Legal Terms and Definitions

Glossary of Legal Terms

Material evidence Evidence that is relevant to the issues in a case. Appeal The bringing of a case to a higher court for review of a lower court's order or judgment. Punitive damages Lawyers regularly employed by the government to represent people accused of crimes who cannot afford to hire their own. The term may also be used to refer to a private firm receiving public money to defend indigent criminal defendants. Rest 1) the person who is the subject of a petition, 2) the prevailing party in a court case against whom an appeal is taken. Interstate compact A contract between member states to supervise juveniles on probation or parole, and to return delinquent juveniles who have escaped or nondelinquent juveniles who have run away, from one state to another Burden of proof The duty to establish a claim or allegation by admissible evidence. This is usually the duty of the plaintiff in a civil case and always is the duty of the state in a criminal case. Cross-claim In a civil proceeding, if there are two or more defendants, one defendant can raise a claim against another defendant. 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.

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	Did You Know?
	Mediation is a process that involves a mediator Neutral third party who helps the disputing parties achieve a resolution that satisfies both of them. The mediator's primary function is to create constructive communication between parties and provide a forum where disputants can create a mutually satisfactory agreement. Mediators do not impose decisions; instead, they help people craft solutions that will work for them.