Legal Terms and Definitions

Glossary of Legal Terms

Recognizance The continued, habitual or compulsive commission of law violations after first having been convicted of prior offenses. No bill This phrase, endorsed by a grand jury on an indictment, means that, in the opinion of the jury, evidence was insufficient to warrant the return of a formal charge. Hypothetical question A form of question generally used for expert witnesses. The examiner states a factual foundation (often based on disputed facts) and asks the expert to draw conclusions based on the hypothetical foundation. The hypothetical question includes only facts already in evidence. Codicil A supplement or an addition to a will. It may explain, modify, and add to, subtract from, qualify, alter, restrain or revoke provisions in the existing will. Lis pendens A pending suit. Et seq An abbreviation for et sequentes, or et sequentia, "and the following," ordinarily used in referring to a section of statutes. Agent one who has authority to act for another False arrest Any unlawful physical restraint of another's personal liberty, whether or not carried out by a peace officer

IAre you currently seeking legal information regarding Rockford laws? If so, contact one of our Rockford attorneys today!

	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.