Legal Terms and Definitions

Glossary of Legal Terms

Exhibit A paper, document or other article presented and offered into evidence in court during a trial or hearing to prove the facts of a case. Complainant Synonymous with "plaintiff," or, in criminal cases, the complaining witness. Quid pro quo To overthrow; vacate; to annul or void a summons, indictment, bindover order or subpoena. Motion A formal request presented to a court. Eschea In American law, the right of the state to an estate left vacant, to which no one makes a valid claim. Property of a decedent who had no will and no heir’s escheats to the state. Injunction A court order forbidding or requiring a certain action. Prejudicial evidence Evidence which might unfairly sway the judge or jury to one side or the other. For example, photographs of a gory murder scene might inflame a jury without providing useful evidence. May be excluded in criminal cases if prejudicial effect outweighs probative value. Hearing de novo A full new hearing.

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