Legal Terms and Definitions

Glossary of Legal Terms

Appearance The formal proceeding by which defendant submits to the jurisdiction of the court. Charge The statement accusing a person of committing a particular crime. Also the judge's instructions to the jury on its duties, on the law involved in the case and on how the law in the case must be applied. Preliminary inquiry In Juvenile Court, an investigation and study conducted by the probation department upon receiving a referral to determine whether further action should be taken. Challenge to the array Questioning the qualifications of an entire jury panel, usually on the grounds of partiality or some fault in the process of summoning the panel. Contract An oral or written agreement between two or more parties, which is enforceable by law. Expungemen A court order allowing the destruction or sealing of records of minors or adults, after the passage of a specified period of time or when the person reaches a specified age and has not committed another offense. Not guilty plea Complete denial of guilt. In criminal cases, a necessary stage of the proceedings required to preserve all legal issues. Relevant In Juvenile Court, a written report submitted by law enforcement officer or other person who has reason to believe a juvenile has committed a crime that would place the child within the jurisdiction of the Juvenile Court.

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	Did You Know?
	The mediation process may vary depending on the mediator. Generally, mediations commence with a general session with all parties, counsel and the mediator. At the general session, there will be a discussion of the case, the issues on appeal and other matters important to settlement. Then the mediator will meet separately with each party and their counsel in separate "caucuses." In these separate sessions, the mediator will seek to foster negotiations between the parties and develop agreement.