Legal Terms and Definitions

Glossary of Legal Terms

Certiorari See writ of certiorari Accessory A person who assists in the commission of a crime, either before or after the fact. Forfeiture The concept of forfeiture is used in a variety of settings in the legal system. For example, property such as an automobile or house that is used in the commission of a crime i.e., selling a controlled substance, may be forfeited to the state in a civil proceeding. Beyond a reasonable doubt Entirely convinced; in a criminal case the defendant's guilt must be proven to the jury to this extent. This is the highest burden of proof any party has in any proceeding Plaintiff A person who files a lawsuit. Eschea In American law, the right of the state to an estate left vacant, to which no one makes a valid claim. Property of a decedent who had no will and no heir’s escheats to the state. Common law General provisions of law existing before codification or interpretation by courts. Answer A pleading by which defendant responds to the plaintiff's complaint

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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