A punitive act designed to secure enforcement by imposing a penalty for its violation. For example, a sanction may be imposed for failure to comply with discovery orders.
A document containing background material on a convicted person. It is prepared to guide the judge in the imposition of a sentence. Sometimes called a pre-sentence report.
Two or more sentences of jail time to be served simultaneously.
Two or more sentences of jail time to be served in sequence.
A sentence postponed in which the defendant is not required to serve time unless he or she commits another crime or violates a court-imposed condition.
The postconviction stage in which the defendant is brought before the court for imposition of sentence.
Allowance ordered to be paid by one spouse to the other for support while the spouses are living apart but not divorced.
An arrangement whereby a husband and wife live apart from each other while remaining married either by mutual consent or by a judicial order.
Keeping all witnesses (except plaintiff and defendant) out of the courtroom except for their time on the stand, and cautioning them not to discuss their testimony with other witnesses. Also called separation of witnesses. This prevents a witness from being influenced by the testimony of a prior witness.
The act of spending an allotted amount of time in a designated location such as a prison as punishment for the crime committed.
The delivery of a legal document, such as a complaint, summons, or subpoena, notifying a person of a lawsuit or other legal action taken against him or her. Service, which constitutes formal legal notice, must be made by an officially authorized person in accordance with the formal requirements of the applicable laws.
The closure of court records to inspection, except to the parties.
Notifying a person that he or she has been named as a party to a lawsuit or has been accused of some offense. Process consists of a summons, citation or warrant, to which a copy of the complaint is attached.
An agreement between parties that dictates what is being received from one party to the other.
The person who sets up a trust. Also called the grantor.
Illegal sex acts performed against a minor by a parent, guardian, relative or acquaintance.
Elected officer of a county whose job is to conserve peace within his or her territorial jurisdiction as well as aid in the criminal and civil court processes.
The willful taking and concealing of merchandise from a store or business establishment with the intention of using the goods for one's personal use without paying the purchase price.
An order requiring a person to appear in court and present reasons why a certain order, judgment, or decree should not be issued.
A conference between the judge and lawyers, usually in the courtroom, out of earshot of the jury and spectators.
False and defamatory spoken words tending to harm another's reputation, community standing, office, trade, business, or means of livelihood. See DEFAMATION.
A court that handles civil claims for small amounts of money. People often represent themselves rather than hire an attorney.
A practice whereby a person or place is searched and evidence useful in the investigation and prosecution of a crime is seized or taken. The search is conducted after an order is issued by a judge.
Oral or anal copulation between humans, or between humans or animals.
An order issued by a judge or magistrate commanding a sheriff, constable, or other officer to search a specified location.
In bankruptcy proceedings, a debt is secured if the debtor gave the creditor a right to repossess the property or goods used as collateral.
Claim that an act otherwise criminal was legally justifiable because it was necessary to protect a person or property from the threat or action of another.
Acts or declarations by which one implicates oneself in a crime.
A will whose validity does not have to be testified to in court by the witnesses to it, because the witnesses executed an affidavit reflecting proper execution of the will prior to the maker's death.
The judgment formally pronounced by the court or judge upon the defendant after his or her conviction by imposing a punishment to be inflicted either in the form of a fine, incarceration or probation.