Glossary

Judicial officer exercising some of the functions of a judge. It also refers in a general way to a judge.

Evil doing, ill conduct; the commission of some act which is positively prohibited by law.

An action instituted with intention of injuring the defendant and without probable cause, and which terminates in favor of the person prosecuted.

A writ issued by a court ordering a public official to perform an act.

The official decree by a court of appeal.

The unlawful killing of another without intent to kill; either voluntary (upon a sudden impulse); or involuntary (during the commission of an unlawful act not ordinarily expected to result in great bodily harm.)

A form of alternative dispute resolution in which the parties bring their dispute to a neutral third party, who helps them agree on a settlement.

In writing.

The "guilty mind" necessary to establish criminal responsibility.

Requirement that police tell a suspect in their custody of his/her constitutional rights before they question him/her. So named as a result of the Miranda v. Arizona ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court.

An offense punishable by not more than one year in county jail and $1,000 fine.

An invalid trial, caused by fundamental error. When a mistrial is declared, the trial must start again from the selection of the jury.

Those which do not constitute a justification or excuse for an offense but which may be considered as reasons for reducing the degree of blame.

The name of an order in writing, issuing from a court and directing the sheriff or other officer to convey a person to a prison, asylum, or reformatory, and directing the jailer or other appropriate official to receive and safely keep the person until his or her fate shall be determined by due course of law.

A moot case or a moot point is one not subject to a judicial determination because it involves an abstract question or a pretended controversy that has not yet actually arisen or has already passed. Mootness usually refers to a court's refusal to consider a case because the issue involved has been resolved prior to the court's decision, leaving nothing that would be affected by the court's decision.

Oral or written request made by a party to an action before, during, or after a trial, upon which a court issues a ruling or order.

Motion for order against admission or prejudicial statements or questions.

A motion to reduce the sentence.

A motion to close records to public inspection.

A motion to prevent admission of evidence in a case.