Term | Main definition |
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Attorney-at-Law | One who is admitted to the State Bar of Arizona and who may represent clients in legal proceedings. Also called lawyer or counsel. |
Bail | Money or other form of security the judge requires to be held by the court to ensure that a criminal defendant, released while awaiting trial, will be in court for the trial. Bail is returned when the defendant returns for trial. |
Bailiff | Courtroom attendant responsible for keeping order in the courtroom and supervising the jury. |
Bench | The seat where a judge sits in court. |
Board of Supervisors | Local governing body at the county level. |
Brief | Written statement explaining facts of a case and laws that apply. |
Burden of Proof | Responsibility for proving the facts in a case. |
Calendar Days | Calendar days include weekends and holidays |
Case | Lawsuit, suit, or action being resolved through the court system. |
Case Law | Law composed of previously written decisions of appellate courts. |
Chambers | Private office of a judge or justice. |
Chief Justice | Presiding justice of the Arizona Supreme Court. |
Citizenship | The identity of an individuals national origin. It defines his/her rights and responsibilities to that country. |
Civil Complaint | Document filed by the plaintiff in a civil case that outlines the claim of the plaintiff against the defendant. |
Civil Law | Area of law that deals with disputes between individuals not involving crimes. |
Clerk of the Court | An appointed or elected person who is in charge of keeping records, accounts and managing regular activities for a court. |
Constable | An elected official whose primary duty is to deliver and return legal notices and documents as directed by a justice court. |
Contested Case | An action in which the defendant opposes the relief sought by the plaintiff. |
Conviction | A decision by the judge or a verdict by the jury determining that a person charged with a criminal offense is guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. |
Counterclaim | A claim filed by a defendant in a civil case against the complaint of the plaintiff. For this claim, the defendant is a plaintiff. |