Legal Terms and Definitions

Glossary of Legal Terms

No bill This phrase, endorsed by a grand jury on an indictment, means that, in the opinion of the jury, evidence was insufficient to warrant the return of a formal charge. Costs An allowance for expenses in prosecuting or defending a suit. Ordinarily this does not include attorney fees. Litigant A party to a lawsuit; one engaged in litigation. Search and seizure, unreasonable The closure of court records to inspection, except to the parties. Fee simple absolute The most complete, unlimited form of ownership of real property. Annual review Yearly judicial review, usually in juvenile dependency cases, to determine whether the child requires continued court supervision or placement Precedent A rule of law that is established by an appellate court in an earlier case serves as binding precedent in all subsequent similar cases. Subpoena duces tecum An official order to appear in court (or at a deposition) at a specific time. Failure to obey a subpoena to appear in court is punishable as a contempt of court.

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	Did You Know?
	Mediation may not be the most appropriate avenue for resolution in all cases. For example, it may not be appropriate in cases where: A definitive or authoritative resolution of the matter is required; The matter involves or may bear upon significant questions of Government policy that require additional procedures before a final resolution may be made; Maintaining established policies that apply to many people is especially important; The matter significantly affects persons or groups who are not parties to the process; A full public record of the proceeding is important; or The agency must maintain continuing jurisdiction over the matter with authority to alter the disposition of the matter in light of changed circumstances.