Legal Terms and Definitions

Glossary of Legal Terms

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. Hearing A formal proceeding (generally less formal than a trial) with definite issues of law or of fact to be heard. Burden of proof The duty to establish a claim or allegation by admissible evidence. This is usually the duty of the plaintiff in a civil case and always is the duty of the state in a criminal case. Preliminary inquiry In Juvenile Court, an investigation and study conducted by the probation department upon receiving a referral to determine whether further action should be taken. 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. Charge The statement accusing a person of committing a particular crime. Also the judge's instructions to the jury on its duties, on the law involved in the case and on how the law in the case must be applied. Escrow Writing, deed, money, stock, or other property is given to a third person to hold until all conditions in a contract are fulfilled. Jury commissioner An officer charged with the duty of selecting the names to be put into a jury wheel, or of drawing the panel of jurors for a particular term of court.

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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.