Legal Terms and Definitions

Glossary of Legal Terms

Domicile That place where a person has his true and permanent home. A person may have several residences, but only one domicile Competency A witness's ability to observe, recall and recount under oath what happened. Criminal defendants must also be competent to stand trial; they must understand the nature of the proceedings and have the ability to assist their lawyers. Corpus delicti - The substance or foundation of a crime; the substantial fact that a crime has been committed, e g., the corpse of a homicide victim, the charred remains of a burned house. Docket A brief entry or the book containing such entries of any proceeding in court. Damages Money that a court orders paid to party (usually the plaintiff) who has suffered a loss by another party who caused the loss (usually the defendant). Hearsay Second-hand evidence, generally consisting of a witness's testimony that he/she heard someone else say something. Plaintiff A person who files a lawsuit. Holographic will A will entirely written, dated and signed by the testator in his/her own handwriting.

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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.