CourtHelp Legal Glossary

A place where old records and files are kept for safe keeping.

A statement, reason or fact for or against something in a case.

When a person who is accused of committing a crime is taken to court, is told about the charges, and is asked to plead guilty or not guilty.

Money that is overdue or unpaid. Usually used in reference to unpaid rent or child support.

Taking a person into custody because of criminal activity. A person can be taken into custody with or without a warrant.

A Supreme Court case that can change an order made by an administrative agency, like NYCHA or Section 8.

A Supreme Court case to name a person as the guardian of another who can't handle his or her affairs.

To make sure. To find out if something is true.

The threat or use of force that makes another person afraid or offended.

An attorney assigned by the court to represent a party.

A person or business who is given rights, powers or duties. Examples: A collection agency is an assignee who has the same rights as the person who was owed the money originally.

If a person gets public assistance benefits and then later on gets child support, part or all of the public assistance money must be repaid to the government.

A lawyer from the district attorney’s office who prosecutes people on behalf of the public.

1. Extra documents added to court papers to give more information. 2. An order that says a person can collect a judgment by taking the other person's property.

The act of proving a document’s truth by signing as a witness.

Someone licensed to represent clients in court and to give legal advice.

Lawyer assigned by the court to be a child’s attorney.

A person given “power of attorney” to act for another person.

The lawyer whose name is listed in a case file as representing someone in the case.

When records or accounts are looked at to check that they are right and complete.

A copy of an original writing that is certified or verified (sworn to) by a proper officer.

Part of the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act (PRWORA) that lets states find, put a lien on, and take property from people in a different state that owe money.

1. The amount of money given by an arbitrator or a jury in a judgment. 2. To give something by a formal act or a judicial order.

A money deposit (usually cash) given to the court to release a defendant or witness from custody and to make sure that they come back to court.

A legal paper that a person buys from a bondsman and gives to the court instead of money. If the defendant doesn't come to court as ordered, the bondsman must pay the amount of money on the bail bond to the court.