|
Nolo contendere
A Latin phrase meaning, "I will not contest it." A plea in a criminal case which does not require the defendant to admit guilt, but the defendant does not contest the facts on which the charge is based. Some judges refuse to accept such pleas in criminal cases.
Intervention
A proceeding in a civil suit by which a third person is permitted by the court to join as a party to the suit.
Fitness hearing
A hearing held in Juvenile Court to determine the fitness of a minor for retention in Juvenile Court, and the minor's amenability to Juvenile Court resources. Must be held before any evidence is heard on a petition for detention. Such a hearing is a prerequisite to transfer of a minor's case to adult court. Also called certification hearing
Complainant
Synonymous with "plaintiff," or, in criminal cases, the complaining witness.
Commit
To send a person to prison or jail in criminal proceedings, or to another institution in civil cases by authority of a court.
Burglary
The unlawful breaking into or entering of a building or dwelling with the intent to commit a serious crime or theft.
Miranda rule
The rule, pronounced in Miranda v. Arizona, that confessions are inadmissible in a criminal prosecution if the police do not advise the suspect in custody of certain rights before questioning.
Immunity
Legal protection from liability. There are many categories of immunity in civil and criminal law. For example, sovereign immunity protects government agencies from civil liability and judicial immunity protects judges acting in their official capacities.
|
Did You Know?