For glossary terms in American Sign Language, you can view these Midwest Center on Law and the Deaf videos.
Acquit
To be found not guilty of a crime by a judge or jury
Actionable
Enough evidence to file a lawsuit
Actual damages
Money awarded to replace damages the plaintiff suffered
Adjudicated delinquent
A finding for an act committed by a juvenile for which an adult could be prosecuted in a criminal court. Delinquent acts can include drug offenses and crimes against persons, property, and public order.
Adjudication
A formal court decision
Administrative hearing
Similar to trial but less formal. It's held in front of a judge who works for a government agency.
Administrative order
A decision made by a government agency
Adoption
When an adult becomes a child's legal parent
Adult
Any person 18 years old or over
Adultery
Sexual relations between a married person and someone who is not their spouse
Affidavit
A notarized written statement signed by a person under oath
Affidavit of service
A written statement signed under oath. It describes where, when, and how a person received court documents.
Affirmative defense
When a defendant asserts new facts in a case that are different from the facts given by the plaintiff. If proven to be true, these are reasons why the plaintiff should not win.
Aggravated assault
The infliction of serious physical injury with or without a deadly weapon, or intentional attempt to seriously injure with a weapon.
Agreed order
An agreement between two sides in a lawsuit that says what both sides will do
Alias
A name, such as a nickname, that is used by someone but is not their legal name
Allegation
A claim that has not yet been proven by a court
Allocation of parental responsibilities
When a court splits up parenting time, decision-making responsibility, and child support between parents (formerly called "custody")
Allot
To divide property between everyone who is entitled to it
Amended complaint
Changes made by the plaintiff to the original complaint. They can correct facts, add new claims, or make other changes.
Animal cruelty
Actions that mistreat or kill animals without just cause.
Annulment
A legal action that says a marriage was never legally valid
Answer
A written statement used to respond to the complaint or petition in a lawsuit
Appeal
A request to change a court's decision
Appearance
A form that lets the plaintiff and the court know the defendant is participating in the case. It can also be when a person shows up to their court hearing.
Appellant
Someone who wants to change a previous court decision
Appraisal
An expert's opinion of what something is worth
Arbitration
When parties present their case to a third person instead of going to court. The arbitrator’s decision is binding. This means it becomes part of the final judgment even if the parties don’t agree with it.
Area median income
The midpoint of income for an area. Half of the people in that area make less. Half of the people make more. This number is used to decide who is eligible for some government programs.
Arrearage
Amount of back support owed at the time an order is entered.
Arresting authority
The law enforcement agency that arrested someone, like the police or FBI
Assault
An unlawful attack by one person upon another person, including aggravated assault, simple assault, and intimidation.
Assets
Anything a person owns that has financial value
Assisting or promoting prostitution
To assist or promote prostitution in any way (including the solicitation of customers, transportation of people for prostitution purposes, and owning or operating an establishment where prostitution is performed).
At-will employment
A type of employment where an employee can quit or be fired at any time. Exceptions include legally protected reasons.
Attorney's fees
Money paid to a lawyer for their work
Audit
When records are looked over to make sure they are correct
Bail
Money paid to insure that a person will show up to court
Bailiff
A person in charge of security in a courtroom
Bench
Where the judge sits. Usually a table and a chair. Not an actual bench.
Bench trial
A trial decided by a judge without a jury
Beneficiary
A person that gets property or money from someone when they die
Bigamy
Having two spouses at once
Birth certificate
A legal document with a person's place of birth, time of birth, and parents
Blackmail
To obtain something of value through coercive means.
Bribery
To offer something of value to sway the judgment or action of a person.
Burden of proof
The standard required to to prove something
Burglary
The entry or attempted entry of any fixed structure, vehicle, or vessel used for regular residence, industry, or business, with or without force, with intent to commit a felony or larceny
Case number
A number assigned to a case that is on every paper filed in the case
Certified copy
A copy of a document that can be used instead of the original because an official has approved it as a true and accurate copy by signing it.
