Legal Terms and Definitions

Glossary of Legal Terms

Probable cause A judicial finding that there exists reasonable grounds for belief that a person should be arrested or searched. Prosecutor For himself; in his own behalf. One who does not retain a lawyer and appears for himself in court. Admission statement tending to establish the guilt or liability of the person making the statement. Inadmissible/incompetent evidence Information that is so unreliable it cannot be admitted under the established rules of evidence. Fee simple absolute The most complete, unlimited form of ownership of real property. Forfeiture The concept of forfeiture is used in a variety of settings in the legal system. For example, property such as an automobile or house that is used in the commission of a crime i.e., selling a controlled substance, may be forfeited to the state in a civil proceeding. With prejudice A dismissal "with prejudice" bars the right to bring or maintain another action on the same claim or cause. Peremptory challenge Each party to a suit tried to a jury has the right to peremptorily "challenge" (reject) a certain number of prospective jurors without giving a reason. By contrast, the parties have unlimited rights to challenge jurors for good cause, but the judge must approve "for cause challenges." Parties may not exercise peremptory challenges on the basis of race or gender.

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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.