Vocabulary
Appeal - a proceeding in which a case is brought before a higher court for review of a lower court's judgment for the purpose of convincing the higher court that the lower court's judgment was incorrect
Arraignment - initial appearance
Bench - the place where a judge sits in court or the body of persons who hold positions as judges
Bar - the whole body of lawyers
Civil - relating to private rights and to judicial proceedings in connection with them
Civil Case - a case which involves civil remedies, not criminal penalties
Complaint - a document sworn to by a victim or police officer that sets forth a criminal violation
County Court (Nebraska) - The jurisdiction of the county court is established by state law which provides for exclusive original jurisdiction in probate matters, actions based on a violation of a city or village ordinance, juvenile court matters without a separate juvenile court, adoptions, preliminary hearings in felony cases, and eminent domain proceedings. The county courts have concurrent jurisdiction in civil matters when the amount in controversy is $51,000 or less, criminal matters classified as misdemeanors or infractions, some domestic relations matters, and paternity actions. County judges also hear all small claims matters filed within the court system. County judges in all counties except Lancaster, Douglas and Sarpy have the same duties as judges of separate juvenile courts. Appeals from the county court are made to the district court, although in certain probate and juvenile cases, appeals are made directly to the Court of Appeals Criminal - relating to, involving, or being a crime or a person who has been convicted of a crime
Criminal Case - a case which criminal penalties may be assigned to the party found guilty of the crime
Defendant - the party against whom a criminal or civil action is brought
Discovery - the disclosure of information held by the opposing party in an action
District Court (Nebraska) - District courts have original jurisdiction in all felony cases, equity cases, domestic relations cases, and civil cases where the amount in controversy involves more than $51,000. District courts also have appellate jurisdiction in certain matters arising out of county court. They
also serve as appellate courts in administrative appeals, where they review the record of testimony and evidence from the lower court or tribunal and issue an opinion and ruling in the case. District court decisions may be appealed to the Nebraska Court of Appeals and/or to the Nebraska Supreme Court.
Evidence - something that furnishes or tends to furnish proof
Hearing - a court proceeding usually involving a judge listening to evidence or arguments
Judgment - a formal decision or determination on a matter or case by a court
Jurisdiction - the limits or territory within which authority may be exercised
Jury - body of individuals sworn to give a decision on some matter submitted to them
Jury Box - the area in the courtroom where the jury sits
Motion - a proposal for action
Oath - a promise (as to perform official duties faithfully)
Objection - a statement of opposition to an aspect of a judicial or other legal proceeding
Petition/Petitioner - a formal written request made to an official person or body (as a court or board)/ a person who makes a petition
Plaintiff - the party who institutes a legal action or claim
Pleadings - a process or system through which the parties in a legal proceeding present their allegations
Probate - the process of administering an estate
Respondent - one who answers or defends in various proceedings
Rules of Evidence - body of rules establishing what testimony and other evidence is relevant, pertains to the issue to be decided, and should be allowed; also establishing what evidence is not relevant, may prejudices one side or the other, and should not be allowed. The Rules of Evidence make trials fair!
Rules of Procedure - the way a trial is conduced...who goes first, what happens at each state of the proceeding or trial
Sentence - the punishment that one convicted of a crime is ordered to receive
Small Claims Court - a special court intended to simplify the resolution of minor disputes involving small claims
Subpoena - a demand for a designated person to appear in court under a penalty for failure to comply
Trial - a judicial examination of issues of fact or law disputed by parties for the purpose of determining the rights of the parties
Verdict - The decision of a jury or judge either for one party or the other in a civil trial; the decision of guilt or innocence in a criminal trial
Voir Dire - the process of questioning prospective jurors to determine which are qualified and suited for service on a jury
Witness - one who is called on to be present at a transaction so as to be able to testify to its occurrence
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