Legal Terms and Definitions

Glossary of Legal Terms

Hearsay Second-hand evidence, generally consisting of a witness's testimony that he/she heard someone else say something. No-fault divorce A kind of divorce in which the parties need not cast blame on one another for the failure of the marriage. Hearing A formal proceeding (generally less formal than a trial) with definite issues of law or of fact to be heard. Estoppel A person's own act, or acceptance of facts, which preclude later claims to the contrary. Exhibit A paper, document or other article presented and offered into evidence in court during a trial or hearing to prove the facts of a case. Et seq An abbreviation for et sequentes, or et sequentia, "and the following," ordinarily used in referring to a section of statutes. Double jeopardy Common law and constitutional prohibition (5th Amendment) against more than one prosecution for the same crime 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

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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.