Legal Terms and Definitions

Glossary of Legal Terms

Respondent Literally, "a superior (or master) must answer." The doctrine which holds that employers are responsible for the acts and omissions of their employees and agents, when done within the scope of the employees' duties. Reporting statutes An order by a court directing the transfer of a case to another court. For example, when a case is proper for jurisdiction in federal court, the federal court may remove the case from the state court in which it was originally filed. Garnishment A court order to take part of a person's wages, before he gets them, and apply the amount taken to pay a debt owed to a creditor Inadmissible/incompetent evidence Information that is so unreliable it cannot be admitted under the established rules of evidence. Referral Follows cross-examination, and is conducted by the party who first examined the witness. Unlawful detainer A detention of real estate without the consent of the owner or other person entitled to its possession. Common law General provisions of law existing before codification or interpretation by courts. Restraining order Court-ordered payment to restore goods or money to the victim of a crime by the offender.

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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.