A general term for an action, cause, suit, or controversy brought before the court for resolution.

An accounting for the whereabouts of the tangible evidence from the moment it is received in custody until it is offered in evidence in court.

An objection, such as when an attorney objects at a hearing to the seating of a particular person on a civil or criminal jury.

Objection to the seating of a particular juror for a stated reason (usually bias or prejudice for or against one of the parties in the lawsuit). The judge has the discretion to deny the challenge. This differs from peremptory challenge.

Questioning the qualifications of an entire jury panel, usually on the ground of partiality or some fault in the process of summoning the panel.

A judge's private office. A hearing in chambers takes place in the judge's office outside of the presence of the jury and the public.

Moving a lawsuit or criminal trial to another place for trial.

The testimony of witnesses who know the general character and reputation of a person in the community in which he or she lives. It may be considered by the jury in a dual respect: 1) as substantive evidence upon the theory that a person of good character and reputation is less likely to commit a crime than one who does not have a good character and reputation, and 2) as corroborative evidence in support of a witness's testimony as bearing upon credibility.

A formal allegation, as a preliminary step in prosecution, that a person has committed a specific offense, which is recorded in a complaint, information or indictment. To charge; To accuse. See INSTRUCTIONS.

The judge's instructions to the jury concerning the law that applies to the facts of the case on trial.

A written accusation alleging a defendant has committed an offense. Includes a citation, an indictment, information, and statement of charges.

Law established by previous decisions of appellate courts, particularly the Supreme Court.

Presiding or Administrative Judge in a court.

Any form of cruelty to a child's physical, moral, or mental well-being.

Any form of indecent or sexual activity on, involving, or surrounding a child under the state's designated age.

The legal obligation of parents to contribute to the economic maintenance, including education, of their children. Money paid by one parent to another toward the expenses of the children of the marriage.

All evidence except eyewitness testimony. One example is physical evidence, such as fingerprints, from which an inference can be drawn.

A reference to a source of legal authority. A direction to appear in court, as when a defendant is cited into court, rather than arrested.

Noncriminal case in which one private individual or business sues another to protect, enforce, or redress private or civil rights.

A lawsuit brought to enforce, redress, or protect private rights or to gain payment for a wrong done to a person or party by another person or party. In general, all types of actions other than criminal proceedings.

The rules and process by which a civil case is tried and appealed, including the preparations for trial, the rules of evidence and trial conduct, and the procedure for pursuing appeals.

The assertion of a right to money or property.

See DOCKET NUMBER.

A lawsuit brought by one or more persons on behalf of a larger group.

The act which produces an effect.

A lawsuit, litigation, or action. Any question, civil or criminal, litigated or contested before a court of justice.

The facts that give rise to a lawsuit or a legal claim.

An order of an administrative agency or court prohibiting a person or business from continuing a particular course of conduct.

1. Written attestation. 2. Authorized declaration verifying that an instrument is a true and correct copy of the original.

Attested as being true or an exact reproduction.