Certified mail
A document delivery service such as the US Postal Service that sends a party a receipt as proof that the documents were mailed and delivered
Child support
Money paid by a parent to help another parent support a minor child or an adult child with a disability
Child support order
A decision by a court telling a parent to pay child support
Circuit clerk
The office that takes care of files and documents for circuit court cases
Circuit court
The lowest level of court in Illinois
Citation to discover assets
An order from the court. Asks the person to come to court and be questioned under oath. The court asks how much money they have and property they own.
Civil court
A court where people or businesses bring problems in front of a judge. Civil courts are different from criminal courts, where a defendant is accused of a crime by the state.
Civil cover sheet
A form filed by the plaintiff with the complaint at the start of a lawsuit
Civil procedure
Rules a party must follow when they are participating in a lawsuit
Claimant
A person who uses a court to demand something from another person
Co-payments
Money paid for health care in addition to what the insurer pays
Codefendant
A person who is charged with the same crime or sued in the same case
Cohabitants
People who live together
Collateral
Property a person promises to give up if they do not repay a loan
Commercial sex acts
To induce a person into participating in prostitution through coercion or if the victim is under 18 years of age.
Committed
Includes juveniles in placement in the facility as part of a court order.
Compensation
Payment for work done or damage suffered
Complainant
Another word for plaintiff or a person that files a lawsuit
Complaint
A written statement to start a lawsuit that says what the defendant did
Compulsory
Required
Consent
When someone gives permission for someone else to do something
Consent foreclosure
An agreement for land to be foreclosed or sold by the lender
Consortium
Benefits, rights, and duties enjoyed in a family relationship. These are typically provided by a spouse.
Contempt of court
When someone violates a court order or disrespects the court
Contested case
When both sides to a case present opposing arguments and evidence
Contingent fee
When a lawyer is paid from the money their client won or recieved
Continuance
When the judge gives additional preparation time before or during a trial
Contributory negligence
When someone's own acts resulted in them being harmed
Conviction
When someone is declared guilty of a crime by a court
Cosign
To sign a loan with another person and share the responsibility that it will be paid back
Cotenants
Two or more people renting the same property
Counsel
Another name for a lawyer
Counterclaim
A claim in a court case brought by the responding side (defendant). It is against the side who started the case (plaintiff).
Court costs
The fees for going to court, including filing, serving, and getting transcripts
Courtesy copies
A copy of a document given to the judge
Creditor
Someone who is owed money
Crimes against persons
Crimes whose victims are people, such as murder or rape, rather than property, such as robbery or burglary.
Criminal court
A court where a person is accused of a crime in front of a judge. The other side of the case is the State of Illinois, represented by a State's Attorney. The person accused is called the defendant. Criminal courts are different from civil courts, where two people or businesses can bring problems in front of a judge.
Criminal homicide
An umbrella term for causing the death of another person; includes murder, non-negligent (voluntary) manslaughter, negligent (involuntary) manslaughter, and vehicular manslaughter.
Criminal Identification Act
Defines expungement and sealing rules for Illinois.
Curfew and loitering laws
Offenses in which a minor violates a local curfew or loitering ordinance.
Curfew violation
Violation of an ordinance forbidding persons below a certain age from being in public places during set hours.
Debt collector
A person or company that regularly collects debts owed to another person
Debtor
A person who owes money to someone else
Decedent
Someone who has died
Deed
A legal paper that transfers ownership of real estate. It is recorded in the local land records.
Deed in lieu of foreclosure
When a homeowner gives their home back to the bank to avoid foreclosure
Defamation
A false statement that harms a person's reputation
Default judgment
When a person loses a case because they don't file an appearance or show up in court
Defendant
The person or organization being sued in a lawsuit
Delinquency
Amount of back support accumulating after order is entered.
Delinquent act
An act committed by a juvenile for which an adult could be prosecuted in a criminal court, but when committed by a juvenile is handled by the juvenile court.
Denial
When a court rejects or refuses to allow a request; for example, when a judge decides not to grant an attorney's objection.
