General Legal Terms

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

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

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.

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

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

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

To be released or cleared of charges, to acquit

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.

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

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.

Area of law dealing primarily with family issues such as divorce, child support, custody and visitation.

The ending of a marriage by court order.

An agreement to terminate all or part of a lawsuit.

The pretrial process by which one entity becomes aware of the evidence gathered by the other entity.

After evidence has been presented and if no issue of fact remains for the jury to determine, the judge must direct a verdict for the party entitled to prevail.

A deposition is the testimony of a witness or party to a suit, given before trial, under oath, and recorded, just as if it were given in court.

The formal removal of a person from the United States when they have been found to have violated immigration laws.

A relationship in which one depends on another for support in whole or in part.

An act committed by a juvenile that if committed by an adult would be a crime.

The person or entity sued in a civil case or accused in a criminal case.