Legal Terms and Definitions

Glossary of Legal Terms

Certification Generally used to refer to the process of transferring a minor's case from the Juvenile Court to the adult court for trial. Usually reserved for capital or first-degree felonies or for chronic offenders. Holographic will A will entirely written, dated and signed by the testator in his/her own handwriting. Res ipsa loquitur State laws requiring certain designated persons (physicians, nurses, teachers) to report to the authorities suspected cases of child abuse and injuries. 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. Mandamus A writ by which a court commands the performance of a particular act. Prejudicial error Synonymous with "reversible error"; an error which warrants the appellate court in reversing the judgment before it. 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. Dismissal without prejudice A dismissal which permits the plaintiff to sue again on the same cause of action or the state to proceed again. Dismissal with prejudice bars the right to subsequently bring an action on the same cause

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