Understanding the Court System Legal Terms

Front

LAWYERS

Back

Officers of the court who practice law and represent clients in legal matters.

Front

ARBITRATOR

Back

A neutral third party who resolves disputes by developing a binding and enforceable solution

Front

MEDIATOR

Back

Independent 3rd party that develops a non-binding solution

Front

TRIAL COURT

Back

The court where a case is originally tried and heard for the first time

Front

COURT

Back

Governmental forum that

administers justice under the law

and where legal cases are heard and decided.

Front

CLERK

Back

A court officer who manages administrative tasks and enters cases on the court calendar

Front

ORIGINAL JURISDICTION

Back

The authority of a court to hear a case first.

Front

APPELLATE COURT

Back

A court that reviews decisions made by lower courts.

Front

SHERIFFS

Back

Law enforcement officers who maintain order in state courtrooms.

Front

APPELLATE BRIEFS

Back

Written arguments submitted to an appellate court.