Legal Terms and Definitions

Glossary of Legal Terms

Contract An oral or written agreement between two or more parties, which is enforceable by law. Codicil A supplement or an addition to a will. It may explain, modify, and add to, subtract from, qualify, alter, restrain or revoke provisions in the existing will. Adversary system The system of trial practice in the United States and some other countries in which each of the opposing, or adversary, parties has the opportunity to present and establish opposing contentions before the court Intervention A proceeding in a civil suit by which a third person is permitted by the court to join as a party to the suit. Writ A petition to a court for some extraordinary relief, such as asking the court to release a defendant from imprisonment. Hearsay Second-hand evidence, generally consisting of a witness's testimony that he/she heard someone else say something. Protective custody The name of the public officer who is appointed in each county to conduct criminal prosecutions on behalf of the state or people. Embezzlement The fraudulent appropriation by a person to his own use or benefit of property or money entrusted to him by another.

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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.