2025 Judicial Vocabulary

Front

A case involving the rights of an individual.

Back

Civil

Front

A case involving the breaking of the law
Options: Criminal, Civil, Appellate, Original

Back

Criminal

Front

A trial in which there is NO JURY, only a judge who both oversees the courtroom and determines the verdict

Back

Bench Trial

Front

A trial where the verdict is determined by a jury, a group of 12 citizens who determine the outcome of the case

Back

Jury Trial

Front

An official summons to appear in court

Back

subpoena

Front

Items used to prove fact or truth in a case

Back

evidence

Front

The outcome of the case; the decision made by the jury in a jury trial or the judge in a bench trial

Back

Verdict

Front

To ask a higher court to review your case if you are unhappy with outcome (verdict)

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Appeal

Front

Higher courts that ONLY hear cases that have been appealed. They do not hear new trials.

Back

Appellate Courts

Front

When an appellate court upholds, or keeps the original verdict of the trial court the same

Back

Affirm