A criminal case in which the allowable penalty does not include death.

A protest to the court against an act or omission by the opposing party.

A ruling by the court upholding the act or omission of the opposing party.

A ruling by the court in favor of the party making the objection.

A phrase commonly applied to counsel employed to assist in the preparation or management of the case, or its presentation on appeal, but who is not the principal attorney for the party.

One who commits a crime, such as a felony, misdemeanor, or other punishable unlawful act.

A crime, such as a felony, misdemeanor, or other punishable unlawful act.

Presentation of evidence to the court (out of the hearing of the jury) for the court's decision of whether the evidence is admissible.

Release of a person from custody without the payment of any bail  or posting of bond , upon the promise to return to court.

The initial statement made by attorneys for each side, outlining the facts each intends to establish during the trial.

See OPENING ARGUMENT.

The form of verdict in criminal cases where the jury acquits the defendant, finds him or her not guilty.

A judge's written explanation of a decision of the court or of a majority of judges. A dissenting opinion disagrees with the majority opinion because of the reasoning and/or the principles of law on which the decision is based. A concurring opinion agrees with the decision of the court but offers further comment. A per curiam opinion is an unsigned opinion “of the court.”

Witnesses are normally required to confine their testimony to statements of fact and are not allowed to give their opinions in court. However, if a witness is qualified as an expert in a particular field, he or she may be allowed to state an opinion as an expert based on certain facts.

An opportunity for lawyers to summarize their position before the court and also to answer the judges' questions.

Court order requiring to appear and show cause why the court should not take a particular course of action. If the party fails to appear or to give sufficient reasons why the court should take no action, the court will take the action. In criminal cases, the defendant must show why probation should not be revoked.

A written or verbal command from a court directing or forbidding an action.

An act of legislation of a local governing body such as a city, town or county.

The court in which a matter must first be filed.

A judge's decision not to allow an objection. A decision by a higher court finding that a lower court decision was wrong.

See OVERRULE.

An open act showing the intent to commit a crime.

The jury or the judge must determine that the defendant, because of mental disease or defect, could not form the intent required to commit the offense.

Pimping. Arranging for acts of prostitution.

Formal notification to the party that has been sued in a civil case of the fact that the lawsuit has been filed. Also, any form of notification of a legal proceeding.

In practice, a notice in writing requiring the opposite party to produce a certain described paper or document at the trial, or in the course of pre-trial discovery.

Having no force, legal power to bind, or validity.

An oral (unwritten) will.

Written or oral pledge by a witness to speak the truth.

To protest to the court against an act or omission by the opposing party.