Legal Terms and Definitions

Glossary of Legal Terms

Directed verdict In civil cases in which there is insufficient basis for any other conclusion, the judge may direct the jury to render a specific verdict. Criminal defendants may also ask the court to rule in their favor rather than submitting the case to the jury. Probable cause A judicial finding that there exists reasonable grounds for belief that a person should be arrested or searched. Abandonment A parent's or custodian's act of leaving a child without adequate care, supervision, support or parental contact for an excessive period of time. Also, the desertion of one spouse by the other with the intent to terminate the marriage relationship. Parole A procedure in which a parole board releases a convict on good behavior before the maximum sentence expires. Mitigating circumstance A circumstance that may be considered to reduce the degree of moral culpability, although it does not entirely justify or excuse an offense. Preliminary injunction In civil cases when it is necessary to preserve the status quo prior to trial, the court may issue a preliminary injunction or temporary restraining order ordering a party to carry out a specified activity. Lis pendens A pending suit. Cross-claim In a civil proceeding, if there are two or more defendants, one defendant can raise a claim against another defendant.

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	Did You Know?
	Mediation is a process that involves a mediator Neutral third party who helps the disputing parties achieve a resolution that satisfies both of them. The mediator's primary function is to create constructive communication between parties and provide a forum where disputants can create a mutually satisfactory agreement. Mediators do not impose decisions; instead, they help people craft solutions that will work for them.