Court Vocabulary

something that someone says happened.

• allegation

• chambers

• complaint

A written statement by the plaintiff stating the wrongs allegedly committed by the defendant.

• continuance

• complaint

• court

Questioning of a witness by the attorney for the other side.

• complaint

• evidence

• cross examine

Information presented in testimony or in documents that is used to persuade the fact finder (judge or jury) to decide the case for one side or the other.

• evidence

• interview

• issue

The legal authority of a court to hear and decide a case.

• Jury

• Jurisdiction

• Oath

A reason that an attorney interrupts a witness to talk to the judge.

• Objection

• Plaintiff

• Oath

The punishment ordered by a court for a defendant convicted of a crime.

• Verdict

• Testimony

• Sentence

A written order directing the arrest of a party.

• Witness

• Warrant

• Trial

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

• Witness

• Plaintiff

• Defendant

A sentencing alternative to imprisonment in which the court releases convicted defendants under supervision as long as certain conditions are observed.

• hearsay

• Prosecute

• Probation