
Certiorari A writ of review or inquiry; to be made more
certain.
Cestui The one.
Common Foreign Terms.3
Cestui que use Person who uses.
Charta A charter, as a deed of land.
Circa About; concerning; in the area of.
Committitur Entry which records a defendant's commitment.
Compos mentis Of a sound mind; sane.
Conditio sine
qua non A necessary condition.
Condicto A summons; an action.
Contra Contrary to.
Contra bonos mores Against good morals.
Contra formam
statuti Against the form of the statute.
Contra pacem Against the peace.
Coram Before; in the presence of.
Coram judice Before the jurisdiction of the court.
Coram nobis To bring to the attention of the Court; a writ of
coram nobis is used to bring factual errors to
the attention of the Court and to get relief from
same.
Corpus The main body or substance of a thing; principal
of an estate or a fund.
Corpus delicti The body or substance of the offense.
Corpus juris Comprehensive collection of the law.
Corpus juris
civilis The body of the civil law.
Coup de grace A finishing blow or stroke.
Crimen A crime.
Cui bono For whose benefit.
Culpa Fault or guilt.
Common Foreign Terms.4
Cum With.
Curia Court.
Custodia legis Custody of the law.
D
Damnum absque
injuria Legally noncompensable loss.
Datum (Pl. data) An item or thing given; a date.
De bene esse Conditionally or provisionally; for what it is
worth.
De facto In fact; an actuality.
De Jure By law; valid in law.
De minimis non
curat lex The law does not care about mere trifles.
De novo Anew.
Dictum (Pl. dicta) A judicial opinion on a point of law
which is not necessary for the court's decision
in a particular case.
Duces Tecum Bring with you.
Durante Pending or during.
Durante vita During life.
E
Emeritus Retired from official active duties.
Eo ipso By the thing itself.
E pluribus unum One out of many; one composed of many (the motto
of the United States, one government formed of
many states).
Erratum (Pl. errata) Error made in printing.
Esprit de corps The spirit which animates a collective body, as
of the army or the bar.
Common Foreign Terms.5
Esse To be.
Et And; also.
Et alii (Abbr. et al.) And others.
Et sequentia (Abbr. et seq.) And as follows.
Et uxor (Abbr. et ux.) And wife.
Et vir And husband.
Ex adverso From the opposite view.
Ex cathedra From the bench; with high authority.
Ex contractu From a contract.
Ex curia Out of court.
Ex dono By gift.
Ex lege According to the law.
Ex officio By virtue.
Ex parte From or of one side or party.
Ex post facto After the act is done; after the fact.
Ex proprio motu By his own motion.
Ex relatione (Abbr. ex rel.) On the information of or on the
relation of.
F
Facto In fact; in or by the law.
Fait A fact; an act committed; a deed.
Fait Accompli The deed is done.
Feme, femme Woman.
Feme covert A married woman.
Feme sole A single woman (unmarried).
Finis The end or conclusion.
Common Foreign Terms.6
G
Gradus A grade or a degree.
Gravis Serious; of importance; something grave.
H
Habeas Corpus You have the body; a writ used to bring someone
before the court.
Habendum Clause in a deed which defines the extent of
ownership in the thing granted; begins with the
words "To have and to hold."
Hoc With or this.
I
Ibidem (Abbr. Ib., ib., Ibid., or ibid.) In the same
place, or case, or on the same page.
Idem (Abbr. Id.) The very same, exactly this.
Id est (Abbr. i.e.) That is; that is to say.
In actu In reality.
In ambiguo Ambiguous; in doubt.
In camera In chambers, or in private. A hearing in camera
takes place outside of the presence of the jury
and the public.
In curia In court.
In esse In being; to be.
In extenso In full length; verbatim.
In extremis At point of death; in extremity.
In facto In fact or in deed.
Infinito Perpetually; to infinity.
In forma pauperis As a poor person; a pauper.
Infra Beneath; below.
Common Foreign Terms.7
In futuro In the future.
In hoc In this regard; in this.
In initio In the beginning.
In limine At the beginning; the threshold.
In loco In the proper place or location.
In loco parentis In the place of a parent.
In medias res Into the midst of things.
In pari delicto Of equal fault or guilt.
In personam Against a certain person; against the person.
In propria persona Persons who present their own case without
lawyers. See pro se.
In re In the matter of.
In rem Against the thing.
In situ In the original situation.
Inter alia Among other things.
Inter alios Among other persons.
Inter vivos Between living persons.
In toto The whole; entirely.
Ipse He; himself.
Ipso facto By the act itself; or by the fact itself.
Ipso jure By the law itself.
J
Judicium Judgment.
Jus civile Civil law.
Jus commune Common law.
Jus divinum Divine law.
Common Foreign Terms.8
L
Lex Law.
Lex domicili Law of the dominion.
Lex loci The law or custom of a place.
Lex scripta Law by statute.
Liber Book; a book of records, as of deeds.
Lis pendens A pending lawsuit.
Locus Place or location.
Locus sigilli (Abbr. L.S.) The place of the seal.
M
Mala Bad.
Mala fide With bad faith.
Malo modo In a bad manner.
Malo animo With an evil intent.
