Legal Terms and Definitions

Glossary of Legal Terms

Direct evidence Evidence in the form of testimony from a witness who actually saw, heard, or touched the subject of interrogation. Miranda rule The rule, pronounced in Miranda v. Arizona, that confessions are inadmissible in a criminal prosecution if the police do not advise the suspect in custody of certain rights before questioning. Bail In criminal cases, a sum of money posted by or on behalf of a defendant to guarantee his appearance in court after being released from jail 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. Costs An allowance for expenses in prosecuting or defending a suit. Ordinarily this does not include attorney fees. Case law The law made by courts interpreting cases and laws as opposed to law made by legislatures. In the American system, the primary sources of law are 1) constitutions, 2) statutes/regulations, and 3) case law. Termination of parental rights A judicial proceeding freeing a child from all custody and control by parents, so the child can be adopted by others. Summons A notice to the named person that an action has been commenced against him in court and that he is required to appear, on the day named, and answer the complaint.

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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.