Legal Terms and Definitions

Glossary of Legal Terms

Law and motion A setting before a judge at which time a variety of motions, pleas, sentencing, orders to show cause or procedural requests may be presented. Normally, evidence is not taken. Defendants must be present. Counterclaim A claim presented by a defendant in a civil proceeding in opposition to the claim of a plaintiff. Chambers A judge's private office in the courthouse. Reasonable doubt What for what; something for something; giving one valuable thing for another. Cause of action A claim in law in fact sufficient to justify a legal right to sue Preliminary hearing A probable cause hearing which screens felony criminal cases by deciding whether there is enough evidence to warrant a trial. If the judge determines there is sufficient evidence, the defendant is "bound over" for trial. The defendant may waive this hearing. Fourteenth Amendment Among other matters, the 14th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution prohibits states from depriving any person of life, liberty, or property without adequate due process. Fraud An intentional perversion of truth; deceitful practice or device resorted to with intent to deprive another of property or other right

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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.