Mandamus Writ issued by a superior court to an inferior
tribunal to enforce the performance of a public
duty.
Memorabilia Items to be remembered.
Mens rea The "guilty mind" necessary to establish criminal
responsibility.
Mortis causa In expectation of death.
N
Nee Word used to show maiden family name of a married
woman.
Nil Nothing; of no account.
Nolle
prosequi
Not willing to proceed.
Common Foreign Terms.9
Nolo contendere I do not wish to contend; a plea entered by a
defendant.
Non Not.
Non assumpsit A plea in defense that "he did not undertake and
promise."
Non compos mentis Not of sound mind; mentally incompetent.
Non sequitur It does not follow.
Nota Note; take notice.
Nota bene (Abbr. NB) Note well.
Nulla bona Return made upon execution by the sheriff or
court officer when he/she has found no leviable
goods.
Nunc pro tunc Now for then; acts allowed with retroactive
effect.
O
Obiter dictum A thing said by the way, as language unnecessary
to a decision or ruling on an issue not raised.
Oblatio Tender of payment.
Onus Probandi The burden of proving.
Opere citato (Abbr. op. cit.) In the work quoted.
P
Parens patriae Power of guardianship over persons under
disability. The doctrine under which the court
protects the interests of a juvenile.
Pendens Pending.
Pendente lite Pending the litigation; while the suit continues.
Per annum Annually; by the year.
Per capita By the head; for each individual; equally shared.
Per contra On the contrary.
Common Foreign Terms.10
Per curiam By the court; by the court as a whole.
Per diem By the day.
Per se Considered by itself; taken alone.
Persona A person.
Per stirpes By representation; use to designate the manner of
rights of descendants where children of a
deceased descendant will take the share which
their parent would have taken if living.
Per viam By way of.
Pro bono publico For the public good. Lawyers representing
clients without a fee are said to be working pro
bono publico.
Pro rata Proportionate share; distribution in proportion.
Pro se For oneself; on one's own behalf.
Post After; later.
Post factum After the fact; after the event.
Post hoc After this.
Praecipe A writ commanding a person to do some act or to
appear and show cause why he should not do so; an
order.
Prima facie On the face of it; at first view.
Pro confesso As if conceded.
Pro forma For the sake of form.
Pro nunc For now.
Q
Quantum (Pl. quanta) Quantity or amount.
Quantum meruit As much as one deserves.
Quantum sufficit A sufficient quantity.
Quasi As if; having the character of.
Common Foreign Terms.11
Quasi ex contractu As if by contract; as if from contract.
Quid pro quo One thing for another; this for that.
Quo warranto An action whereby one is required to show by what
right one is exercising a public office,
franchise or liberty; a writ bringing the person
into court on such action.
R
Ratio legis The reason underlying the law.
Res A thing; the subject matter.
Res adjudicata Once settled by a judicial decision, the party
may not sue again on the same matter.
Res gestae The facts or things done which form the basis for
a litigation action.
Res ipsa loquitur The thing speaks for itself.
Res judicata See res adjudicata.
Respondeat
superior Let the principal answer for the acts of the
agent.
S
Sanae mentis Of a sound mind; sane.
Sans recours Without recourse.
Scilicet (Abbr. scil.) To wit; that is to say (most often
seen in pleadings abbreviated as s. or ss.)
Secundum According to.
Secundum legem According to law.
Secundum regulam According to rule.
Semper fidelis Always faithful.
Sequitur (Abbr. seq.) It follows. See et sequentia.
Sine Without.
Common Foreign Terms.12
Sine die Without a day appointed.
Sine qua non An indispensable condition; a requisite.
Stare decisis To abide by decided cases.
Status quo or
status in quo The existing state of something.
Sua sponte Of its own volition or motion; spontaneously.
Sub Under or subordinate to.
Sub conditione Under a condition; on condition.
Subpoena Under penalty; a document to cause a witness to
appear under penalty if he/she should not do so.
Subpoena duces
tecum A subpoena ordering a person to produce certain
documents, records, or other items described
therein for evidence (also under penalty for
failure to appear).
Sui generis Of his, her, or its own kind.
Supersedeas Preventing or annulling; a writ to stay a legal
proceeding.
Supra Before; above.
T
Tempus Time
Tenere To hold or to keep.
Toto Whole or complete (also used in toto).
Totum The whole.
U
Ubi supra Where above mentioned.
Ultra Beyond; outside of; in excess of.
Ultra vires Beyond power; beyond or exceeding legal power or
authority.
Common Foreign Terms.13
Una voce With one voice; unanimously.
Uxor Wife.
Uxor et vir Wife and husband.
V
Vacantia bona Goods without an owner; unclaimed goods.
Vel Whether; or.
Vel non Or not.
Venire facias Writ used in summoning jurors.
Versus (Abbr. v. or vs.) Against.
Vice versa The order is changed; in alternative order.
Vir Husband.
Vir et uxor Husband and wife (also sometimes seen et ux).
Viva voce By oral testimony; a living voice.
Vivos Living. See inter vivos.
Voir dire The preliminary examination made in court of a
witness or juror to determine his/her competency
or interest in a matter. Literally, to speak the
truth.