Legal Terms and Definitions

Glossary of Legal Terms

Referral Follows cross-examination, and is conducted by the party who first examined the witness. Jury commissioner An officer charged with the duty of selecting the names to be put into a jury wheel, or of drawing the panel of jurors for a particular term of court. False arrest Any unlawful physical restraint of another's personal liberty, whether or not carried out by a peace officer Certiorari See writ of certiorari Preliminary hearing A probable cause hearing which screens felony criminal cases by deciding whether there is enough evidence to warrant a trial. If the judge determines there is sufficient evidence, the defendant is "bound over" for trial. The defendant may waive this hearing. In loco parentis In the place of the parent"; refers to actions of a custodian, guardian or other person acting in the parent's place. presentence report An investigation conducted at the request of the court after a person has been found guilty of a crime. The purpose is to provide the court with extensive background information to determine the appropriate sentence. On felonies, usually done by the Department of Corrections, Division of Adult Probation & Parole (AP & P). Irrelevant Evidence not sufficiently related to the matter in issue.

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	Did You Know?
	Mediation is a process that involves a mediator Neutral third party who helps the disputing parties achieve a resolution that satisfies both of them. The mediator's primary function is to create constructive communication between parties and provide a forum where disputants can create a mutually satisfactory agreement. Mediators do not impose decisions; instead, they help people craft solutions that will work for them.