General Legal Terms

To find a criminal defendant not guilty.

A dispute taken to court to be settled. Same as case, suit and lawsuit when used in the courtroom context.

To decide or settle

Evidence that is properly introduced in a trial.

When a person becomes the legal child of another person and is treated by the law as the biological child of the adoptor.

Method used in the courts of the United States to settle legal disputes. Both individuals in the case tell their story to the judge and/or jury for resolution.

A written statement of fact, signed and sworn to in front of a notary or a person who has the right to administer an oath.

To uphold a decision made by a lower court.

Statements against one person which the other person is prepared to prove.

The process of settling a legal dispute without a formal trial.

Written response in a civil case. In it, the defendant admits or denies the allegations of the complaint made by the plaintiff and states any defenses that apply.

An agreement made before marriage that indicates how property will be divided should the couple divorce or a person die.

A request made to a higher court to reverse or modify a decision made by a lower court.

The person/party appealing the judgment or decision of a court.

A court having jurisdiction (authority) to hear appeals.

The person against whom the appeal is taken.

Arbitration is a dispute resolution system.  In arbitration the disputing individuals each present their side of an issue to an arbitrator who will act like a judge and decide the matter. There are two types of arbitration: binding voluntary arbitration and mandatory non-binding arbitration.

Binding Voluntary Arbitration is a process where the disputing individuals agree to settle their matter privately outside of the public court system using an arbitrator, a professional decision maker that is chosen by one or both of the disputing parties, to decide the dispute. Arbitration does not require the use of court rules or procedures and is viewed as a simplified private court proceeding. Each side will present their case to the arbitrator who will then decide the issue. Once the matter is decided the case is over and in most cases the court will enforce the arbitrators decision.

Mandatory Non-binding Arbitration is a process used by the court system where individuals who meet certain qualifications will have their case decided by a court appointed arbitrator instead of a judge. Decisions made in this type of arbitration are non-binding meaning that either individual may ask for a new trial in trial court.

An attorney selected to hear a case and settle the legal dispute without a formal trial.

Arizona Revised Statutes: Books containing the laws that the Arizona Legislature has enacted.

Court proceeding in which the defendant stands before the judge to answer criminal charges by entering a plea of guilty or not guilty.