Arrest warrant: A written order ordering the arrest of a party. A search warrant orders a search of a specific location for items that, if found, can be used as evidence in court. Opinion: A written statement by a judge on a decision of the court or by a majority of judges. A dissenting opinion is not consistent with the majority opinion because of the reasoning and/or legal principles on which the decision is based. A consensus opinion agrees with the court`s decision, but offers further comment. Whether you can`t stop watching “The Good Wife,” are a member of Olivia Benson and Elliot Stabler`s fan club, or simply listen to every episode of the “Court Junkie” podcast on your favorite podcast app, the colloquial language of the courtroom is no stranger to you. The release of a person accused of a crime before trial under certain conditions to ensure that the person appears in court if necessary. May also refer to the amount of bail recorded as a financial condition for pre-trial release. On vocations; A court of appeal has the power to review the judgment of a lower court (court of first instance). For example, U.S. courts of appeals review decisions in U.S. District Courts.
Probation: An alternative to imprisonment, in which the court releases convicted defendants under supervision as long as certain conditions are met. Motion – An attempt to have a limited case heard in court. Applications can be made before, during and after the process. “In the manner of a poor man.” Permission from the court for a person to file a case without paying the required court fees because the person cannot pay them. Appeal: Once a defendant is found guilty, they can appeal – or a motion to have the decision reviewed by a higher court to determine if it was correct. Sentencing – The sentence ordered by a court for an accused who has been convicted of a crime. Federal courts follow the direction of the U.S. Sentencing Commission when deciding on the appropriate sentence for a particular crime. The judge`s position. Under the law, Congress approves the number of judges for each district court and appeals court.
Testimony: A statement is the testimony of a witness outside the open court – often in the form of oral testimony before an official authorized to take an oath. The political decision-making body of the federal judicial system. A panel of 27 judges chaired by the Chief Justice of the United States. Perjury: A person commits the offence of perjury if he or she makes a false affidavit on a matter essential to the proceedings. It is important to note that, although not recommended, it is still possible to make a false affidavit without implying oneself if the testimony is not relevant to the outcome of the proceedings. For example, at a congressional hearing on the impact of violent media on children, an actor can testify to a lie about his age without committing a crime. Hearsay – The testimony of a witness who did not see or hear the incident in question, but learned about it through second-hand information such as someone else`s testimony, a newspaper or a document. Hearsay is generally not admissible as evidence in court, but there are many exceptions to this rule. An order of the U.S. Supreme Court ordering the lower court to provide documents for a case it will hear on appeal. Quash: A motion to quash essentially asks the judge to set aside or quash a particular lawsuit.
For example, if the wrong person receives a subpoena to appear in court, a lawyer can file a motion to quash. It is well known that criminal court proceedings drag on for months. From the opening to the final statement, there is a lot going on that jury members (and spectators or listeners) have to absorb before moving on to the deliberation and judging phase. The following terms can help you better understand the ins and outs of the next trial you want. See-say: Procedure by which judges and lawyers select a jury from among persons qualified to perform their functions by questioning them in order to ensure knowledge of the facts of the case and willingness to decide the case solely on the basis of the evidence presented to the court. “See to say” is an expression that means “to tell the truth”. bench – “In bank” or “full bank”. Refers to hearings attended by all members of a tribunal, not the usual quorum.
U.S. appellate courts typically sit in panels of three judges, but may expand to a larger number in certain cases they deem important enough to be decided by the full court. They should then sit on a bench. Journalist – Records hearings, creates a transcript and publishes court opinions or decisions. A full-time lawyer hired by federal courts to legally defend defendants who cannot afford a lawyer. The judiciary administers the Federal Defence Counsel Programme in accordance with criminal law. Now that you`ve refreshed the 50 most common terms, you might feel like you can stand on your own in front of a judge and jury. If you`ve caught yourself dreaming about what it`s like to work as a lawyer between episodes of your favorite court shows, it may be worth exploring the question that`s eating away at you: What is it really like to work in the legal system? A full-time judge serving the court. Compare with Senior Judge. An official of the judiciary who has the power to adjudicate complaints before the courts.
The term commonly used judge can also refer to all bailiffs, including Supreme Court judges. Estate: The process of administering a deceased person`s estate is called an estate. Therefore, the court with jurisdiction to deal with inheritance matters is called the probate court. Restitution: If a defendant is ordered to provide financial compensation to the victim or community service imposed by the court, this is considered restitution. Essentially, it is a payment for service or money to compensate for what they have done. in forma pauperis – In the manner of a poor man. Allowing a person to sue for need or poverty without paying court fees.