Judicial Branch Terms (State Courts)

The act of making a judicial ruling such as a judgment or decree.

• Adjudicate

• Tort

• Criminal Law

• Magistrate

The name of a court which has general jurisdiction - usually in every county, such as Erie County (located in Sandusky). Holds trials for felonies, unlike municipal or lower courts.

• Common Pleas

• Appellate Court

• Bankruptcy Court

• Civil Law

Money or property given to the court for the temporary release of a defendant, to ensure that the defendant will return to court. Also called bond.

• Bail

• Plea Bargain

• No Contest

• Counsel

A body of law that determines private rights and liabilities, as distinguished from criminal law. Usually involve private disputes between persons or organizations.

• Civil Law

• Criminal Law

• Magistrate

• Misdemeanor

Civil wrongs, as opposed to criminal offenses, for which there is a legal remedy for harm caused. The primary aim is to provide relief ($) for the damages incurred and deter others from committing the same harms. Ex: sue McDonalds for having too hot coffee that caused horrible burns.

• Tort

• Criminal Law

• Due Process

• No Contest

Are damages awarded in a lawsuit (tort/civil) as a punishment and example to deter others from malicious, evil or particularly fraudulent acts.

• Punitive Damages

• Bail

• Adjudicate

• Felony

The body of rules and statutes/laws defining the offenses against the community at large. When someone breaks a law of a state, like murder.

• Criminal Law

• Civil Law

• Tort

• Punitive Damages

One or more lawyers who represent a client.

• Counsel

• Plaintiff

• Defendant

• Prosecutor

In civil cases, the person who is given court papers, also called a respondent. In criminal cases, the person who is arrested and charged with a crime.

• Defendant

• Prosecutor

• Plaintiff

• Petitioner

Crime of making a knowingly false statement which bears on the outcome of an official proceeding that is required to be testified to under oath.

• Perjury

• Plea Bargain

• No Contest

• Defendant