A Vocabulary (LEGAL)

Hi people! this is a mix of what dawn has described to us, and what google says... Definitely isnt perfect, but a good jumping off point to start studying!! Hope its helpful <3

Abscond

is to leave a place secretly and suddenly—usually to hide oneself, evade the law, or run away with money or property that does not belong to you.

Abstract of Title

is a condensed chronological summary of all public records and legal documents affecting the ownership history of a specific parcel of real property

Accessory after the Fact

is a person who knowingly helps a lawbreaker after a crime has already been committed, with the specific intent of helping them avoid arrest, trial, or punishment (also has lied about it)

Accessory before the Fact

is a person who helps, encourages, counsels, commands, or provides means for someone to commit a crime, but is not physically present when the crime actually takes place (also has lied about it)

Accommodate

an adjustment or modification to standard court procedures, schedules, or physical spaces so that a person with a disability, medical condition, or other specific need has an equal opportunity to participate

Accomplice

is a person who knowingly, voluntarily, or intentionally helps, encourages, or facilitates another person (the principal offender) in committing a crime

Account (explain/story)

witness's formal statement or narrative describing what they saw, heard, or experienced regarding the events of a case.

Accusation

a formal charge made against a person or business asserting that they have violated the law

Acquit

someone in a court of law means that a judge or jury formally rules the defendant not guilty of the criminal charges

Acute

Awful, severe, intense. (used alot in medical)

Address (pay attention to/ look-at)

to speak formally to someone (such as a judge or jury) or to formally deal with a specific legal issue

Ad Hoc

A temporary or special group, that is setup to focus on a specific topic or issue

Adjourn

means to suspend, pause, or postpone a court proceeding until another time, date, or location, or to formally end a daily session

Admissible

is any testimonial, documentary, or physical proof that a judge allows a jury or fact-finder to consider during a court case

Admonish

means for a judge to issue a formal warning, reprimand, advice, or instruction to a participant, attorney, jury, or observer. (WARN)

Affiant

person who signs a written statement (called an affidavit) and swears or affirms under oath that the contents are true to the best of their knowledge

Affirm

• (OATH) is a solemn, formal declaration that a statement is true, serving as a non-religious alternative to a traditional oath

• to say that something is so, the equivalent of swearing an oath

Agency

the legal power to act on someone else’s behalf. When you have agency for someone, your words, signatures, and actions legally count as theirs

Aggravated

a crime or tort is made more severe, dangerous, or harmful because of specific attending circumstances

Aiding and Abetting

assistingm, advising, or encouraging, or facilitating, before or during the commission

Alias

an alias is any name used instead of their official, legal name

Alibi

is a defense used by a person accused of a crime to prove they were in a different place when the offense happened, making it impossible for them to have committed it

Allege/allegation

is a formal assertion, claim, or statement of fact presented by a party in a legal proceeding (such as a civil complaint, criminal charge, or answer) that has not yet been proven to be true

Anonymous

a party, witness, or litigant has their real name and identifying details hidden or protected from the public record, the media, or other participants during legal proceedings

Appointed Counsel

a private lawyer chosen and assigned by a judge to represent a person who cannot afford to pay for their own legal representation

Approach the Bench

in a court trial means a lawyer/person? steps away from their desk and moves directly in front of the judge's elevated seat to have a private conversation

Arraign/ Arraignment

a formal court hearing where a person accused of a crime is brought before a judge to hear the official charges against them and enter a plea

Assault and Battery

assault is the intentional act of making someone reasonably fear imminent physical harm, while battery is the actual physical contact or harm inflicted upon another person (BOTH)

Assets

In a court of law, an asset is any real or personal property, tangible or intangible, that has value or represents a legal right to future value and is subject to the claims of creditors or the rules of legal division

Attest

to bear witness, confirm, or certify by signature or testimony that a document, copy, or event is true, genuine, and properly executed