Legal Terminology A-B Flashcards
adverse witness
witness whose testimony is prejudicial to the case of the party who called him
action
a lawsuit
affiant
signer of an affidavit
affidavit
written statements of facts made under oath
affirm
to declare solemnly and formally
aggravating circumstances
considerations which increase a sentence imposed in criminal cases under sentencing guidelines
allocution
formal statement by a convicted defendant as to whether there is any reason why judgment should not be rendered against him
amendment
change or correction
answer
response by defendant denying plaintiff’s complaint
arbitration
dispute mediation by an impartial third party
arraignment
bringing an accused person into court to plead to a criminal charge
arrest
restraint and detention of a person suspected of crime
bail
an amount of money deposited as a form of collateral to guarantee that a person charged with a crime will appear in court when scheduled
bench conference
a discussion between attorneys and the judge outside the hearing of the jury or courtroom audience
bench warrant
authority to find and bring to court someone who has failed to appear
