Legal Terminology and Court Processes

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What is court systems?

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neutral panels established by government agencies to settle a variety of disputes among different parties of people and businesses

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What is an Appeal?

Back

transfer of a case from a lower to a higher level for a new hearing

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What is a Plaintiff?

Back

party initiating a lawsuit against an organization or individual

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What is a Defendant?

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party denying or defending against allegations made by the plaintiff

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What is a Victim?

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person against whom a crime has been committed

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What does a Defense Attorney do?

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represents the defendant and ensures the defendant is protected according to the law

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What is a Judge?

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officer in charge of the court proceeding; ensures all evidence used in the trial is legal, instructs the jury and typically provides the sentence when a defendant is convicted

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What is a Prosecutor?

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attorney who is hired or appointed by the state or federal government to represent the plaintiff or the state

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What is a Bailiff?

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court officer responsible for giving out subpoenas, escorting defendants from jail to the courtroom, representing the jury to the judge and protecting safety of all in the courtroom

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What does a Court Reporter do?

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records the official record of the trial; these word-for-word transcripts are used in appeals