Legal Terms and Definitions

Glossary of Legal Terms

Rebuttal evidence A person accused of a crime is entitled to acquittal if, in the minds of the jury or judge, his or her guilt has not been proved beyond a "reasonable doubt"; the jurors are not entirely convinced of the person's guilt. Indictment An accusation of a criminal offense made by a grand jury Criminal insanity Lack of mental capacity to do or abstain from doing a particular act; inability to distinguish right from wrong. Fitness hearing A hearing held in Juvenile Court to determine the fitness of a minor for retention in Juvenile Court, and the minor's amenability to Juvenile Court resources. Must be held before any evidence is heard on a petition for detention. Such a hearing is a prerequisite to transfer of a minor's case to adult court. Also called certification hearing Relevant In Juvenile Court, a written report submitted by law enforcement officer or other person who has reason to believe a juvenile has committed a crime that would place the child within the jurisdiction of the Juvenile Court. Removal, order of To send back; For example, an appellate court may remand a case to a lower court for retrial or for some change in disposition. Ne exeat A writ that forbids the person to whom it is addressed to leave the country, the state or the jurisdiction of the court. Evidence Testimony, records, documents, material objects, or other things presented at a trial to prove the existence or nonexistence of a fact.

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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.