Legal Terms and Definitions

Glossary of Legal Terms

Conviction In a criminal case, a finding that the defendant is guilty. Hung jury A jury that cannot agree on a final verdict. If a jury is hung, the court declares a mistrial and the case may be re-tried. Malpractice A lawsuit brought against a professional person, such as a doctor, lawyer or engineer, for injury or loss caused by the defendant's negligence in providing professional services. Embezzlement The fraudulent appropriation by a person to his own use or benefit of property or money entrusted to him by another. Counterclaim A claim presented by a defendant in a civil proceeding in opposition to the claim of a plaintiff. Public defender In a civil tort action such as a medical malpractice suit, the plaintiff must show that an act or omission of the defendant was a proximate cause of the plaintiff's injury or loss. Similarly, in a criminal action, the state must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant's action was the direct cause of the crime Detention hearing In Juvenile Court, a judicial hearing, usually held after the filing of a petition, to determine interim custody of a minor pending a judgment Burglary The unlawful breaking into or entering of a building or dwelling with the intent to commit a serious crime or theft.

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	Did You Know?
	Mediation is a process that involves a mediator Neutral third party who helps the disputing parties achieve a resolution that satisfies both of them. The mediator's primary function is to create constructive communication between parties and provide a forum where disputants can create a mutually satisfactory agreement. Mediators do not impose decisions; instead, they help people craft solutions that will work for them.