Legal Terms and Definitions

Glossary of Legal Terms

Habeas corpus Latin phrase meaning "you have the body"; a civil proceeding used to review the legality of a prisoner's confinement in criminal cases. Habeas corpus actions are commonly used as a means of reviewing state or federal criminal convictions. The petitioner alleges the convictions violated state or federal constitutional rights. State habeas proceedings start in state District Court; federal habeas proceedings start in federal District Court. Lower court decisions may be appealed to appellate courts. Double jeopardy Common law and constitutional prohibition (5th Amendment) against more than one prosecution for the same crime Bind over A judge's decision to hold a criminal defendant for trial. Fraud An intentional perversion of truth; deceitful practice or device resorted to with intent to deprive another of property or other right Codicil A supplement or an addition to a will. It may explain, modify, and add to, subtract from, qualify, alter, restrain or revoke provisions in the existing will. Directed verdict In civil cases in which there is insufficient basis for any other conclusion, the judge may direct the jury to render a specific verdict. Criminal defendants may also ask the court to rule in their favor rather than submitting the case to the jury. Appearance The formal proceeding by which defendant submits to the jurisdiction of the court. Corroborating evidence Evidence supplementary to that already given and tending to strengthen or confirm it.

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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.