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Legal Term Glossary

In the fall of 2024, the Arizona Department of Child Safety (DCS) mailed letters to parents who once had an open dependency and/or severance case.

Did you receive a letter? Visit the DCS letter page for more information.

General Legal Terms

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Glossaries

Term Main definition
Electronic Signature

An electronic method or process that through the application of a security procedure allows a determination that the electronic signature at the time it was executed was all of the following:

  • Unique to the person using it.
  • Capable of verification.
  • Under the sole control of the person using it.
  • Linked to the electronic document to which it relates in a manner so that if the document is changed the electronic signature is invalidated.

An electronic signature is an electronic symbol, usually /s/, followed by a typed name. For example, “/s/ John Doe,” is an electronic signature. The /s/ symbol means that the individual whose typed name appears next to it or below it intended that the typed name be treated as an original signature. An electronic signature is attached to a paper filed with the Clerk of the Court by the self-represented litigant or a judge of court.

Eviction

Legal action that takes land, a residence, or property from the temporary resident and back into the possession of the owner or landlord.

Synonyms - Forcible entry and detainer
Ex Parte

Latin phrase for relief that is sought (and may be granted) without notice to the opposing person. Commonly used in obtaining an order of protection.

Exonerate

To be released or cleared of charges, to acquit

FARE

Fines/Fees and Restitution Enforcement Program is a collection program for the courts.

Synonyms - F.A.R.E.
Felony

A serious crime, punishable by imprisonment by the Department of Corrections. In some cases, the death penalty may be imposed.

General Jurisdiction Court

Court that has authority to hear all legal actions not assigned exclusively to another court.

Synonyms - Superior Court
Grand Jury

A group of 12 to 16 citizens who usually serve a term of not more than 120 days to hear or investigate charges of criminal behavior. Their indictment, called a true bill, leads to a court trial of the person charged.

Green Cards

Documents that authorize someone to live and work in the United States on a permanent basis.

Gross Income

The total income before deductions, exemptions, or tax reductions.

Synonyms - gross monthly income
Harassment

A series of acts that happened over any period of time that are purposefully directed at a specific person. The acts are those that serve no legitimate purpose and would cause a reasonable person to be seriously alarmed, annoyed, or harassed. A single incident, no matter how bothersome, does not constitute harassment for purposes of a protective order.

Impeach

A formal accusation by the Arizona House of Representatives that a public official committed misconduct in office.

Incorrigible

Refers to a juvenile who is unmanageable by parents or guardians. Incorrigible offenses include running away and truancy.

Indictment

A formal, written accusation by a grand jury charging that a person or business committed a specific crime.

Initial Appearance

The first appearance in court by the defendant in a criminal case.

Injunctive relief

A court order to stop doing a particular act.

Synonyms - Injunction
Insolvency

Inability or lack of means to pay debts.

Judge

The public officer authorized to preside over, hear and determine cases in a court of law.

Judge Pro Tempore

A person assigned to perform the duties of a judge on a temporary basis.

Judgment

The official decision by a court regarding the rights and claims of the person to a civil or criminal lawsuit.

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