The doctrine that the government, state or federal, is immune to lawsuit unless it gives its consent.

A formal, written statement by legislature declaring, commanding, or prohibiting something.

The time within a plaintiff must begin a lawsuit (in civil cases) or a prosecutor must bring charges (in criminal cases). There are different statutes of limitations at both the federal and state levels for different kinds of lawsuits or crimes.

Process by which a court seeks to interpret the meaning and scope of legislation.

Law enacted by the legislative branch of government, as distinguished from case law or common law .

The unlawful sexual intercourse with a person under an age set by statute, regardless of whether they consent to the act.

The act of stopping a judicial proceeding by order of the court.

An agreement by attorneys on both sides of a civil or criminal case about some aspect of the case; e.g., to extend the time to answer, to adjourn the trial date, or to admit certain facts at the trial.

A concept applied by courts in product liability cases in which a seller is liable for any and all defective or hazardous products which unduly threaten a consumer's personal safety.

The act of quitting work by a group of workers for the purpose of coercing their employer to accept some demand(s) they have made upon their employer who has initially refused.

To yield to the will of another.

A remedy requiring a person who has breached a contract to perform specifically what he or she has agreed to do. Specific performance is ordered when damages would be inadequate compensation.

An order of the court which requires a person to be present at a certain time and place to give testimony upon a certain matter. Failure to appear may be punishable as a contempt of court.

The law dealing with rights, duties, and liabilities, as contrasted with procedural law , which governs the technical aspects of enforcing civil or criminal laws.

To commence legal proceedings for recovery of a right.

Any proceeding by one person or persons against another in a court of law.

A decision made on the basis of statements and evidence presented for the record without a trial. It is used when there is no dispute as to the facts of the case, and one party is entitled to judgment as a matter of law.

A notice to a defendant that he or she has been sued or charged with a crime and is required to appear in court. A jury summons requires the person receiving it to report for possible jury duty.

A trust that instructs the trustee to spend only as much income and principal (the assets held in the trust) as needed for the beneficiary's support.

To forbid the use of evidence at a trial because it is improper or was improperly obtained. See also EXCLUSIONARY RULE.

A hearing on a criminal defendant's motion to prohibit the prosecutor's use of evidence alleged to have been obtained in violation of the defendant's rights. This hearing is held outside of the presence of the jury, either prior to or at trial. The judge must rule as a matter of law on the motion.

A bond purchased at the expense of the estate to insure the executor's proper performance. Often called a fidelity bond. SUSTAIN- To maintain, to affirm, to approve.

The right of an accused to a speedy trial as guaranteed by the 6th Amendment of the United States Constitution.

To put to oath and declare as truth.

A trust set up for the benefit of someone who the grantor believes would be incapable of managing his or her own financial affairs.

There are essentially three standards of proof applicable in most court proceedings. In criminal cases, the offense must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt , the highest standard. In civil cases and neglect and dependency proceedings, the lowest standard applies by a mere preponderance of the evidence , (more likely than not). In some civil cases, and in juvenile proceedings such as a permanent termination of parental rights, an intermediate standard applies, proof by clear and convincing evidence.

The legal right to bring a lawsuit. Only a person with something at stake has standing to bring a lawsuit.

The final statements by the attorneys to the jury or court summarizing the evidence that they have established and the evidence that the other side has failed to establish. Also known as closing argument .

Outline or summary of the nature of the case and of the anticipated proof presented by the attorney to the jury before any evidence is submitted. Also known as opening argument .

Youths charged with the status of being beyond the control of their legal guardian or are habitually disobedient, truant from school, or have committed other acts that would not be a crime if committed by an adult. They are not delinquents (in that they have not committed a crime), but are rather persons in need of supervision, minors in need of supervision, or children in need of supervision, depending on the state in which they live. Status offenders are placed under the supervision of the juvenile court. See PERSON IN NEED OF SUPERVISION.