Legal Terms and Definitions

Glossary of Legal Terms

Protective custody The name of the public officer who is appointed in each county to conduct criminal prosecutions on behalf of the state or people. Fraud An intentional perversion of truth; deceitful practice or device resorted to with intent to deprive another of property or other right Ordinance A written law enacted by the legislative body of a county, city, or town. Law and motion A setting before a judge at which time a variety of motions, pleas, sentencing, orders to show cause or procedural requests may be presented. Normally, evidence is not taken. Defendants must be present. Evidence Testimony, records, documents, material objects, or other things presented at a trial to prove the existence or nonexistence of a fact. Relevant In Juvenile Court, a written report submitted by law enforcement officer or other person who has reason to believe a juvenile has committed a crime that would place the child within the jurisdiction of the Juvenile Court. Extradition The surrender by one state to another of an individual accused or convicted of an offense outside its own territory, and within the territorial jurisdiction of the other. Plea-bargaining A process whereby the prosecutor and defense attorney negotiate a mutually satisfactory disposition of the case. The court and the defendant must approve of any settlements. For example, a guilty plea may be exchanged for a lesser charge or a sentencing recommendation, or for dismissal of one or more of the charges in multi-count information, or for dismissal of another case.

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	Did You Know?
	Mediation may not be the most appropriate avenue for resolution in all cases. For example, it may not be appropriate in cases where: A definitive or authoritative resolution of the matter is required; The matter involves or may bear upon significant questions of Government policy that require additional procedures before a final resolution may be made; Maintaining established policies that apply to many people is especially important; The matter significantly affects persons or groups who are not parties to the process; A full public record of the proceeding is important; or The agency must maintain continuing jurisdiction over the matter with authority to alter the disposition of the matter in light of changed circumstances.