Legal Terms and Definitions

Glossary of Legal Terms

Annual review Yearly judicial review, usually in juvenile dependency cases, to determine whether the child requires continued court supervision or placement Pro se A sentence releasing a convicted criminal into the community or a treatment facility under the supervision of a probation officer, requiring compliance with certain conditions. If the conditions are not met, the court orders an "Order to Show Cause" hearing as to why probation should not be revoked and the sentence imposed. Criminal case A case brought by the government against a person accused of committing a crime. Bind over A judge's decision to hold a criminal defendant for trial. Defendant The accused in a criminal case; the person from whom money or other recovery is sought in a civil case. Search and seizure, unreasonable The closure of court records to inspection, except to the parties. Declaratory judgment One which declares the rights of the parties or expresses the opinion of the court on a question of law, without ordering anything to be done. In loco parentis In the place of the parent"; refers to actions of a custodian, guardian or other person acting in the parent's place.

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	Did You Know?
	Mediation is a process that involves a mediator Neutral third party who helps the disputing parties achieve a resolution that satisfies both of them. The mediator's primary function is to create constructive communication between parties and provide a forum where disputants can create a mutually satisfactory agreement. Mediators do not impose decisions; instead, they help people craft solutions that will work for them.