Lesson 1 - A

Question 1

Acquittal

Answer 1

A jury verdict that a criminal defendant is not guilty, or the finding of a judge that the evidence is insufficient to support a conviction

Question 2

Active judge

Answer 2

A judge in the full-time service of the court. Compare to senior judge.

Question 3

Administrative Office of the United States Courts (AO)

Answer 3

The federal agency responsible for collecting court statistics, administering the federal courts’ budget, and performing many other administrative and programmatic functions, under the direction and supervision of the Judicial Conference of the United States

Question 4

Admissible

Answer 4

A term used to describe evidence that may be considered by a jury or judge in civil and criminal cases.

Question 5

Adversary proceeding

Answer 5

A lawsuit arising in or related to a bankruptcy case that begins by filing a complaint with the court, that is, a “trial” that takes place within the context of a bankruptcy case.

Question 6

Affidavit

Answer 6

A written or printed statement made under oath.

Question 7

Affirmed

Answer 7

In the practice of the court of appeals, it means that the court of appeals has concluded that the lower court decision is correct and will stand as rendered by the lower court.

Question 8

Alternate juror

Answer 8

A juror selected in the same manner as a regular juror who hears all the evidence but does not help decide the case unless called on to replace a regular juror.

Question 9

Alternative dispute resolution (ADR)

Answer 9

A procedure for settling a dispute outside the courtroom. Most forms of ADR are not binding, and involve referral of the case to a neutral party such as an arbitrator or mediator.

Question 10

Amicus curiae

Answer 10

Latin for “friend of the court.” It is advice formally offered to the court in a brief filed by an entity interested in, but not a party to, the case

Question 11

Answer

Answer 11

The formal written statement by a defendant in a civil case that responds to a complaint, articulating the grounds for defense.

Question 12

Appeal

Answer 12

A request made after a trial by a party that has lost on one or more issues that a higher court review the decision to determine if it was correct. To make such a request is “to appeal” or “to take an appeal.” One who appeals is called the “appellant;” the other party is the “appellee.”

Question 13

Appellant

Answer 13

The party who appeals a district court’s decision, usually seeking reversal of that decision.

Question 14

Appellate

Answer 14

About appeals; an appellate court has the power to review the judgment of a lower court (trial court) or tribunal. For example, the U.S. circuit courts of appeals review the decisions of the U.S. district courts.

Question 15

Appellee

Answer 15

The party who opposes an appellant’s appeal, and who seeks to persuade the appeals court to affirm the district court’s decision.

Question 16

Arraignment

Answer 16

A proceeding in which a criminal defendant is brought into court, told of the charges in an indictment or information, and asked to plead guilty or not guilty.

Question 17

Article III judge

Answer 17

A federal judge who is appointed for life, during “good behavior,” under Article III of the Constitution. Article III judges are nominated by the President and confirmed by the Senate.

Question 18

Assets

Answer 18

Property of all kinds, including real and personal, tangible and intangible.

Question 19

Assume

Answer 19

An agreement to continue performing duties under a contract or lease.

Question 20

Automatic stay

Answer 20

An injunction that automatically stops lawsuits, foreclosures, garnishments, and most collection activities against the debtor the moment a bankruptcy petition is filed.