Legal Terms and Definitions

Glossary of Legal Terms

Objection The act of taking exception to some statement or procedure in trial or other proceeding. Used to call the court's attention to improper evidence or procedure. Default Occurs when a defendant fails to respond to the plaintiff's complaint within the time allowed, or fails to appear at the trial. The court may then enter a default judgment prima facie Literally, "on its face." A fact presumed to be true unless disproved by some other evidence. In a criminal case, when the prosecution rests, the state's case is said to be prima facie, if the evidence so far introduced is sufficient to convict. Prosecutor For himself; in his own behalf. One who does not retain a lawyer and appears for himself in court. Assault A willful attempt to illegally inflict injury on or threaten a person. Beyond a reasonable doubt Entirely convinced; in a criminal case the defendant's guilt must be proven to the jury to this extent. This is the highest burden of proof any party has in any proceeding Irrelevant Evidence not sufficiently related to the matter in issue. Appellee The party against whom an appeal is taken

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	Did You Know?
	The mediation process may vary depending on the mediator. Generally, mediations commence with a general session with all parties, counsel and the mediator. At the general session, there will be a discussion of the case, the issues on appeal and other matters important to settlement. Then the mediator will meet separately with each party and their counsel in separate "caucuses." In these separate sessions, the mediator will seek to foster negotiations between the parties and develop agreement.