Legal Terms and Definitions

Glossary of Legal Terms

Prosecutor For himself; in his own behalf. One who does not retain a lawyer and appears for himself in court. Admissible evidence Evidence, which can legally and properly is used in court. Levy A seizure; the obtaining of money by legal process through seizure and sale of property. Public defender In a civil tort action such as a medical malpractice suit, the plaintiff must show that an act or omission of the defendant was a proximate cause of the plaintiff's injury or loss. Similarly, in a criminal action, the state must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant's action was the direct cause of the crime Court reporter A court official who records testimony and arguments, and transcribes it into a permanent record of all court proceedings. Punitive damages Lawyers regularly employed by the government to represent people accused of crimes who cannot afford to hire their own. The term may also be used to refer to a private firm receiving public money to defend indigent criminal defendants. Objection The act of taking exception to some statement or procedure in trial or other proceeding. Used to call the court's attention to improper evidence or procedure. Motion A formal request presented to a court.

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	Did You Know?
	Mediation is a process that involves a mediator Neutral third party who helps the disputing parties achieve a resolution that satisfies both of them. The mediator's primary function is to create constructive communication between parties and provide a forum where disputants can create a mutually satisfactory agreement. Mediators do not impose decisions; instead, they help people craft solutions that will work for them.