Deny
To refuse or say no
Dependent
A person who relies on another for support, such as a child or person with a disability
Deposition
An oral statement made under oath
Detained
Includes juveniles held prior to a court makes a decision about their case, awaiting transfer to adult criminal court, or awaiting a hearing or trial in adult criminal court.
Disability
A substantial impairment that functionally limits a person in carrying out major life activities, such as walking, lifting, seeing, or learning.
Discovery
When parties exchange and gather information about each other's cases before the case goes to trial
Dismissed
Cases dismissed with no further action anticipated.
Disorderly conduct
An interruption of the peace, quiet, or order of a community.
Dispensary
A store that sells cannabis and cannabis-based products
Disposition
A court’s final decision in a criminal case
Dissolution of marriage
Divorce
Diversion
Includes juveniles sent to the facility in lieu of adjudication as part of a diversion agreement.
Docket
A list of everything that happens in a civil case. Also can be used to refer to the court calendar.
Domestic violence
Harm by one household or family member against another household or family member. Harm may be an emotional, mental, or physical injury
Driving under the influence
The operation of any vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or narcotics.
Drug abuse violations
The unlawful possession, sale, use, growing, or manufacturing of narcotic drugs.
Drunkenness
Offenses other than driving under the influence which relate to drunkenness or intoxication.
Duty
A legal obligation to do something
E-filing
Short for "electronic filing." You file court papers using a computer instead of handing them to the clerk in person. This is required in Illinois as of 1/1/18.
Emancipate
When a child under the age of 18 asks a judge to become a legal adult. Child wants to be removed from the care and control of their parents.
Embezzlement
The misuse of money or property entrusted to one's care, custody, or control.
Emergency certification
A way to get someone admitted to a mental health facility without a court hearing
Emotional distress
Serious mental suffering or anxiety
Enforce
Taking legal steps to make someone do what the court tells them to do
Enjoin
To order or require that an action be stopped
Equity
Amount that is left after a person pays off their loan
Estate
All of the property a person owns at their death
Eviction
A court case brought by a landlord to get a tenant to move out
Evidence
Anything used to show that something is true
Executor
Person in charge of giving out the property left in a will
Exemptions
In bankruptcy, property that you can protect from creditors. In property taxes, an amount that reduces the value of your home that is used to calculate property taxes owed.
Exhibit
A document introduced as evidence in a trial
Expunge
To physically remove someone's name from a legal record.
Expungement
When a criminal record is destroyed
Extortion
To obtain something of value through coercive means.
Fair market value
The price that a normal buyer would pay
False pretenses
The intentional use of deception to obtain things of value.
Fee waiver
A document that lets someone file court papers for free or at a reduced cost.
Felony
A serious crime that is punishable by more than one year in prison
Filing fee
Fee charged for filing court documents
Filing status
A person's family situation for tax purposes: Single, married filing jointly, married filing separately, head of household, or qualifying widow.
Fondling
The touching of the private body parts of another person for the purpose of sexual gratification, forcibly and/or against that person’s will or in instances where the victim is incapable of giving consent.
Forced sale
When property is taken from the owner and sold as authorized by a court order. Examples include orders related to bankruptcy or foreclosure.
Forcible entry
Taking possession of a building or land through force or serious threat
Forcible rape
Sexual intercourse or attempted sexual intercourse with a female against her will by force or threat of force Penetration, no matter how slight, of the vagina or anus with any body part or object, or oral penetration by a sex organ of another person, without the consent of the victim. Attempts or assaults to commit rape are also included; however, statutory rape and incest are excluded.
Foreclosure
A forced sale of property when a person doesn't make payments on a loan
Foreperson
A jury member who speaks for the entire jury
Foreseeable risk
The chances of damage that a reasonable person could anticipate
Forfeit
To lose property or rights as a penalty for violating the law
Forger
Someone who creates or uses a false document or signature
Forgery and counterfeiting
Making, altering, uttering, or possessing, with intent to deceive.
Forum
The court where a lawsuit is filed
Fraud
The deception of someone(s) with intent to cause damage (not including forgeries and counterfeiting).
