Legal Terms and Definitions

Glossary of Legal Terms

Child abuse Any form of cruelty to a child's physical, moral or mental well-being. Condemnation The legal process by which real estate of a private owner is taken for public use without the owner's consent, but theownerreceives "just compensation. Exclusion of witnesses An order of the court requiring all witnesses to remain outside the courtroom until each is called to testify, except the plaintiff or defendant. The witnesses are ordered not to discuss their testimony with each other and may be held in contempt if they violate the order. Prosecutor For himself; in his own behalf. One who does not retain a lawyer and appears for himself in court. Bail bondsman A person who posts bail in exchange for a fee, usually 10 percent of the total bail. Prejudicial error Synonymous with "reversible error"; an error which warrants the appellate court in reversing the judgment before it. Diversion Procedures for handling relatively insignificant juvenile problems informally, without referral to Juvenile Court. In criminal cases, the formal continuance of a case for a certain length of time, usually a year, with the goal of dismissal if the defendant meets certain conditions. Contract An oral or written agreement between two or more parties, which is enforceable by law.

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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.