Category: US Courts Glossary

An offense punishable by one year of imprisonment or less. See also felony. Source: US Courts Glossary

An invalid trial, caused by fundamental error. When a mistrial is declared, the trial must start again with the selection of a […]

Not subject to a court ruling because the controversy has not actually arisen, or has ended Source: US Courts Glossary

A pretrial motion requesting the court to prohibit the other side from presenting, or even referring to, evidence on matters said to […]

A request by a creditor to allow the creditor to take action against the debtor or the debtor’s property that would otherwise […]

A request by a litigant to a judge for a decision on an issue relating to the case. Source: US Courts Glossary

A Chapter 7 case in which there are no assets available to satisfy any portion of the creditors’ unsecured claims. Source: US […]

No contest. A plea of nolo contendere has the same effect as a plea of guilty, as far as the criminal sentence […]

A debt that cannot be eliminated in bankruptcy. Examples include a home mortgage, debts for alimony or child support, certain taxes, debts […]

Property of a debtor that can be liquidated to satisfy claims of creditors. Source: US Courts Glossary

A trustee’s or creditor’s objection to the debtor being released from personal liability for certain dischargeable debts. Common reasons include allegations that […]

A trustee’s or creditor’s objection to the debtor’s attempt to claim certain property as exempt from liquidation by the trustee to creditors. […]

A judge’s written explanation of the decision of the court. Because a case may be heard by three or more judges in […]

An opportunity for lawyers to summarize their position before the court and also to answer the judges’ questions. Source: US Courts Glossary

1. In appellate cases, a group of judges (usually three) assigned to decide the case; 2. In the jury selection process, the […]

The release of a prison inmate – granted by the U.S. Parole Commission – after the inmate has completed part of his […]

A party who has standing to be heard by the court in a matter to be decided in the bankruptcy case. The […]

Latin, meaning “for the court.” In appellate courts, often refers to an unsigned opinion. Source: US Courts Glossary

A district court may grant each side in a civil or criminal trial the right to exclude a certain number of prospective […]

A group of citizens who hear the evidence presented by both sides at trial and determine the facts in dispute. Federal criminal […]

A form of discovery consisting of written questions to be answered in writing and under oath. Source: US Courts Glossary

1. The disputed point between parties in a lawsuit; 2. To send out officially, as in a court issuing an order. Source: […]

A court-approved mechanism under which two or more cases can be administered together. (Assuming no conflicts of interest, these separate businesses or […]

One bankruptcy petition filed by a husband and wife together. Source: US Courts Glossary

An official of the Judicial branch with authority to decide lawsuits brought before courts. Used generically, the term judge may also refer […]