Glossary Of Legal Terms

Front 1

Statements by a witness who did not see or hear the incident in question but heard about it from someone else. It is usually not admissible as evidence in court.

Back 1

hearsay

Front 2

Judgement that a criminal defendant has not been proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

Back 2

acquittal

Front 3

Information presented in testimony or in documents that is used to persaude the fact finder (judge or jury) to decide the case for one side or the other.

Back 3

evidence

Front 4

In a civil suit, the person complained against; in a criminal case, the person accused of the crime.

Back 4

defendant

Front 5

A body of citizens who listen to evidence of criminal allegations, which are presented by the government, and determines whether there is probable cause to believe the offense was committed. As it is used in federal criminal cases, "the government" refers to the lawyers of the U. S. attorney's office who are prosecuting the case.

Back 5

grand jury

Front 6

A crime carrying a penalty of more than a year in prison.

Back 6

felony

Front 7

All evidence except eyewitness testimony.

Back 7

circumstancial evidence

Front 8

A judgement of guilt against a criminal defendant.

Back 8

conviction

Front 9

Legal advice; a term used to refer to lawyers in a case.

Back 9

counsel

Front 10

Security given for the release of a criminal defendant or witness from legal custody (usually in the form of money) to secure his/her appearance on the day and time appointed.

Back 10

bail

Front 11

A request made after a trial, asking another court (usually the court of appeals) to decide whether the trial was conducted properly. To make such a request is "to appeal" or "to take an appeal." One who appeals is called the appellant.

Back 11

appeal

Front 12

A proceeding in which an individual who is accused of committing a crime is brought into court, told of the charges, and asked to plead guilty or not guilty.

Back 12

arraignment