docket – Chronological documentation of court proceedings.
Proof – Facts, information, physical objects and testimonies presented to a jury or judge in order to build a case.
hearsay –Testimonies from second-hand witnesses who did not experience the facts first-hand. There are some exceptions, but hearsay is generally not admissible as evidence in court.
immunity – An assurance given by the court that a person will not be charged himself if he gives evidence or testimonies in a case.
accusation–A formal statement from a jury stating the case, usually a felony case, contains sufficient evidence for a formal trial.
Judge –A government official who has the power to determine the course and outcome of civil and criminal proceedings in some cases.
justice – A judge who sits on the Supreme Court or the highest state court.
jury – A group of people selected under state or federal law to make a decision on a case and impose a sentence. State court juries can consist of as few as six people. Juries in federal courts have six people for civil cases and 12 for criminal cases.
Movement – A formal request by a lawyer to the court before, during or after a court proceeding, asking the court to make a decision on an issue of the case.
parole – Release from prison before serving a sentence. Probation officers typically must meet with a probation officer on a regular basis and meet other conditions for their release or risk going back to prison.
plea – A formal statement by the accused stating whether they believe they are “guilty” or “not guilty” on specific charges. Defendants may also plead nolo contendere, or an “Alford plea.” An Alford plea means that the defendant does not admit guilt but pleads guilty nonetheless. A “nolo contendere” or “no contest” plea means that the accused does not admit guilt but accepts the conviction and verdict.
Plea Negotiations – Pre-trial discussions between the defense and the prosecution, in which charges and objections can be changed.
trial period – Release from detention subject to certain conditions and rules, such as meetings with a probation officer, which can be used as an alternative punishment.
subpoena – A statement issued by the court requiring a witness to testify.
Suppress–To prevent the court from seeing or hearing certain evidence because of improper collection techniques or procedures.
Sentence – The consequences and penalties of being found guilty of a crime.
statute – A law passed by the government.
Provisional Protection Order (TPO)– An order issued by a civil court that makes it illegal for someone to contact, harass, or threaten you. Also known as an injunction.
witness –To answer questions from a lawyer on the witness stand.
Transcript –Facts and information from witnesses at trial.
court hearing –A trial in which opposing sides present evidence and testimony to convince a jury or judge of the guilt or innocence of a defendant.
Verdict – The final decision of a judge or jury indicating whether the accused is guilty or innocent in a criminal proceeding, or the final outcome of a civil dispute.
warranty – A court-issued document authorizing law enforcement to search a person or property or arrest someone.
witness – Someone whom the defense or the prosecution asks to present evidence to the court.
