Trial Court

Litigation

The process of taking legal action or resolving disputes in court, including all proceedings before, during, and after the trial.

Bench Trial

A trial where the judge acts as the sole trier of fact and decides the case without a jury.

Jury Trial

A trial where a jury is selected to determine the facts and deliver a verdict.

Plaintiff

The person or entity bringing a civil lawsuit.

Defendant

The person or entity being sued or accused.

Prosecutor

A government attorney who initiates and conducts criminal cases against a defendant on behalf of the state.

Bar Association

A professional organization for lawyers that oversees legal practice standards and may handle attorney discipline.

Contingency Fee

A payment arrangement where a lawyer is paid a percentage of the amount recovered only if the client wins the case.

Retainer

An upfront fee paid to a lawyer to secure their services, often used to cover future legal expenses.

Attorney-Client Privilege

A legal principle that protects communications between a client and their lawyer from being disclosed without the client's permission.

Judge

The official who presides over the court, ensuring fair proceedings and interpreting the law.

Bailiff

A court officer responsible for maintaining order and assisting the judge.

Court Clerk

An official who manages court records and files legal documents.

Witness

A person who provides testimony about what they have seen or experienced relevant to the case.

Subpoena

A legal document requiring a person to appear in court or produce evidence.

Affidavit

A written statement sworn to be true under oath, used as evidence in court.

Perjury

The crime of lying under oath during a legal proceeding.

Stipulated Facts

Facts agreed upon by both parties in a trial.

Burden of Proof

The obligation to prove the allegations or claims made in a case.

Contempt of Court

Actions that disrespect the court or disrupt proceedings.

Voir Dire

The process of questioning potential jurors to determine their suitability.

Removal/Challenge for Cause

The dismissal of a potential juror for a specific reason.

Peremptory Challenge

The removal of a potential juror without providing a reason.

Deliberation

The jury's process of discussing the evidence and arguments to reach a verdict.

Trier of Fact

The entity responsible for determining the facts in a case.

Evidence

Information, documents, or physical objects presented in court.

Testimony

Statements made by witnesses under oath.

Objection

A formal protest made by an attorney during a trial.

Sustain

When a judge agrees with an objection.

Overrule

When a judge disagrees with an objection.

Mistrial

A trial that is invalid due to a significant error or misconduct.

Verdict

The decision made by the jury or judge regarding the outcome of the case.

Plea Bargain

An agreement in a criminal case where the defendant pleads guilty to a lesser charge.

Acquittal

A judgment that the defendant is not guilty of the charges.