Gag order
A court order that directs people not to talk about a case
Gambling equipment violations
To manufacture, sell, buy, possess, or transport equipment or goods used for gambling.
Gambling offenses
Involvement in games of chance or sporting contests where payments are at stake.
Garnishment
When a debtor's money is taken out of their paycheck or bank account to pay for a debt they owe
Good cause
A legally acceptable reason to do something
Good faith
An honest effort to do something
Governing law
A contract term that specifies which state's laws should be followed if the contract is disputed
Grace period
A period of time when a debtor is not required to make payments on a debt
Grand jury
A group of 16 to 23 citizens who decide if there is probable cause to believe someone committed a crime
Gross income
Income before taxes are taken out
Guardian Ad Litem
A person appointed by a judge to help the judge make a decision in a guardianship or family law case
Guardianship
When a person is appointed by a judge to take care of a child or an adult with a disability
Habeas corpus
Going before a court or judge to decide whether a person is being unlawfully denied their freedom
Hacking
Gaining access to computer software, hardware, or networks without permission.
Head of household
A tax filing status for someone who is unmarried. They pay at least half of household expenses and live with a dependent.
Hear
Listen to and judge a case
Hearing
When the parties in a case present their sides of a case to a judge or other officer
Hearsay
A statement made outside the courtroom and used in court to show something is true
Heir
Anyone who receives property from someone who has died
Holdover tenant
A tenant who continues to occupy a residence after the term of the lease. Does not have consent of the landlord.
Homicide
The killing of one human being by another; includes willful murder and negligent homicide.
Human trafficking
Involves the use of force or coercion to make someone participate in forced labor or a commercial sex act, or luring them into participating if they are under 18.
Hung jury
A jury that is unable to agree on a final decision. This results in a mistrial.
Identity theft
Wrongfully obtaining and using another person’s personal data.
Illinois Compiled Statutes
The written law of Illinois, abbreviated as "ILCS"
Immunity
When a person is allowed to break the law, or is protected from being sued
Impersonation
The false representation of one’s identity or position for one’s own benefit.
Impound
When the court or police take possession of personal property
Incest
Nonforcible sexual intercourse between people who are related.
Independent contractor
A person hired to do a specific job and whose work is not supervised
Indigent
Poor; a poor person
Injunction
A court order to make someone do something or stop doing something
Inpatient services
Services that require a patient to stay at a hospital for one or more nights
Intake
The screening process children who are arrested go through before seeing a judge. Intake procedures are often conducted by intake officers, probation staff, case and social workers, or police.
Intake decision
A decision made by juvenile court intake that results in a case being handled at the intake level or scheduled for an adjudicatory or waiver hearing.
Interception
Legal access to communications like phone calls and e-mails. Other examples include wiretapping.
Interest rate
The amount charged for borrowing money
Interim order
A temporary order telling a person to do something until a hearing or trial. At the trial, a final order will be made.
Interrogatory
A written question in a case that must be answered
Intimidation
To place a person in fear of harm without the display of a weapon or actual physical attack (includes stalking; threats).
Involuntary servitude
To coerce a person to participate in forced labor (not commercial sex acts) through coercion or if the victim is under 18 years of age.
Irreconcilable differences
When a couple cannot agree about things in their marriage. They don’t think they can ever come to an agreement.
Itemized deductions
Specific expenses that may reduce taxable income. It is calculated by adding up relevant deductions. It is then subtracted from a person's taxable income. They have the option of claiming the standard deduction or itemizing their deductions. But, they can't claim both in the same year.
IV-D Agency
The part of the Illinois Department of Healthcare & Family Services that enforces child support orders
Joint parenting agreement
An agreement between parents that sets out how their children will be raised and how parenting time will be split
Joint tenancy
A type of ownership in which the owners have equal shares and have a right of survivorship. The right of survivorship means that when one owner dies, the other owners split that owner's share.
Judgment
An official decision by a court that ends the dispute between parties
Judicial decision
A decision made in response to a petition that asks the court to adjudicate or waive a youth.
