Vocabulary - Semester 1

Question 0

A plea in a criminal case in which the defendant does not admit guild, but agrees that the state has enough evidence against him or her to get a conviction. Allows the defendant to enter into a plea bargain with the state. If the judge can deny the charges in a civil action based on the same acts.

Answer 0

Alford Doctrine

Question 1

Also called ADR. Any method used to resolve disputes other than traditional trial proceedings. For example, mediation, arbitration, and case evaluation. Judges cannot hear all of the cases that are filed and ADR programs speed up the disposition of civil cases.

Answer 1

Alternative Dispute Resolution

Question 2

A Latin term meaning “friend of the court”. An Amicus Curiae brief is filed by someone who is not a party to a case but has an interest in it’s outcome. A person who wants to fold an amicus Curiae brief usually has to get the court’s permission to do so.

Answer 2

Amicus Curiae Brief

Question 3

A judge’s decision to end the case which permits the complaint or prosecutor to renew the case later.

Answer 3

Dismissal Without Prejudice

Question 4

In contrast, dismissal “with prejudice” prevents the plaintiff or prosecutor to bring or maintain the same claim or action again.

Answer 4

Dismissal With Prejudice

Question 5

A complaint filed against an attorney or judge, claiming an ethics violation.

Answer 5

Grievance

Question 6

A person, usually a parent, appointed by the court to represent a child or unborn person in a court case. If a family me never is not available, a judge may appoint an attorney.

Answer 6

Guardian Ad Litem

Question 7

A murder committed while the person is also committing a felony, even if the murder was committed by someone else.

Answer 7

Felony Murder

Question 8

A pending lawsuit. A notice of lis pendens is filed on the land records.

Answer 8

Lis Pendens

Question 9

A person who is not a judge but who is authorized to hear and decide certain types of cases. For example, family support magistrates hear cases involving child support.

Answer 9

Magistrate

Question 10

It means “no contest”. A plea in a criminal case that allows the defendant to be conceited without admitting guilt for the crime charged. Although a finding of guilty is entered on the criminal court record; the defendant can deny the charges in a civil action based on the same acts.

Answer 10

Nolo Clntendere

Question 11

The pleadings, the exhibits and the transcript made by the court reporter of all proceedings in a trial.

Answer 11

Record

Question 12

Another word for the defendant; the person responding to a lawsuit.

Answer 12

Respondent

Question 13

Money ordered to be paid by the defendant to the victim to reimburse the victim for the costs of the crime. Generally making good, or giving the equivalent for any loss, damage or injury caused by a person’s actions. Often a condition of probation.

Answer 13

Restitution

Question 14

A hearing held before a judge to determine whether or not a person has violated the conditions of probation. If there is a finding that a violation has occurred, the judge may impose all or part of the original sentence.

Answer 14

Revocation Hearing

Question 15

Summons compelling a person to appear on court on a specific date to answer to a court request that certain orders be modified or vacated or jail time imposed.

Answer 15

Show Cause

Question 16

A court order closing a case file from public review, usually in cases of youthful offenders and acquittal. Prevents the public from obtaining information on the cases.

Answer 16

Seal

Question 17

Opinions, or written decisions, or the Supreme Court of the Appellate Court, in states that her appellate courts, that are publicly released prior to their official publication.

Answer 17

Slip Opinions

Question 18

Also called a “stip”. A written agreement by the parties. For example, a stipulation to adjourn a trial date. If a case is settled, there will be a stipulation to dismiss the case.

Answer 18

Stipulation