Legal Terms and Definitions

Glossary of Legal Terms

Decree A decision or order of the court. A final decree is one, which fully and finally disposes of the litigation. An interlocutory decree is a preliminary decree, which is not final. Premeditation The planning of a crime preceding the commission of the act, rather than committing the crime on the spur of the moment. Exhibit A paper, document or other article presented and offered into evidence in court during a trial or hearing to prove the facts of a case. Mistrial A trial, which is void because of some error. Detention hearing In Juvenile Court, a judicial hearing, usually held after the filing of a petition, to determine interim custody of a minor pending a judgment Assault A willful attempt to illegally inflict injury on or threaten a person. 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. Answer A pleading by which defendant responds to the plaintiff's complaint

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	Did You Know?
	Mediation may not be the most appropriate avenue for resolution in all cases. For example, it may not be appropriate in cases where: A definitive or authoritative resolution of the matter is required; The matter involves or may bear upon significant questions of Government policy that require additional procedures before a final resolution may be made; Maintaining established policies that apply to many people is especially important; The matter significantly affects persons or groups who are not parties to the process; A full public record of the proceeding is important; or The agency must maintain continuing jurisdiction over the matter with authority to alter the disposition of the matter in light of changed circumstances.