Judicial disposition
An action taken after a judicial decision is made.
Judicial sale
A sale of property ordered by a court to pay for a debt
Jurisdiction
The legal authority of a court to hear and decide a case. Also a region where a court has authority.
Jury deliberation
When the jury meets to discuss the facts of your case and decide an outcome
Jury trial
A trial decided by a judge and a jury
Juvenile
For misdemeanor offenses, a defendant is considered a juvenile if the offense occurred when they were 17 or younger.For felony offenses, a defendant is considered a juvenile if the offense occurred when they were 16 or younger.
Juvenile court
Any court that has jurisdiction over matters involving juveniles.
Kidnapping
Secretly taking and confining a person against their will
Landlord
An owner of property who rents it out to a tenant
Larceny
Theft when the property is taken in a non-forceful way
Lawyer
Someone who represents clients in courts or who gives legal advice
Lay witness
A person who gives testimony in a case but is not an expert
Leave of court
Permission from a court to take some action. This action would not be allowed without such permission.
Lessee
A person or business that rents property from someone else
Lessor
A person or business that rents property to someone else
License hold
When a driver is prevented from renewing their driver's license until a legal matter is settled
Lien
A claim against property that may be used to repay a debt
Litigant
Someone participating in a lawsuit
Local rules
Rules that only apply in a specific courtroom, court house, or location
Loiter
To linger or hang around in a public place with no apparent purpose
Magistrate judge
A judge that only hears part of a case
Maintenance
Money the court orders one spouse to pay the other spouse after their divorce (formerly called alimony)
Manner of handling
A general classification of case processing within the juvenile court system
Marital property
Property acquired by either spouse during the marriage
Married filing jointly
A tax filing status for a married couple that includes all income and deductions for both people
Material breach
A violation of a contract that is severe enough to end the agreement
Mediation
When a neutral person, called a mediator, works to help the parties in a case reach an agreement
Mediator
A neutral person who helps parties in a case reach an agreement outside court
Minor
A person under 18 years old
Misdemeanor
A lesser crime punishable by a fine or confinement in county jail for up to one year
Misdemeanor
A lesser crime punishable by a fine or confinement in county jail for up to one year.
Mistrial
A trial that ends without any final decision. It is because of an error or the jury cannot agree on the verdict.
Modify
To change or adjust
Mortgage
A loan given by a bank that is used to help someone buy a home
Mortgage company
A company that lends someone money to buy a house. The company can take the house if the homeowner cannot repay the loan.
Mortgage servicer
The company that collects monthly loan payments for a mortgage
Motion
A request to the judge to make the court or a party in the case do something
Motor vehicle theft
The unlawful taking, or attempted taking, of a self propelled road vehicle owned by another
Municipal ordinance
A law or regulation of a city or local government
Murder and non-negligent manslaughter
The willful killing of a human being
Naturalize
The process of becoming a citizen in a country where a person was not born a citizen
Neglect
When a person acts with less care or caution than a regular person would have in the same situation
Negligence
When someone is not careful in protecting the rights and property of others
Negligent manslaughter
The killing of a person through negligence
Net Income
Income after taxes have been taken out
Nominal damages
A very small amount of money awarded when a court finds in favor of one party. The court finds that no real harm was done.
Non-petitioned
Cases that court personnel decide not to petition
Non-wage garnishment
Taking a defendant's money that is in the hands of other parties, like a bank
Noncustodial parent
The parent that does not have the majority of parenting time.
Nonresident Violator Compact
A multi-state agreement. It assures non-resident motorists who receive citations for minor traffic violations receive the same treatment as resident motorists. It provides due-process protection for non-residents. It helps states hold violators responsible.
Notary public
A person who certifies that another person signed a document. A notary is not an attorney.
Notice of motion
A document that gives notice to the court and the other party. It explains someone has filed a motion, and where and when that motion will be argued before a judge.
Objection
A protest made by an attorney during a trial. It asks the judge to exclude certain evidence or testimony. If the judge doesn't grant the objection, it's called a denial.
