Legal Terms and Definitions

Glossary of Legal Terms

Parties The persons who are actively involved in the prosecution or defense of a legal proceeding, including the plaintiff or prosecution, the defendant and any "third party defendant". Complainant Synonymous with "plaintiff," or, in criminal cases, the complaining witness. Child abuse Any form of cruelty to a child's physical, moral or mental well-being. Multiplicity of actions Numerous and unnecessary attempts to litigate the same issue. Locus delicti The place of the offense. Hearing A formal proceeding (generally less formal than a trial) with definite issues of law or of fact to be heard. Incarceration Imprisonment; confinement in a jail or penitentiary. Attorney of record Attorney whose name appears in the permanent records or files of a case.

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	Did You Know?
	Mediation is a process that involves a mediator Neutral third party who helps the disputing parties achieve a resolution that satisfies both of them. The mediator's primary function is to create constructive communication between parties and provide a forum where disputants can create a mutually satisfactory agreement. Mediators do not impose decisions; instead, they help people craft solutions that will work for them.