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Legal Term Glossary

General Legal Terms

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Glossaries

Term Main definition
Courtroom Clerk

The clerk is the person responsible for filing papers and keeping records of what happens in the courthouse.

Crime

An act forbidden by law and punishable by fine, probation, imprisonment or death.

Decedent

A person who died

Synonyms - Deceased
Decide

To give a decision.

Default

A failure of the defendant to file the right papers within the time allowed or to appear in court during a scheduled hearing.

Defendant

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

Delinquent Act

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

Dependency

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

Deportation

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

Deposition

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.

Directed Verdict

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.

Discovery

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

Dismissal

An agreement to terminate all or part of a lawsuit.

Divorce

The ending of a marriage by court order.

Synonyms - dissolution of marriage
Domestic Relations

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

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.

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