We hope you enjoyed Part 1 and Part 2 our three-part series explaining some common legal terms you might come across during your court case. We continue the series today with Part 3, which covers letters S though Z.
Legal Terms Explained
Sentence – The legal punishment put forth by the judge in a criminal case.
Sequester – In high profile cases, jury members will be sequestered or separated from outside influences during their deliberations.
Settlement – An agreement by two parties in a lawsuit to resolve a dispute before the conclusion of trial. Settlements generally involve compensation by one party to the other in exchange for the agreement to end the case without admission of fault.
Standard or Proof – In criminal cases, the standard of proof is considered evidence “beyond a reasonable doubt” that the crime was committed. In civil lawsuits, the standard of proof is “a preponderance of evidence,” which is more than 50 percent, but in some cases it can be higher, which is known as “clear and convincing” proof.
Statute of Limitations – A time within which a lawsuit needs to be filed for criminal prosecution. The deadline varies based on the crime.
Subpoena – A court order for a witness to appear in court and give testimony.
Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) – A TRO is a short-term order that forbids one party from contacting another party until a certain date, like the conclusion of trial.
Uphold – A decision that affirms a belief held by a lower court. For example, an appeals court my uphold a conviction by the first court.
Verdict – The decision by a jury or judge that determines innocence or guilt in a criminal case.
Warrant – Authorization from a court or a judge that allows law enforcement to conduct a certain act, like complete a search or make an arrest.
Witness – A person called by either the prosecution or defense in a lawsuit to give testimony in a case.
Zero – The number of problems you’ll have if you hire Appelman Law Firm to defend your criminal case.
