General Legal Terms

Geographic subdivision of city, town or county, used to describe the jurisdiction of a justice of the peace or for election purposes.

The legal questions that a case may raise.

A process between the accused and the prosecution to negotiate a mutually satisfactory outcome of the case.

Response of a defendant to the criminal charges stated; the plea is usually guilty or not guilty.

Someone who brings an action, such as a complaint.

An application asking an appellate court to examine a ruling or decision.

Written request to the court asking for specific legal action.

The group of people selected to decide the facts and render a verdict in a civil or criminal trial.

Persons, partnerships, corporations, businesses, or governmental organizations involved in legal proceedings.

Written statement issued to report the decision of an appellate court.

A pledge, promise, or declaration to provide true information in court or in an affidavit.

This plea, also known as plea of no contest, means the person charged, the defendant, is not admitting guilt and not denying it. The defendant is saying that they do not wish to contest the charges brought by the state. Upon a plea of no contest, the judicial officer may find the defendant guilty and enter a judgment of guilt.

A request to a judge seeking a specific ruling or court order.

An offense less serious than a felony, punishable by a sentence other than being sent to prison (A.R.S. 13-105).

A system for a judicial nomination commission to recommend candidates for judicial appointments to the governor.

A specific legal tool used to recover payment for labor or services that were performed at a building or a construction site that have not been paid. A person who was not paid for their services would seek a judgement for a mechanic’s lien and if granted the lien would be attached to the property to be paid when the property was sold.

A material breach of a contract is a significant violation of an agreement which can result in the complete termination of the agreement and the ability for the wronged party to sue for damages.

Also known as a writ of mandamus is an order of a court to an inferior government agency, official, or corporation, for the person or entity to perform or correct  or abstain from an act that is required by law.

Often used to refer to a municipal court judge, but A.R.S. 1-215 provides a broad definition that includes all judicial officers with power to issue a warrant for arrest: includes a Supreme Court justice and judges of the superior, justice and municipal courts.