Legal Terms and Definitions

Glossary of Legal Terms

Continuance A court order postponing proceedings. Pardon Action by an official of an executive branch of government relieving a criminal from a conviction. Brief A lawyer's written statement of a client's case filed in court. It usually contains a summary of the facts in the case, the pertinent laws, and an argument of how the law applies to the facts supporting the client's position. Interrogatories In the discovery phase of civil litigation, these written questions are submitted by one party to another party and must be answered in writing under oath. Dependent child A child who is homeless or without proper care through no fault of the parent, guardian, or custodian. Decree A decision or order of the court. A final decree is one, which fully and finally disposes of the litigation. An interlocutory decree is a preliminary decree, which is not final. Hearsay Second-hand evidence, generally consisting of a witness's testimony that he/she heard someone else say something. Chambers A judge's private office in the courthouse.

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	Alternative Dispute Resolution describes problem-solving processes Alternative Dispute Resolution describes problem-solving processes that promote creative solutions to disputes that are unavailable in traditional dispute resolution forums. May include a specialist