CourtHelp Legal Glossary

The Court of Appeals is New York's highest court. This court:

hears civil and criminal appeals from the State's intermediate appellate courts, and sometimes from the trial courts;

hears appeals of decisions reached by the State Commission on Judicial Conduct (which reviews allegations of misconduct brought against judges); and,

makes rules about admitting attorneys to the New York State bar.

Only the Court of Claims has the authority to decide lawsuits seeking money damages against the State of New York, and against certain state-related entities such as the New York State Thruway, the City University of New York (CUNY), and the New York State Power Authority (only for claims related to the taking of real estate).

Court employee in charge of security in the courthouse.

A legal decision made by a court that says something is to be done or not done. It can be made by a judge, commissioner, court referee, or magistrate.

All papers filed with the court in a case. For example, the summons and complaint, a judgment, any transcripts, etc.

Someone that writes down, word for word, what is said in court. They generally use a stenographic machine, shorthand, or a recording device. You can ask for a copy of this record.

A raised seal, press or stamp that prints or stamps a seal on court papers. It might say the name of the judicial district or the consolidated city and county. You can read the stamp in photocopies.

A trial without a jury. A Judge decides the case.

A person or business that is owed a debt (usually money).

An act that breaks a law where you can be punished. A crime can be a misdemeanor or a felony. If you are found guilty, you can be punished by going to jail or prison, fined or be removed from office.

A fee imposed by the State on a defendant who is convicted of a felony misdemeanor or violation.

Someone that has been convicted of a felony or a misdemeanor.

A court case that starts because of a criminal crime.

The Criminal Court of the City of New York handles:

misdemeanors (crimes punishable by fine or imprisonment of up to one year) and lesser offenses;

arraignments (the first court appearances after an arrest); and,

preliminary hearings for felonies (crimes punishable by imprisonment of more than one year).

A NYC agency that interviews defendants after arrest and makes recommendations about bail.

See Offense.

A set of laws that lists the procedures to be followed in criminal cases in New York State.

A claim filed by co-defendant(s) or co-plaintiff(s) against each other.

The questioning of a party or witness by the other side in a trial, hearing, or deposition.

Physical, verbal, sexual or emotional abuse by one person against the other, that harms a person’s physical or mental health. A reason to grant a divorce.

The parent who takes care of the child every day, and has physical custody and control of the child.

1. Legal or physical control of a person or thing. 2. The care and control of children. “Legal custody” is the right to make major decisions affecting a child. “Physical custody” is the day-to-day care of a child under the age of 18. 3. A type of case asking for care and control of a child. This is the same kind of case used to get visitation by the parent who does not have custody. 4. When the court puts a person in prison after they are found guilty of a crime. 5. When the court keeps someone to make sure they appear in court.

A voluntary and confidential meeting with a trained neutral person who helps parents try to agree on a parenting plan for their children.

A court order that says who a child will live with and who will make decisions about health care, education, and other important things.

Money that the losing side must pay to the winning side to make up for loss or injuries. There are two kinds of 1. "Compensatory," means money to pay for the actual cost of an injury or loss. 2. “Punitive" or "exemplary," means an amount of money that is in addition to the actual damages. This is a punishment for bad acts someone does on purpose.