Legal Terms and Definitions

Glossary of Legal Terms

Garnishment A court order to take part of a person's wages, before he gets them, and apply the amount taken to pay a debt owed to a creditor Dependent child A child who is homeless or without proper care through no fault of the parent, guardian, or custodian. Affidavit written and sworn statement witnessed by a notary public or another official possessing the authority to administer oaths. Affidavits may be admitted into evidence. Chambers A judge's private office in the courthouse. Original jurisdiction The court in which a matter must first be filed. Not guilty plea Complete denial of guilt. In criminal cases, a necessary stage of the proceedings required to preserve all legal issues. Incest The crime of sexual intercourse between a male and a female who are so closely related they would not legally be allowed to marry. Jury commissioner An officer charged with the duty of selecting the names to be put into a jury wheel, or of drawing the panel of jurors for a particular term of court.

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	Did You Know?
	The mediation process may vary depending on the mediator. Generally, mediations commence with a general session with all parties, counsel and the mediator. At the general session, there will be a discussion of the case, the issues on appeal and other matters important to settlement. Then the mediator will meet separately with each party and their counsel in separate "caucuses." In these separate sessions, the mediator will seek to foster negotiations between the parties and develop agreement.