Legal Terms and Definitions

Glossary of Legal Terms

Summons A notice to the named person that an action has been commenced against him in court and that he is required to appear, on the day named, and answer the complaint. Fifth Amendment Among other rights, the Fifth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution guarantees that a person cannot be compelled to present self-incriminating testimony in a criminal (or juvenile) proceeding. Discovery The process through which parties to an action are allowed to obtain relevant information known to other parties or nonparties before trial Bench warrant An order issued by the court for the arrest of a person Multiplicity of actions Numerous and unnecessary attempts to litigate the same issue. Reasonable doubt What for what; something for something; giving one valuable thing for another. Certification Generally used to refer to the process of transferring a minor's case from the Juvenile Court to the adult court for trial. Usually reserved for capital or first-degree felonies or for chronic offenders. Evidence Testimony, records, documents, material objects, or other things presented at a trial to prove the existence or nonexistence of a fact.

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	Did You Know?
	Mediation may not be the most appropriate avenue for resolution in all cases. For example, it may not be appropriate in cases where: A definitive or authoritative resolution of the matter is required; The matter involves or may bear upon significant questions of Government policy that require additional procedures before a final resolution may be made; Maintaining established policies that apply to many people is especially important; The matter significantly affects persons or groups who are not parties to the process; A full public record of the proceeding is important; or The agency must maintain continuing jurisdiction over the matter with authority to alter the disposition of the matter in light of changed circumstances.