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Attorney of record
Attorney whose name appears in the permanent records or files of a case.
Arraignment
In a misdemeanor case, the initial appearance before a judge at which the criminal defendant enters a plea; in a felony case, the proceeding after the indictment or bindover at which the defendant comes before a judge in District Court, is informed of the charges, enters a plea, and has a date set for trial or disposition. In Juvenile Court, the first hearing after a petition has been filed.
Probate
The process of proving the validity of a will.
Statute of limitations
The judgment formally pronounced by the court upon the defendant after conviction in a criminal prosecution, imposing the punishment to be inflicted.
Change of venue
The removal of a suit begun in one county or district to another for trial, or from one court to another in the same county or district. In criminal cases, for example, a change of venue will be permitted if the court feels the defendant cannot receive a fair trial where the court is located.
Trial
A judicial examination of issues between parties to an action.
Competency
A witness's ability to observe, recall and recount under oath what happened. Criminal defendants must also be competent to stand trial; they must understand the nature of the proceedings and have the ability to assist their lawyers.
False pretenses
Representation of some fact or circumstance which is not true and is calculated to mislead, whereby a person obtains another's money or goods
Parent Infant Trauma Syndrome (P.I.T.S.)
See Battered Child Syndrome
Deliberation
The jury's decision-making process after hearing the evidence and closing arguments and being given the court's instructions.
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