Glossary

TermDefinition
Action, Case, Cause, Suit, Lawsuit
These terms all refer to a proceeding in a court of law.
Acquit
To find a defendant not guilty in a criminal trial.
Affidavit
A written or printed statement made under oath.
Answer
formal response made by the defendant, which admits or denies what is claimed by the plaintiff.
Burden of Proof
This term refers to which side is obligated to prove the facts of the case.
Cause of Action
A legal claim.
Charge
A formal accusation that someone has committed a criminal offense.
Counterclaim
A claim presented by the defendant in a civil case alleging that the plaintiff owes damages to the defendant.
Cross-Examination
An attorney's questioning of a witness called to testify by the other side in the case.
Damages
Compensation (usually monetary) awarded to someone who has suffered loss, detriment, or injury to their person, property, or rights.
Deposition
Sworn testimony taken and recorded outside the courtroom but according to the rules of the court.
Evidence
Any form of proof legally presented at a trial, including records, documents, photographs, and testimony of witnesses.
Exhibit
A paper, document, or other physical object presented to the court as evidence during a trial.
Hearsay
Statements made out of court by someone other than the person testifying in court, which are offered to prove a matter in court.
Impeachment of a Witness
An attempt to show that the testimony of a witness is not truthful, accurate, or reliable.
Inadmissible
Material or information that cannot be admitted or received as evidence under established rules of evidence.
Indictment
A written accusation by a grand jury charging someone with committing a crime.
Leading Question
A question that suggests to a witness the answer the attorney wants to hear.
Litigant
An individual who brings or defends a lawsuit.
Motion
A request made by an attorney for a ruling or an order by a judge on a particular issue.
Perjury
Lying under oath, which is a criminal offense.
Plea
Defendants' statements of "guilty" or "not guilty" to criminal charges made against them.
Pleadings
Formal, written allegations by both sides of their claims.
Polling the Jury
Asking jurors individually after the verdict has been read whether they agree with the verdict.
Rebuttal
The introduction of contradicting or opposing evidence.
Search Warrant
A written order issued by a judge or magistrate, directing a law enforcement officer to search a specific location for specific things or individuals.
Stipulation
An agreement by the attorneys that certain facts are true. Facts that have been stipulated do not need to be proven in the trial.
Testimony
Any statement made by a witness under oath.
Tort
An injury or wrong committed to someone else's person or property for which an injured party is requesting damages.