CourtHelp Legal Glossary

The rule that comes from a U.S. Supreme court case that says when a person is arrested or questioned by police, they must first be told about certain rights against self-incrimination (saying something that makes it sound like they are guilty).

A crime that has a penalty of at least 15 days but not more than one year in prison.

A lawful act done in a wrongful way.

A trial that ends with no decision.

To make something less severe.

A change or alteration.

An amount of money awarded by the court to a person as payment for damages (losses or injuries) suffered.

1. Not relevant. 2. Has no practical importance. 3. A moot point is an issue that is not decided by the Judge because it is not argued about by either side, or it will be resolved out of court.

1. A lien against property given to back up an obligation, like a debt. If the debt is paid the lien ends. 2. An agreement where one loans money to another so they can buy property, and if the loan is not repaid on time the lender can take the property.

The person who gives money to another to buy property. This person is also called the lender.

The person who gets money to buy property. This person is also called the borrower.

A verbal or written request made by a party to the court to ask for something specific.

An order that gives what a motion asked for.

A proceeding to ask a Judge to do or not do something.

A written request to the court asking for the case to be thrown out. If granted this usually ends a case.

A request to a Judge to talk about an issue in a case again.

A request to a Judge to reconsider his or her decision based on new proof or additional proof not used the first time around.

The party who makes (starts) a motion.

The person asking the court to do or not to do something by making a motion.

A building that has three or more families living separately.

The process that checks a parent’s finances in different states when that parent owes child support. States give information on parents that owe support to the Office of Child Support Enforcement (OCSE). A state can then put a lien on and take all or part of an account.

The killing of a person by a person who planned or intended it (malice aforethought). This mental state can be either said or suggested by actions or words.

A human being (person), not a corporation.

1. The failure to pay attention to a person or a thing accidentally or on purpose. 2. Family Court: See permanent neglect.

The failure to do something that a reasonable person would ordinarily do in a similar situation that can cause harm.