Legal Glossary

Rule that excludes from the prosecutor’s case-in-chief the admissibility of evidence directly or derivatively obtained by exploitation of an illegal search or seizure.

Tending to clear or excuse from fault or guilt.

1. Civil. A writ issued for the purpose of enforcing a judgment. 2. Criminal. Imposition of the death penalty.

One named in a will whose duty is to carry out its provisions.

Latin: “For example.”

A document or other tangible evidence produced during a trial or hearing.

To relieve of liability; to excuse.

Testimony relating scientific, technical, or other specialized knowledge by one qualified to do so.

To erase, as authorized by law, information contained in a record.

Unusual circumstances supporting a position for leniency. Compare, MITIGATING CIRCUMSTANCES.

Summary procedure for the surrender of a fugitive to the authorities of the offended jurisdiction.

One who actually saw a particular event as it took place.

An exact copy or reproduction of something.

Inability to serve a copy of the summons on a defendant.

An arrest not authorized by law.

When one holds or imprisons another unlawfully or when one causes another to do so.

Knowingly making a false representation of a material fact thereby obtaining something of value without compensation.

A qualified person appointed to hear certain referred cases involving support and paternity matters.

Absolute ownership of real property, usually with unconditional powers of disposition.

An offense punishable by death or confinement in the penitentiary; an indictable offense. Compare, MISDEMEANOR; INFAMOUS CRIME.

A married woman.

An unmarried woman.

Latin: “Let it be done.” A short order or warrant of a judge or other competent authority directing some legal act to be done.

Latin: “Cause to be done.” Directing an execution to be levied on the goods of a judgment debtor.

1. To deliver a document to the clerk for filing into the official record. 2. The official record of a case kept and preserved as provided by law.

Fees paid to the clerk of the court upon initiating a civil action.

Delivery of the judgment to the clerk for filing into the official record.

A monetary punishment or penalty.

Latin: “The end.”

Latin: “While the offense is blazing.” Caught in the act of committing the offense.

To shut out; a termination of the borrower’s rights in property covered by a mortgage.

A corporation created under the laws of another state, government or country.

Describing a discipline readily applicable to evidentiary matters, e.g., forensic medicine, forensic chemist, forensic pathologist, etc.

1. The failure to recognize and assert a right. 2. A divestiture of specific property without compensation as the consequence of some default or act forbidden by law.

To falsely make or materially alter a document with intent to defraud.

A place where issues are litigated and resolved; a jurisdiction; a court.

Knowingly misrepresenting a material fact to induce another to detrimentally act upon it in the manner reasonably contemplated.

That portion of real property abutting a street or road.

One who flees from justice upon being charged with a criminal offense. Compare, ESCAPEE.

A warrant for the arrest of one who has fled to another state to avoid prosecution.

U.S. Constitutional requirement that each state fully recognize and enforce all legitimate and final judgments of other states and federal courts.

An existing interest in real or personal property, ordinarily freely transferable, in which the privilege of possession or enjoyment is future and not present.

One upon who a writ of garnishment is served.

Statutory process of enforcing a judgment by attaching monies or property owed to the defendant, such as employment wages.

A verdict requiring no special form.

A voluntary transfer of property.

A gift made in prospect of imminent death.

Honest and trustworthy action.

Exemption from civil liability of a governmental entity absent its consent.

Impaneled group of men and women convened to determine whether probable cause exists to return an indictment. Compare PETIT JURY.