Obligee
Parent receiving child support
Obligor
Parent ordered to pay child support
Obstruction of justice
Acts done to prevent or hinder the administration of justice
Of sound mind
A person who has full mental capabilities and is able to understand, think, and reason
Offenses against family and children
Nonsupport, neglect, desertion, or abuse of children or other family members
Oral contract
A spoken agreement that is not in writing
Order of protection
A document from a judge that tells an abuser to stop further domestic abuse, or face penalties
Ordinance
A law or rule made by a local government like a town or city
Outpatient services
Services that do not require staying overnight at a hospital
P.O. Box
Post office box, an individual box for mail at a post office
Pardon
To release someone from punishment for a crime they were convicted of committing
Parentage
The relationship between a parent and a child
Parental responsibilities
Making important decisions for a child (significant decision-making responsibility) and spending time with them (parenting time)
Parenting plan
A document that divides up each parent's significant decision-making responsibility or parenting time. Can also be both.
Parenting time
Time that a child spends with a parent. Usually, the child lives mostly with one parent and has regular contact with the other (formerly called visitation).
Parole
A release from prison. It allows someone to serve time outside of prison as long as they follow certain conditions.
Party
A person or business involved in a court case in a role like plaintiff, petitioner, defendant, respondent, or intervenor.
Passport
A document that lets a person travel outside the country
Payee
The person who will receive payment
Payor
Someone who pays a payment, including an obligor's employer
A type of document that can be viewed and printed from many devices
Pension
Money paid to a person by an employer during retirement
Perjury
When someone promises to tell the truth in a court case, and then tells a lie
Personal jurisdiction
The authority of the court to make a decision that affects the parties in the case
Petition
(noun) A written request to a court (verb) To request from a court
Petitioned
Cases that appear on the official court calendar. It is in response to the filing of a petition or other legal request for the court to pass judgment on the youth. They might determine to send them to criminal court to be tried as an adult.
Petitioner
A person who makes a written request to a court
Placement
Cases in which youth are removed from their homes and placed elsewhere
Placement facility type
Whether a juvenile placement facility is publicly or privately owned or operated
Placement status
Categories of juveniles held in residential placement facilities
Plaintiff
A person or party that starts a lawsuit
Plea
A person's formal answer of guilty, not guilty, or no contest to the charges against them
Plenary order of protection
A long-term order granted by a judge telling an abuser to stop further domestic abuse. Done after both parties had a chance to present their case.
PO box
Post office box, an individual box for mail at a post office
Pocket-picking
Stealing things from another person's possession in a sneaky way. The victim doesn't notice it was stolen right away.
Police report
When a police officer writes a description of what happened at an accident
Precedent
A court decision made in an earlier case. It sets up a rule that judges will usually follow when deciding a similar case in the same area.
Precinct
A district of a city or town
Preliminary injunction
An order issued by a judge that stops the defendant from doing a certain activity. This is usually until a full hearing with a judge.
Premiums
Money that must be paid every month, such as for health insurance
Prenuptial agreement
An agreement made before marriage. It explains how issues of support and property will be resolved when the marriage ends.
Presiding judge
In a court with more than one judge, the judge that acts as the leader of the court's business
Presiding justice
In a court with more than one justice, the justice that acts as the leader of the court's business
Private facilities
Facilities run by private organizations
Pro bono
Legal work done for little or no cost
Pro se
Pronounced 'pro say,' a person who does not have a lawyer
Probate
A court process where a person's property is given out after they die
Probation
A criminal court sentence which releases a person into the community. They are under supervision and given certain conditions.
Process server
Someone other than a sheriff who serves a summons
Promoting prostitution
To assist or promote prostitution in any way. This can include the solicitation of customers. Also includes transit of people for prostitution purposes and owning or operating a place where prostitution is done.
Proof of service
A form that explains how court papers were given to someone in a court case
Property crime index
Property crimes tracked by the FBI. They include burglary, larceny theft, motor vehicle theft, and arson.
