CourtHelp Legal Glossary

When a tenant can't use part or all of an apartment because of something the landlord/owner has done or allowed.

Federal law that limits how much money can be taken from someone’s paycheck to pay for child support. States can set their own limits as long as these limits are not higher than the federal ones.

When doing or not doing (or saying) something prevents justice or hurts the honor, respect, or authority of the court. This includes ignoring or disobeying a Judge or a court order. Contempt can be for something that was not done on purpose (Civil Contempt) and can be punished with fines and/or jail until the order is followed. It can also be on purpose (Criminal Contempt), and is punishable by jail up to 30 days even if the order is followed.

A case where the parties don't agree on the facts or the law. unintentional

A case where a person doesn't want the divorce action. This means that the parties can't agree on the terms of their divorce.

Putting off a court case to a later date. See adjournment; compare with recess.

Postponed, or put off to a later date.

The idea that only one support order exist between the same people at one time, even when they are in a different State. The court of continuing exclusive jurisdiction (CCEJ) has control over a support case until another court takes it away. This is defined in the Uniform Interstate Family Support Act (UIFSA).

An agreement between two or more people to do or not to do something. It can be oral (verbal) or written (on paper).

1. To give the title to property to another. 2. To make known or communicate.

In a criminal case. A finding of guilt either by plea or by trial.

Latin: "Before us, in our presence." A legal paper that is used to tell the court about mistakes in the facts of the case.

The Chief attorney of New York City’s Law Department. The Law Department represents the city, the mayor, and various government agencies in court, juvenile delinquency cases in Family Court and administrative code enforcement in Criminal Court.

To help prove a statement or argument with more facts or evidence.

1. Fees and charges that a person paid to file a court case or to enforce a judgment. 2. Statutory Money added to a judgment in a civil suit to pay for expenses.

1. Noun: A lawyer or attorney. 2. Verb: To advise or help.

Each separate charge (or statement) in a case. 

A claim made by the person sued in a case against the person who started the case. A counterclaim can be for a new claim or for something connected to the other side’s claims.

The office where a person can pay for an index number and calendar number for a court case, and court papers, records of property and other official records are filed and kept.

County Courts are located in each county outside New York City.

County Courts, City Courts, and Town and Village Courts share authority to handle trials in misdemeanor cases and other minor offenses. But only County Courts have the authority to conduct trials in felony matters. County Courts also have limited authority over cases involving claims up to $25,000.

1. The place where cases are heard. 2. A Judge or group of Judges whose job it is to hear cases and carry out justice.

An official judicial officer that can hear and decide cases sent by a judge.

See Clerk

See interpreter.

Probation officer assigned to Family Court. It is sometimes used to describe ACS case workers assigned to the court or a courtroom.