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
Impeachment:  (1) The process of calling something into question, as in "impeaching the testimony of a witness." (2) The constitutional process whereby the House of Representatives may "impeach" (accuse of misconduct) high officers of the federal government for trial in the Senate.

In Forma Pauperis:  In the manner of a pauper. Permission given to a person to sue without payment of court fees on claim of indigence or poverty.

Indictment:  The formal charge issued by a grand jury stating that there is enough evidence that the defendant committed the crime to justify having a trial; it is used primarily for felonies.

Information:  A formal accusation by a government attorney that the defendant committed a misdemeanor.

Injunction:  An order of the court prohibiting (or compelling) the performance of a specific act to prevent irreparable damage or injury.

Instructions:  Judge's explanation to the jury before it begins deliberations of the questions it must answer and the law governing the case.

Interrogatories:  Written questions asked by one party of an opposing party, who must answer them in writing under oath; a discovery device in a lawsuit.

Issue:  (1) The disputed point in a disagreement between parties in a lawsuit. (2) To send out officially, as in to issue an order.



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