Prostitution offenses
To participate in or encourage sexual activities for payment
Protected class
A group of people who get special protection against discrimination
Public defender
A free lawyer appointed by the criminal court when a defendant cannot afford to pay for a lawyer
Public facilities
Places operated by state or local government agencies
Punitive damages
Money awarded in a case meant to punish a losing party. It's usually above the real cost of the injury.
Purse-snatching
The grabbing of a purse from the possession of another person
Putative father registry
A registry of men who think they may be the father of a child. They were not married to the mother at the time of birth. The father wants a say in whether the child is adopted.
Real Estate
Property consisting of land or buildings like a house or an apartment
Reasonable accommodation
A change to a location or job that will help a person with a disability
Recorder of deeds
Government office that keeps records and documents on property ownership
Registered agent
The person who receives notice of legal actions when a corporation is sued
Respondent
A person who has a petition filed against them
Response
A formal written answer to the plaintiff or petitioner's written statement
Retaliation
Punishing a person for doing something that is legally protected
Return date
The deadline for a defendant or respondent to file an appearance or other required response
Return receipt
Proof of delivery with the recipient's signature, and the date and time of delivery
Revoke
Cancel or take back
Robbery
To take or attempt to take anything from another person by force or intimidation
Rule to show cause
A petition used when one party believes the other party has violated a court order or judgment
Running away
Leaving the home of parents or guardians without permission. They do not return within a reasonable length of time.
RWOC
Released without charging
Sanction
When a judge penalizes a party
SDU
A processing center that handles child support payments. It's called the State Disbursement Unit.
Sealing
When a criminal record is hidden from most of the general public, but not law enforcement
Security deposit
A payment the tenant makes to the landlord at the start of a lease. It can be used if the tenant doesn't pay rent or damages the rental unit.
Serve
Giving court documents to someone
Service by publication
Notifying someone about a case by publishing a notice in a newspaper
Settle
To resolve a case before finishing a trial
Settlement agreement
An agreement by both sides in a lawsuit that settles all the issues of the case without going to trial
Sex offenses
Any sexual act without the consent of the victim, including when the victim cannot give consent. Includes sexual assault with or without an object, sexual abuse, sodomy, and fondling
Sex offenses (nonforcible)
Nonforcible sexual intercourse, including incest and statutory rape
Sexual assault
When a person commits an act of sexual penetration by force or threat of force. Done without the consent of the victim. This includes when the victim cannot give consent.
Sexual assault with object
To use an object to penetrate the genital or anal opening of the body of another person. Done against that person's will or in when the victim cannot give consent.
Sexual conduct
Touching or fondling a person's sex organs, anus, or breast directly or through clothing. Can also be any part of the body of a child under 13 years of age. It includes any transfer of semen upon any part of the clothed or unclothed body.
Sheriff
A county officer who can serve people with summons. They can evict someone with a court order.
Shoplifting
The theft of goods from a retail store
Significant decision-making responsibility
Deciding important, long-term issues for the child and how they are raised. This includes their education, religion, and after-school activities.
Simple assault
The attack of another person which does not involve a weapon or severe injury
Small claim
A lawsuit asking only for money, for $10, 000 or less
Social security disability
A federal program that gives money to people who cannot work because of a disability
Social security number
A number that the federal government gives to each U.S. citizen. It keeps track of their earnings and retirement benefits.
Sodomy
Oral or anal sexual intercourse against another person’s will or in instances where the victim is incapable of giving consent.
Sports tampering
To interfere with a sporting contest or event. Done for the purpose of gaining a gambling advantage to get the upper hand while gambling.
Stalking
When a person follows someone, watches them outside their home or office, or tells them things they observed them doing
Standard deduction
A fixed dollar amount that reduces the income a person is taxed on. They have the option of claiming the standard deduction or itemizing their deductions. But, they can't claim both in the same year.
Standing
The right to file a lawsuit or make a particular legal claim based on how the person is affected.
