We Are Revolutionary Legal Eagle Program Glossary (Legal)
Legal Terms
Acquittal
Definition: A judgment that a person is not guilty of the crime with which they have been charged.
Example: The jury's acquittal was based on insufficient evidence.
Affidavit
Definition: A written statement confirmed by oath or affirmation for use as evidence in court.
Example: The witness signed an affidavit detailing the events she witnessed.
Amicus Curiae
Definition: A person or organization that is not a party to a case but offers information that bears on the case.
Example: The civil rights organization submitted an amicus curiae brief to the court.
Appeal
Definition: Applying to a higher court for a reversal of the decision of a lower court.
Example: The defense filed an appeal against the conviction.
Arbitration
Definition: A method of dispute resolution where an arbitrator makes a binding decision.
Example: The contract dispute was resolved through arbitration.
Arraignment
Definition: A court proceeding in which the charges against a defendant are read and the defendant enters a plea.
Example: During the arraignment, the defendant pleaded not guilty.
Bail
Definition: The temporary release of an accused person awaiting trial, sometimes on condition of a monetary payment.
Example: The judge set bail at $10,000.
Burden of Proof
Definition: The obligation to prove one's assertion.
Example: In criminal cases, the burden of proof is on the prosecution.
Class Action
Definition: A lawsuit filed by one or more plaintiffs on behalf of a larger group.
Example: The consumers filed a class action suit against the company for defective products.
Defendant
Definition: The person or party against whom a lawsuit is filed.
Example: The defendant was summoned to appear in court to answer the charges.
Deposition
Definition: The process of giving sworn evidence outside of court.
Example: The lawyer took the witness's deposition in his office.
Discovery
Definition: The pre-trial process by which parties obtain evidence from each other.
Example: The attorneys exchanged documents during the discovery phase.
Due Process
Definition: The legal requirement that the state must respect all legal rights owed to a person.
Example: The defendant's right to due process was upheld during the trial.
Emancipation
Definition: The legal process by which a minor becomes self-sufficient and no longer under the care of their parents.
Example: The teenager sought emancipation to gain independence from her parents.
Grand Jury
Definition: A group of citizens tasked with determining whether there is enough evidence to charge someone with a crime.
Example: The grand jury decided to indict the suspect.
Guilty
Definition: Having been convicted of a crime or offense by a court of law.
Example: The defendant was found guilty of theft.
Indictment
Definition: A formal charge or accusation of a serious crime.
Example: The grand jury issued an indictment for fraud.
Injunction
Definition: A court order requiring a party to do or cease doing specific acts.
Example: The judge issued an injunction to stop the demolition of the historic building.
Innocent
Definition: Not guilty of a crime or offense.
Example: The jury declared the defendant innocent.
Jurisdiction
Definition: The official power to make legal decisions and judgments.
Example: The federal court has jurisdiction over cases involving federal laws.
Litigation
Definition: The process of taking legal action.
Example: The litigation over the patent rights lasted several years.
Mediation
Definition: A method of dispute resolution involving a neutral third party to assist in negotiating a settlement.
Example: The parties agreed to mediation to avoid a lengthy trial.
Mistrial
Definition: A trial rendered invalid through an error in the proceedings.
Example: The judge declared a mistrial due to jury misconduct.
Parole
Definition: The conditional release of a prisoner before the full sentence is served.
Example: He was granted parole after serving half of his sentence.
Perjury
Definition: The offense of willfully telling an untruth in a court after having taken an oath.
Example: The witness was charged with perjury for lying under oath.
Plaintiff
Definition: The person or party who initiates a lawsuit.
Example: The plaintiff filed a lawsuit seeking damages for personal injury.
Plea Bargain
Definition: An agreement between a defendant and prosecutor in which the defendant pleads guilty to a lesser charge.
Example: He accepted a plea bargain to avoid a lengthy trial.
Precedent
Definition: A legal decision or form of proceeding serving as an authoritative rule in future similar cases.
Example: The court followed the precedent set by a previous ruling.
Preliminary Hearing
Definition: A hearing to determine if there is enough evidence to require a trial.
Example: At the preliminary hearing, the judge decided there was sufficient evidence to proceed to trial.
Probate
Definition: The legal process of administering a deceased person's estate.
Example: The probate court validated the will and oversaw the distribution of assets.
Probation
Definition: A period of supervised release for offenders under certain conditions instead of serving time in prison.
Example: She was sentenced to two years of probation.
Restitution
Definition: Compensation required from a defendant for loss or injury caused to the victim.
Example: The court ordered restitution for the theft victims.
Retainer
Definition: A fee paid to a lawyer to secure their services.
Example: The client paid a retainer to the attorney to handle her divorce case.
Sentencing
Definition: The declaration of the punishment decided for an offender.
Example: The judge's sentencing included community service.
Statute of Limitations
Definition: The maximum time period within which legal action can be brought.
Example: The statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim is typically two years.
Subpoena
Definition: A legal document ordering someone to attend court.
Example: She received a subpoena to testify in court.
Summons
Definition: A document issued by a court ordering someone to appear in court.
Example: The defendant received a summons to appear before the judge.
Tort
Definition: A civil wrong or infringement of a right leading to legal liability.
Example: The company was sued for negligence, a type of tort.
Verdict
Definition: The decision of a jury on the matters submitted to it in trial.
Example: The jury delivered a guilty verdict.
Writ of Mandamus
Definition: A court order compelling a government official to perform a mandatory duty correctly.
Example: The court issued a writ of mandamus ordering the official to release the public records.