Legal Glossary

The legal glossary is a comprehensive index of legal terms aimed at educating and helping consumers better understand some of the legal terminology and jargon that is often used in describing legal matters.

Money paid by defendants to successful plaintiffs in civil cases to compensate the plaintiffs for their injuries.

A judgment rendered because of the defendant's failure to answer or appear.

In a civil suit, the person complained against; in a criminal case, the person accused of the crime.

The table where the defense lawyer sits with the defendant in the courtroom.

An oral statement made before an officer authorized by law to administer oaths. Such statements are often taken to examine potential witnesses, to obtain discovery, or to be used later in trial.

Evidence that supports a fact without an inference.

Lawyers' examination, before trial, of facts and documents in possession of the opponents to help the lawyers prepare for trial.

A log containing brief entries of court proceedings.