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Petition

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The document that initiates the filing of a bankruptcy proceeding, setting forth basic information regarding the debtor, including name, address, chapter under which the case is filed, and estimated amount of assets and liabilities.

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Plaintiff

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A person or business that files a formal complaint with the court.

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Pleadings

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Written statements filed with the court that describe a party's legal or factual assertions about the case.

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Sanction

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A penalty or other type of enforcement used to bring about compliance with the law or with rules and regulations.

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Uphold

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The appellate court agrees with the lower court decision and allows it to stand. See affirmed.

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Warrant

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Court authorization, most often for law enforcement officers, to conduct a search or make an arrest.

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Witness

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A person called upon by either side in a lawsuit to give testimony before the court or jury.