The group of persons selected to hear the evidence in a trial and render a verdict on matters of fact. See also grand jury.
Source: US Courts Glossary
A legal action started by a plaintiff against a defendant based on a complaint that the defendant failed to perform a legal duty which resulted in harm to the plaintiff.
Source: US Courts Glossary
A charge on specific property that is designed to secure payment of a debt or performance of an obligation. A debtor may still be responsible for a lien after a discharge.
Source: US Courts Glossary
The sale of a debtor's property with the proceeds to be used for the benefit of creditors.
Source: US Courts Glossary
A case, controversy, or lawsuit. Participants (plaintiffs and defendants) in lawsuits are called litigants.
Source: US Courts Glossary
A judicial officer of a district court who conducts initial proceedings in criminal cases, decides criminal misdemeanor cases, conducts many pretrial civil and criminal matters on behalf of district judges, and decides civil cases with the consent of the parties.
Source: US Courts Glossary
The court will evaluate the debtor's income and expenses to determine if the debtor may proceed under Chapter 7.
Source: US Courts Glossary
Special condition the court imposes to require an individual to undergo evaluation and treatment for a mental disorder. Treatment may include psychiatric, psychological, and sex offense-specific evaluations, inpatient or outpatient counseling, and medication.
Source: US Courts Glossary
As provided for in the Criminal Justice Act, an organization established within a federal judicial circuit to represent criminal defendants who cannot afford an adequate defense. Each organization is supervised by a federal public defender appointed by the court of appeals for the circuit.
Source: US Courts Glossary
An attorney employed by the federal courts on a full-time basis to provide legal defense to defendants who are unable to afford counsel. The judiciary administers the federal defender program pursuant to the Criminal Justice Act.
Source: US Courts Glossary
Jurisdiction given to federal courts in cases involving the interpretation and application of the U.S. Constitution, acts of Congress, and treaties.
Source: US Courts Glossary
A serious crime, usually punishable by at least one year in prison.
Source: US Courts Glossary
To place a paper in the official custody of the clerk of court to enter into the files or records of a case.
Source: US Courts Glossary
A transfer of a debtor's property made with intent to defraud or for which the debtor receives less than the transferred property's value.
Source: US Courts Glossary
The characterization of a debtor's status after bankruptcy, i.e., free of most debts. (Giving debtors a fresh start is one purpose of the Bankruptcy Code.)
Source: US Courts Glossary
A body of 16-23 citizens who listen to evidence of criminal allegations, which is presented by the prosecutors, and determine whether there is probable cause to believe an individual committed an offense. See also indictment and U.S. attorney.
Source: US Courts Glossary
Latin, meaning "you have the body." A writ of habeas corpus generally is a judicial order forcing law enforcement authorities to produce a prisoner they are holding, and to justify the prisoner's continued confinement. Federal judges receive petitions for a writ of habeas corpus from state prison inmates who say their state prosecutions violated federally protected rights in some way.
Source: US Courts Glossary
Evidence presented by a witness who did not see or hear the incident in question but heard about it from someone else. With some exceptions, hearsay generally is not admissible as evidence at trial
Source: US Courts Glossary
A special condition the court imposes that requires an individual to remain at home except for certain approved activities such as work and medical appointments. Home confinement may include the use of electronic monitoring equipment – a transmitter attached to the wrist or the ankle – to help ensure that the person stays at home as required.
Source: US Courts Glossary
1. The process of calling a witness's testimony into doubt. For example, if the attorney can show that the witness may have fabricated portions of his testimony, the witness is said to be "impeached;" 2. The constitutional process whereby the House of Representatives may "impeach" (accuse of misconduct) high officers of the federal government, who are then tried by the Senate.
Source: US Courts Glossary
Latin, meaning in a judge's chambers. Often means outside the presence of a jury and the public. In private.
Source: US Courts Glossary
In the manner of a pauper. Permission given by the court to a person to file a case without payment of the required court fees because the person cannot pay them.
Source: US Courts Glossary
Evidence indicating that a defendant did commit the crime.
Source: US Courts Glossary
The formal charge issued by a grand jury stating that there is enough evidence that the defendant committed the crime to justify having a trial; it is used primarily for felonies. See also information.
Source: US Courts Glossary