| A | B |
|---|
| allegations | Numbered paragraphs in a complaint setting forth the background and reasons for filing a suit. |
| appeal | A proceeding brought to a higher court to review a lower courtÂ’s decision. |
| appellate court | A court hearing jurisdiction of appeal and review. |
| bailiff | The peace officer of the court responsible for keeping order and maintaining appropriate courtroom decorum. |
| caption | The title of the case as set forth on pleading and other documents filed with the court. |
| civil action | An action brought by one private party against another to resolve a controversy. |
| closed hearings | Hearings at which members of the general public are not allowed as spectators. |
| common law | Law that has evolved from earlier decisions of courts; law based on precedent; case law. |
| contempt of court | The term applied to an individual who refuses to obey either a written or an oral order of the court. |
| court | Tribunal with judicial authority to handle the administration of justice. |
| court rules | Regulations with the force of law governing practice and procedure in the various courts. |
| default | Failure of the defendant to appear and answer the summons and complaint. |
| ex parte | Refers to contact with the court by only one party in a legal dispute. |
| judgment | The written decision of a court to an action or suit submitted to the court for determination. |
| jurisdiction | The power of a court to hear and try a case. |
| leave of court | Permission of court to take some action. |
| motion | An application made to a court or judge that requests specific relief. |
| notice | Generally, written notification to parties in a lawsuit of the date, time, place, and subject matter of a hearing. |
| open court | Hearings conducted in the courtroom at which members of the general public may be present as spectators. |
| order | Direction of a court or judge usually made in writing. |
| pleading | Written statement made by each side of a lawsuit concerning the various claims and defenses to be decided in court. |
| prayer | A summary in the complaint or petition which states what the plaintiff or petitioner is asking the court to do. |
| pro se | Term used to designate a person who represents himself in court. |
| res judicata | The principle that states that once there has been a judicial decision the matter cannot be litigated again. |
| rules of court | Procedures and requirements adopted by all individual courts that must be followed when filing legal pleadings. |
| show cause | An order granted ex parte stating a date and time the opposing side must appear before the court to present evidence to persuade the court against taking certain action. |
| standing | A concept requiring that a person actually suffer injury before being permitted to sue. |
| stare decisis | The doctrine requiring courts to stand by earlier court decisions when hearing cases with similar fact situations. |
| trial court | The court of original jurisdiction; the first court to consider litigation. |
| venue | The authority of a court to hear a matter based on geographical location. |
| verification | A statement, generally given under oath, that the allegations in a complaint or petition are true and correct. |
