|
Nolo contendere
A Latin phrase meaning, "I will not contest it." A plea in a criminal case which does not require the defendant to admit guilt, but the defendant does not contest the facts on which the charge is based. Some judges refuse to accept such pleas in criminal cases.
Foundation
In a trial, a foundation must be laid to establish the basis for the admissibility of certain types of evidence. For example, expert witnesses' qualifications must be shown before expert testimony will be admissible.
Amicus curiae
A friend of the court; a nonparty who interposes, with the permission of the court, and volunteers information upon some matter before the court.
Discovery
The process through which parties to an action are allowed to obtain relevant information known to other parties or nonparties before trial
Agent
one who has authority to act for another
Dissent
A term commonly used to denote the disagreement of one or more judges of a court of appeals with the decision of the majorityA term commonly used to denote the disagreement of one or more judges of a court of appeals with the decision of the majority
Certification
Generally used to refer to the process of transferring a minor's case from the Juvenile Court to the adult court for trial. Usually reserved for capital or first-degree felonies or for chronic offenders.
Hearing de novo
A full new hearing.
|
Did You Know?