Legal Terms and Definitions

Glossary of Legal Terms

Lis pendens A pending suit. Conviction In a criminal case, a finding that the defendant is guilty. presentment In felony cases, the first appearance before a judge at which the defendant is formally notified of the charges and a date is set for a preliminary hearing. No plea is entered at this stage. If, after the preliminary hearing, the case is bound over to the District Court, the defendant will enter a plea during arraignment in District Court. (Presentment is often incorrectly called arraignment.) Appeal The bringing of a case to a higher court for review of a lower court's order or judgment. 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. Et al An abbreviation of et alii, meaning "and others," ordinarily used in lieu of listing all names of persons involved in a proceeding. 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. Prejudicial error Synonymous with "reversible error"; an error which warrants the appellate court in reversing the judgment before it.

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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.