Legal Terms and Definitions

Glossary of Legal Terms

Preliminary injunction In civil cases when it is necessary to preserve the status quo prior to trial, the court may issue a preliminary injunction or temporary restraining order ordering a party to carry out a specified activity. Intervention A proceeding in a civil suit by which a third person is permitted by the court to join as a party to the suit. Appellate court A court that hears appeals from a lower court Levy A seizure; the obtaining of money by legal process through seizure and sale of property. Protective custody The name of the public officer who is appointed in each county to conduct criminal prosecutions on behalf of the state or people. Damages Money that a court orders paid to party (usually the plaintiff) who has suffered a loss by another party who caused the loss (usually the defendant). Adversary system The system of trial practice in the United States and some other countries in which each of the opposing, or adversary, parties has the opportunity to present and establish opposing contentions before the court Accessory A person who assists in the commission of a crime, either before or after the fact.

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