A - Legal Glossary

A chronological summary of all official records and recorded documents affecting the title to a parcel of real property.

The taking and receiving of anything in good faith with the intention of retaining it.

1. A partner in a crime. 2. A person who knowingly and voluntarily participates with another in a criminal activity.

A formal declaration before an authorized official by the person who executed an instrument that it is his free act and deed; the certificate of the official on such instrument attesting that it was so acknowledged

A release, absolution, or discharge of an obligation or liability. In criminal law the finding of not guilty.

Cause, suit, or controversy disputed or contested before a court of justice.

Also, procedural law. That body of law which governs the process of protecting the rights under substantive law.

Giving or pronouncing a judgment or decree. Also the judgment given.

1. One who administers the estate of a person who dies without a will. 2. A court official.

Evidence that can be legally and properly introduced in a civil or criminal trial.

Paperback pamphlets published by law book publishers weekly or monthly which contain reporter cases, including correct volume number and page number. When there are sufficient cases, they are replaced by a bound volume.

Method of acquiring real property under certain conditions by possession for a statutory period.

A voluntary, written, or printed declaration of facts, confirmed by oath of the party making it before a person with authority to administer the oath.

A defense raised in a responsive pleading (answer) relating a new matter as a defense to the complaint; affirmative defenses might include contributory negligence or estopped in civil actions; in criminal cases insanity, duress, or self-defense might be used.

Mutual consent.

A foreign-born person who has not qualified as a citizen of the country.

Changing or making different.

A national association of lawyers whose primary purpose is improvement of lawyers and the administration of justice.

Lack of memory about events occurring during a particular period of time. See also: anterograde amnesia, retrograde amnesia, post-traumatic amnesia.

Remarks, notes, case summaries, or commentaries following statutes which describe interpretations of the statute

A formal written statement by a party to a lawsuit which answers each question or interrogatory propounded by the other party. These answers must be acknowledged before a notary public or other person authorized to take acknowledgments.

A proceeding brought to a higher court to review a lower court decision.

The act of coming into court as a party to a suit either in person or through an attorney.

(See respondent) The party against whom an appeal is taken.

The hearing of a dispute by an impartial third person or persons (chosen by the parties), whose award the parties agree to accept.

The hearing at which the accused is brought before the court to plead to the criminal charge in the indictment. He may plead "guilty," "not guilty," or where permitted "nolo contendere." (See preliminary hearing.)

Threat to inflict injury with an apparent ability to do so. Also, any intentional display of force that would give the victim reason to fear or expect immediate bodily harm.

A doctrine under which a person may not recover for an injury received when he has voluntarily exposed himself to a known danger.

Taking a person's property to satisfy a court-ordered debt.

An advocate, counsel, or official agent employed in preparing, managing, and trying cases in the courts.