Legal Terms and Definitions

Glossary of Legal Terms

Appellate jurisdiction The appellate court has the right to review and revise the lower court decision. Nolo contendere A Latin phrase meaning, "I will not contest it." A plea in a criminal case which does not require the defendant to admit guilt, but the defendant does not contest the facts on which the charge is based. Some judges refuse to accept such pleas in criminal cases. Not guilty plea Complete denial of guilt. In criminal cases, a necessary stage of the proceedings required to preserve all legal issues. Sealing The fee, which the client pays when he/she retains an attorney. Recognizance The continued, habitual or compulsive commission of law violations after first having been convicted of prior offenses. 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. Harmless error An error committed by a lower court during a trial, but not prejudicial to the rights of the party and for which the appellate court will not reverse the judgment. Court reporter A court official who records testimony and arguments, and transcribes it into a permanent record of all court proceedings.

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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.