The chapter of the Bankruptcy Code providing for reorganization of municipalities (which includes cities and towns, as well as villages, counties, taxing districts, municipal utilities, and school districts).
Source: US Courts Glossary
The judge who has primary responsibility for the administration of a court; chief judges are determined by seniority
Source: US Courts Glossary
A creditor's assertion of a right to payment from a debtor or the debtor's property.
Source: US Courts Glossary
A lawsuit in which one or more members of a large group, or class, of individuals or other entities sue on behalf of the entire class. The district court must find that the claims of the class members contain questions of law or fact in common before the lawsuit can proceed as a class action.
Source: US Courts Glossary
The court officer who oversees administrative functions, especially managing the flow of cases through the court. The clerk's office is often called a court's central nervous system.
Source: US Courts Glossary
Property that is promised as security for the satisfaction of a debt.
Source: US Courts Glossary
The legal system that originated in England and is now in use in the United States, which relies on the articulation of legal principles in a historical succession of judicial decisions. Common law principles can be changed by legislation.
Source: US Courts Glossary
A special condition the court imposes that requires an individual to work – without pay – for a civic or nonprofit organization.
Source: US Courts Glossary
A written statement that begins a civil lawsuit, in which the plaintiff details the claims against the defendant.
Source: US Courts Glossary
Prison terms for two or more offenses to be served at the same time, rather than one after the other. Example: Two five-year sentences and one three-year sentence, if served concurrently, result in a maximum of five years behind bars.
Source: US Courts Glossary
Prison terms for two or more offenses to be served one after the other. Example: Two five-year sentences and one three-year sentence, if served consecutively, result in a maximum of 13 years behind bars.
Source: US Courts Glossary
A bankruptcy case filed to reduce or eliminate debts that are primarily consumer debts.
Source: US Courts Glossary
Debts incurred for personal, as opposed to business, needs.
Source: US Courts Glossary
The release, prior to trial, of a person accused of a crime, under specified conditions designed to assure that person's appearance in court when required. Also can refer to the amount of bond money posted as a financial condition of pretrial release.
Source: US Courts Glossary
An officer of the Judiciary serving in the judicial districts of Alabama and North Carolina who, like the United States trustee, is responsible for supervising the administration of bankruptcy cases, estates, and trustees; monitoring plans and disclosure statements; monitoring creditor committees; monitoring fee applications; and performing other statutory duties.
Source: US Courts Glossary
The informal name for title 11 of the United States Code (11 U.S.C. §§ 101-1330), the federal bankruptcy law.
Source: US Courts Glossary
The bankruptcy judges in regular active service in each district; a unit of the district court.
Source: US Courts Glossary
All interests of the debtor in property at the time of the bankruptcy filing. The estate technically becomes the temporary legal owner of all of the debtor's property.
Source: US Courts Glossary
A judicial officer of the United States district court who is the court official with decision-making power over federal bankruptcy cases.
Source: US Courts Glossary
A formal request for the protection of the federal bankruptcy laws. (There is an official form for bankruptcy petitions.)
Source: US Courts Glossary
A private individual or corporation appointed in all Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 cases to represent the interests of the bankruptcy estate and the debtor's creditors.
Source: US Courts Glossary
A legal procedure for dealing with debt problems of individuals and businesses; specifically, a case filed under one of the chapters of title 11 of the United States Code (the Bankruptcy Code).
Source: US Courts Glossary
A trial without a jury, in which the judge serves as the fact-finder.
Source: US Courts Glossary
A written statement submitted in a trial or appellate proceeding that explains one side's legal and factual arguments.
Source: US Courts Glossary