Legal Definitions

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P R S T U V W  All
Affirmed:  In the practice of the appellate courts, the decree or order is declared valid and will stand as rendered in the lower court.

Affidavit:  A written statement of facts confirmed by the oath of the party making it, before a notary or officer having authority to administer oaths.

Acquittal:  Judgement that a criminal defendant has not been proved guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

Answer:  The formal written statement by a defendant responding to a civil complaint and setting forth the grounds for defense.

Appeal:  A request made after a trial, asking another court (usually the court of appeals) to decide whether the trial was conducted properly. To make such a request is "to appeal" or "to take an appeal." One who appeals is called the appellant.

Appellate:  About appeals; an appellate court has the power to review the judgement of another lower court or tribunal.

Arraignment:  A proceeding in which an individual who is accused of committing a crime is brought into court, told of the charges, and asked to plead guilty or not guilty.



The definitions of the legal terms on this page are provided by the United States Department of Justice.