Laws
Statute
A law passed by a legislature.
File
To place a paper in the official custody of the clerk of court to enter into the files or records of a case.
Active Judge
A judge in the full-time service of the court. Compare to senior judge.
Community Service
A special condition the court imposes that requires an individual to work – without pay – for a civic or nonprofit organization.
Class Action
A lawsuit in which one or more members of a large group, or class, of individuals or other entities sue on behalf of the entire class.
Affidavit
A written or printed statement made under oath.
Defendant
An individual (or business) against whom a lawsuit is filed.
Damages
Money that a defendant pays a plaintiff in a civil case if the plaintiff has won. Damages may be compensatory (for loss or injury) or punitive (to punish and deter future misconduct).
Adversary proceeding
A lawsuit arising in or related to a bankruptcy case that begins by filing a complaint with the court, that is, a "trial" that takes place within the context of a bankruptcy case.
Affirmed
In the practice of the court of appeals, it means that the court of appeals has concluded that the lower court decision is correct and will stand as rendered by the lower court.
U.S. attorney
A lawyer appointed by the President in each judicial district to prosecute and defend cases for the federal government. The U.S. Attorney employs a staff of Assistant U.S. Attorneys who appear as the government's attorneys in individual cases.
Incarceration
Time in jail
Common Law
The legal system that originated in England and is now in use in the United States, which relies on the articulation of legal principles in a historical succession of judicial decisions. Common law principles can be changed by legislation.
Brief
A written statement submitted in a trial or appellate proceeding that explains one side's legal and factual arguments.
Jury
The group of persons selected to hear the evidence in a trial and render a verdict on matters of fact. See also grand jury.
Probation
being watched for a period of time during which one must behave well in order not to be seriously punished after having made a serious mistake or done something bad.
Case Law
The law as established in previous court decisions. A synonym for legal precedent. Akin to common law, which springs from tradition and judicial decisions.
Complaint
A written statement that begins a civil lawsuit, in which the plaintiff details the claims against the defendant.
Witness
A person called upon by either side in a lawsuit to give testimony before the court or jury.
Fines
Many criminal punishments carry fines, which is money paid to the government (often a city, county, or state)