A Civil Issue
A set of promises between agreeing parties that is enforceable by law
Contract
An act that breaks a law and causes harm to people or to society in general
Crime
To correct a person' behavior
Rehabilitate
A formal notice that a lawsuit has been brought
Complaint
The process in which a defendant agrees to plead guilty to a less serious crime in order to receive a lighter sentence
Plea bargaining
A wrongful act, other than breaking a contract, for which an injured party has the right to sue
A state's written criminal laws
Penal code
A child or teenager who commits a serious crime or repeatedly breaks the law
Juvenile delinquent
Money ordered by a court to be paid for injuries or losses suffered
Damages
The questioning of a witness at a trial or hearing to check or discredit the witness's testimony
Cross-examination
A lack of proper care and attention
Negligence
Minor crime for which a person can be fined a small sum of money or jailed for up to one year
Misdemeanor
A youth who has committed an offense that is punishable by criminal prosecution
Delinquent offender
A notice directing someone to appear in court to answer a complaint or a charge
Summons
Detention hearing
The person who files a lawsuit
Plaintiff
Felony
A youth charged with being beyond the control of his or her legal guardian
Status offender
A process by which lawyers have the opportunity to check facts and gather evidence before a trial
Discovery
The procedure used to determine the facts in a juvenile case
Adjudication hearing
The person who is being sued
Defendant
The punishment given to someone found guilty of committing a crime
Sentence
Taking charge of someone in an official way
Custody
The government in its role as the party who starts the legal proceedings against someone accused of a crime
Prosecution
The final settlement and sentencing in a juvenile case
Disposition hearing