Legal Terms and Definitions

Glossary of Legal Terms

Referral Follows cross-examination, and is conducted by the party who first examined the witness. 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 Prosecutor For himself; in his own behalf. One who does not retain a lawyer and appears for himself in court. Manslaughter A person recklessly causes the death of another, or acting under extreme emotional disturbance, causes the death of another, or acting under circumstances when a person reasonably believes the circumstances provide a legal justification or excuse for his conduct constitutes manslaughter. Termination of parental rights A judicial proceeding freeing a child from all custody and control by parents, so the child can be adopted by others. 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 In camera In a judge's chambers; in private. Et seq An abbreviation for et sequentes, or et sequentia, "and the following," ordinarily used in referring to a section of statutes.

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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.