Category: 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 […]

1. The process of calling a witness’s testimony into doubt. For example, if the attorney can show that the witness may have […]

Latin, meaning in a judge’s chambers. Often means outside the presence of a jury and the public. In private. Source: US Courts […]

In the manner of a pauper. Permission given by the court to a person to file a case without payment of the […]

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 […]

A formal accusation by a government attorney that the defendant committed a misdemeanor. See also indictment. Source: US Courts Glossary

A court order preventing one or more named parties from taking some action. A preliminary injunction often is issued to allow fact-finding, […]

A director, officer, or person in control of the debtor; a partnership in which the debtor is a general partner; a general […]

Any relative of the debtor or of a general partner of the debtor; partnership inwhich the debtor is a general partner; general […]

A debt for which the Bankruptcy Code allows the debtor’s personal liability to be eliminated. Source: US Courts Glossary

A written document prepared by the chapter 11 debtor or other plan proponent that is designed to provide “adequate information” to creditors […]

Procedures used to obtain disclosure of evidence before trial. Source: US Courts Glossary

Court action that prevents an identical lawsuit from being filed later. Source: US Courts Glossary

Court action that allows the later filing. Source: US Courts Glossary

Income not reasonably necessary for the maintenance or support of the debtor or dependents. If the debtor operates a business, disposable income […]

A log containing the complete history of each case in the form of brief chronological entries summarizing the court proceedings. Source: US […]

In criminal law, the constitutional guarantee that a defendant will receive a fair and impartial trial. In civil law, the legal rights […]

French, meaning “on the bench.” All judges of an appellate court sitting together to hear a case, as opposed to the routine […]

Pertaining to civil suits in “equity” rather than in “law.” In English legal history, the courts of “law” could order the payment […]

The value of a debtor’s interest in property that remains after liens and other creditors’ interests are considered. (Example: If a house […]

Information presented in testimony or in documents that is used to persuade the fact finder (judge or jury) to decide the case […]

A proceeding brought before a court by one party only, without notice to or challenge by the other side. Source: US Courts […]

Doctrine that says evidence obtained in violation of a criminal defendant’s constitutional or statutory rights is not admissible at trial. Source: US […]

Evidence indicating that a defendant did not commit the crime. Source: US Courts Glossary