Legal Terms and Definitions

Glossary of Legal Terms

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 Perjury Lying while under oath Sealing The fee, which the client pays when he/she retains an attorney. Opinion evidence Witnesses are normally required to confine their testimony to statements of fact and are not allowed to give their opinions in court. However, if a witness is qualified as an expert in a particular field, he or she may be allowed to state an opinion as an expert based on certain facts. Writ A petition to a court for some extraordinary relief, such as asking the court to release a defendant from imprisonment. Nolo contendere A Latin phrase meaning, "I will not contest it." A plea in a criminal case which does not require the defendant to admit guilt, but the defendant does not contest the facts on which the charge is based. Some judges refuse to accept such pleas in criminal cases. Fee simple absolute The most complete, unlimited form of ownership of real property. No-fault divorce A kind of divorce in which the parties need not cast blame on one another for the failure of the marriage.

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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.