Legal Terms and Definitions

Glossary of Legal Terms

Conditional release A release from custody, which imposes regulations on the activities and associations of the defendant. If a defendant fails to meet the conditions, the release is revoked. Injunction A court order forbidding or requiring a certain action. Discovery The process through which parties to an action are allowed to obtain relevant information known to other parties or nonparties before trial Verdict The formal and unanimous decision or finding made by a jury. . Condemnation The legal process by which real estate of a private owner is taken for public use without the owner's consent, but theownerreceives "just compensation. Witness One who testifies under oath to what he/she has seen, heard or otherwise observed. Hearsay Second-hand evidence, generally consisting of a witness's testimony that he/she heard someone else say something. 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.

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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.