Glossary of Legal Terms

A

Appeal

resort to a superior court to review the decision of an inferior court or administrative agency.

B

Bailiff

A court officer who is responsible during a court session with keeping order, custody of the jury, and custody of prisoners while in the court.

C

Capital Crime

A crime for which the death penalty may, but need not necessarily, be imposed.

D

E

F

G

H

Hung Jury

A jury that is irreconcilably divided in opinion that they cannot agree upon a verdict.

I

Indictment

A formal written accusation originating with a prosecutor and issued by a grand jury against someone charged with a crime.

J

K

L

Libel

method of defamation expressed by print, writing, pictures, or signs.

M

Miranda hearing

A pre-trial preceding to determine whether there has been compliance with the provisions of the Miranda Rule.

N

Ne exeat

A writ which forbids a person to leave the country, the state, or the jurisdiction of the court.

O

P

Probation

a sentence releasing a defendant, or prisoner, into the community under the supervision of a probation officer. Once on probation, the individuals must conduct themselves in a suitable manner over a specified period of time. While on probation, the individuals must meet periodically with their probation officer.

Pro bono

Legal services offered free of charge by attorneys.

Q

Quid pro quo

Used in law for the giving of one valuable thing for another.

R

S

Sequester

as applies to jurors is to isolate them from contact from the public during the course of a sensational trial.

T

Testimony

Evidence given by a competent witness under oath.

U

V

Verdict

the formal decision made by the jury to the court concerning the case on trial.

W

Witness

An individual who testifies at a trial on what he has seen, heard, or otherwise observed.

X

Y

Z