Municipal Court Clerk Glossary Flashcards 1 - 3

This set of vocabulary flashcards provides definitions for legal terms and procedures based on pages 1 to 3 of the Municipal Court Clerk Glossary.

Abstract

A summarized record of the actions taken by a court or state agency.

Abstract of Judgement

A summary of the final decision of a court, often used by court-related agencies in the course of their business.

Abstract of Title

A chronological summary of all official records and recorded documents affecting the title to a parcel of real property.

Accomplice

A person who knowingly, voluntarily, and with common intent with the principal offender unites in the commission of a crime.

Accusation

A formal charge against a person, to the effect that he is guilty of a punishable offense laid before a court or magistrate having jurisdiction to inquire into the alleged crime.

Accused

A person or persons charged with a crime; the defendant.

Acknowledgement

The act of declaring, testifying, or certifying that something is genuine, which can be done orally or in writing.

Acquit

To find a defendant not guilty in a criminal trial.

Acquittal

The legal finding that the accused is innocent.

Action

A court proceeding when one party prosecutes another for the protection or enforcement of a right, the prevention or correction of a wrong, or the punishment of an offense.

Ad Litem

For the suit; for purposes of the suit; pending the suit.

Add-On

An additional matter which is being added onto a specific calendar at a time subsequent to the initial preparation of the calendar.

Addendum

A thing added or to be added.

Additur

The power of a trial court to assess damages or increase the amount of an inadequate award made by jury verdict, as a condition of denial of motion for new trial, with the consent of defendant.

Adjudicate

To exercise judicial authority in settling a legal dispute.

Adjudication

The judgement or decision of a judge regarding a case or cause.

Adjournment

The act of postponing a court session to another time or place.

Administrator

A person appointed by the court to manage or take charge of the assets and liabilities of a decedent.

Administratrix

A woman who administers, or to whom letters of administration have been granted.

General Administrator

One who is appointed to generally administer an entire estate.

Public Administrator

A public officer who administers estates where there is a person appointed to take temporary charge of the estate until general letters are issued.

Administrator with Will Annexed

One appointed administrator of a deceased's estate after named executors refused or were unable to act, or if a will does not name an executor.

Admissible evidence

Evidence that can be legally and properly introduced in a civil or criminal trial.

Admonish

To warn, advise or scold.

Admonition to jury

A statement given by a judge to jurors regarding their duty, conduct, evidence admissibility, and the purpose for which evidence may be considered.

Adoption

The taking and receiving as one's own that to which he/she bore no prior relation.

Adversary System

The U.S. trial method based on giving opposing parties full opportunity to present evidence and test it via cross-examination before an impartial judge and/or jury.

Affiant

A person who makes and signs an affidavit.

Affidavit

A written statement of facts, sworn to under oath, in the presence of someone legally authorized to administer it, such as a judge or notary public.

Affirm

To make a solemn declaration; an oath used when a person does not want to swear to the truth of something.

Affirmative Defense

When a defendant raises circumstances such as insanity, self-defense, or entrapment to avoid responsibility without denying the original charge.

Affirmed

In appellate practice, this means the decision of the trial court is correct.

Aggravation

Circumstances attending the commission of a crime which increase its enormity or add to its injurious consequences.

Aid and Abet

To actively, knowingly or intentionally assist another person in the commission or attempted commission of a crime.

Allegation

An unproven or as yet unproven statement or pleading.

Allege

To state, assert, or charge that something is fact, although it has not yet been proven so.

Alternative Dispute Resolution

Settling a dispute without a full, formal trial; methods include mediation, conciliation, arbitration, and settlement.

Amend

To add to or alter a charge which has been filed.

Amicus Curiae (a-mi'kus ku'ri-e)

A friend of the court; one not a party to a case who volunteers information to assist the court in deciding a matter.

Annulment

To nullify, cancel, or make void; it differs from divorce because it establishes that a marital status never existed.

Answer

A written statement made by the defendant in a civil case in response to the charges or complaints filed.

Appeal

The procedure by which a person found guilty in a lower court can request a higher court to review the case for errors or injustices.

Appeal Bond

The bond given on taking an appeal, by which the appellant and sureties are bound to pay damages and costs if the appeal is unsuccessful.