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

The duty to prove disputed facts. In civil cases, a plaintiff generally has the burden of proving his or her case. In criminal cases, the government has the burden of proving the defendant's guilt. (See standard of proof.)

Source: US Courts Glossary

A bankruptcy case in which the debtor is a business or an individual involved in business and the debts are for business purposes.

Source: US Courts Glossary

A crime punishable by death.

Source: US Courts Glossary

A complete collection of every document filed in court in a case.

Source: US Courts Glossary

The law as established in previous court decisions. A synonym for legal precedent. Akin to common law, which springs from tradition and judicial decisions.

Source: US Courts Glossary

The number of cases handled by a judge or a court.

Source: US Courts Glossary

A legal claim.

Source: US Courts Glossary

The offices of a judge and his or her staff.

Source: US Courts Glossary

A reorganization bankruptcy, usually involving a corporation or partnership. A Chapter 11 debtor usually proposes a plan of reorganization to keep its business alive and pay creditors over time. Individuals or people in business can also seek relief in Chapter 11.

Source: US Courts Glossary

A jury verdict that a criminal defendant is not guilty, or the finding of a judge that the evidence is insufficient to support a conviction.

Source: US Courts Glossary

A judge in the full-time service of the court. Compare to senior judge.

Source: US Courts Glossary

The federal agency responsible for collecting court statistics, administering the federal courts' budget, and performing many other administrative and programmatic functions, under the direction and supervision of the Judicial Conference of the United States.

Source: US Courts Glossary

A term used to describe evidence that may be considered by a jury or judge in civil and criminal cases.

Source: US Courts Glossary

A lawsuit arising in or related to a bankruptcy case that begins by filing a complaint with the court, that is, a "trial" that takes place within the context of a bankruptcy case.

Source: US Courts Glossary

A written or printed statement made under oath.

Source: US Courts Glossary

In the practice of the court of appeals, it means that the court of appeals has concluded that the lower court decision is correct and will stand as rendered by the lower court.

Source: US Courts Glossary

A juror selected in the same manner as a regular juror who hears all the evidence but does not help decide the case unless called on to replace a regular juror.

Source: US Courts Glossary

A procedure for settling a dispute outside the courtroom. Most forms of ADR are not binding, and involve referral of the case to a neutral party such as an arbitrator or mediator.

Source: US Courts Glossary

Latin for "friend of the court." It is advice formally offered to the court in a brief filed by an entity interested in, but not a party to, the case.

Source: US Courts Glossary