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Power of attorney
A written instrument authorizing another (not necessarily a lawyer) to act as one's agent or attorney.
Multiplicity of actions
Numerous and unnecessary attempts to litigate the same issue.
Exclusionary rule
A rule by which evidence that was obtained illegally cannot be used in a criminal trial against a defendant. Also, in criminal cases, a rule which prevents witnesses from observing each other testify or from discussing testimony during the course of the proceedings.
Court reporter
A court official who records testimony and arguments, and transcribes it into a permanent record of all court proceedings.
Liability
A legal responsibility, obligation, or debt.
Abandonment
A parent's or custodian's act of leaving a child without adequate care, supervision, support or parental contact for an excessive period of time. Also, the desertion of one spouse by the other with the intent to terminate the marriage relationship.
Witness
One who testifies under oath to what he/she has seen, heard or otherwise observed.
Subpoena
An agreement by attorneys on opposite sides of a case as to any matter pertaining to the proceedings or trial. It is not binding unless agreed to by the parties, and most stipulations must be in writing.
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