State's attorney
A lawyer who represents the state in a criminal case
Statement of facts
Any written or oral list of facts in a court case
Status offense
An offense that is illegal for underage persons, but not for adults
Statutes of limitations
Length of time to file a suit in court before a person is no longer legally able to
Statutory rape
Nonforcible sexual intercourse with a person who is under the statutory age of consent
Stay order
A court order that delays a court case or something else from going into effect
Stipulation
An agreement between opposing parties regarding a particular fact in a case. It can also be an agreement regarding an action in the case, like extending a deadline.
Stolen property offenses
To interfere with a sporting contest or event to get the upper hand in gambling
Subpoena
A court order requiring someone to show up in court, usually to give information
Subtenant
A tenant who will share the rental payments. They can also take over from the first tenant in the apartment.
Summary judgment
A court decision made by a judge on the basis of statements and evidence presented for the court record without a trial
Summons
A notice to a defendant that a lawsuit against them was filed in a court and that the defendant has to show up in court
Supervised visitation
Visitation between a parent and a child. Done in the presence of another adult. It is now known as supervised parenting time.
Supplemental security income
A federal program that gives money to low-income elderly, blind and disabled people on a monthly basis
Supporting parent
Parent who pays child support
Suspension
A temporary stop of a law
Tax bracket
The group a person is in for tax purposes that decides what percent of income they must pay
Tax credit
Can reduce the amount of tax a person owes or increase their tax refund
Tax liability
The amount of money a person has to pay in taxes
Tax refund
The money a person gets back if they had too much money withheld for taxes during the year
Taxable income
A person's gross income minus deductions and exemptions
Temporary restraining order
A temporary order from a judge telling someone to not do something
Tenancy in common
A type of ownership in which the owners can have equal or unequal shares. If one owner dies, their share goes to their estate
Tenant
A person who rents a space
Termination
When something ends
Testate
When someone dies with a will
Testify
To answer questions under oath
Testimony
Evidence given orally by witnesses
Theft
The unlawful taking of property, money, or services from another person, business, or organization
Theft from building
A theft from a building which is either open to the general public or where the offender has legal access
Tort
A private or civil wrong that causes harm
Trespassing
Unlawful entry or attempted entry of the property of another
Trial
When the issues of a case are heard in court and decided by a judge or jury
Truancy
Violation of required school attendance law
Trustee
A person that has custody of or control over funds or items of another
Uncontested
A case where neither side is going to fight over the issues
Underage drinking
Possession, use, or consumption of alcohol by a minor
Uniform Crime Report (UCR) Crime Index
Reports on crime data published by the FBI
Uniform order for support
A child support order approved and signed by a judge
Vandalism
To willfully damage property without the consent of the owner
Venue
The particular location where the case should be filed based on case-related events that happened there
Verdict
A judge or jury's decision, or final ruling, about a case. In a criminal case, a verdict is whether the defendant is guilty or innocent.
Visitation
Time spent between a child and a person who is not the parent
Wage assignment
A voluntary agreement by an employee to transfer (or assign) parts of future wage payments to pay a debt
Wage attachment
An automatic transfer of a portion of an employee's wage payment to repay a debt
Wage deduction
When a debtor's money is taken out of their paycheck or bank account to pay for a debt they owe
Wage garnishment
A legal procedure that requires the employer of a judgment debtor to withhold a portion of their wages to satisfy a judgment
Wage withholding
A legal procedure that allows deductions to be made from wages or income on a regular schedule. The deductions are used to pay a debt, like child support.
Wages
The amount of money that a person is paid for work they do
Waive
To give up a legal right or pardon a fee
Waived to criminal court
Cases that are transferred to criminal court as the result of a waiver hearing in juvenile court
Waiver
A document that gives up a legal right or excuses a requirement
Ward
A person who has a guardian appointed by the court to care for and take responsibility for them
Warranty of habitability
A promise that rental property will be fit for people to live in
Weapon law violations
The violation of laws regulating weapons
Welfare fraud
Wrongfully obtaining or using public assistance
Wire fraud
The use of electric or electronic communications to transmit a false message for the purpose of fraud
Withholding
When an employer keeps some of a person's paycheck to cover their taxes
Witness
A person who answers questions in court under oath