Legal Terms and Definitions

Glossary of Legal Terms

Harmless error An error committed by a lower court during a trial, but not prejudicial to the rights of the party and for which the appellate court will not reverse the judgment. Punitive damages Lawyers regularly employed by the government to represent people accused of crimes who cannot afford to hire their own. The term may also be used to refer to a private firm receiving public money to defend indigent criminal defendants. Irrelevant Evidence not sufficiently related to the matter in issue. Forfeiture The concept of forfeiture is used in a variety of settings in the legal system. For example, property such as an automobile or house that is used in the commission of a crime i.e., selling a controlled substance, may be forfeited to the state in a civil proceeding. Bail In criminal cases, a sum of money posted by or on behalf of a defendant to guarantee his appearance in court after being released from jail Precedent A rule of law that is established by an appellate court in an earlier case serves as binding precedent in all subsequent similar cases. Evidence Testimony, records, documents, material objects, or other things presented at a trial to prove the existence or nonexistence of a fact. Quid pro quo To overthrow; vacate; to annul or void a summons, indictment, bindover order or subpoena.

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	Did You Know?
	Mediation is a process that involves a mediator Neutral third party who helps the disputing parties achieve a resolution that satisfies both of them. The mediator's primary function is to create constructive communication between parties and provide a forum where disputants can create a mutually satisfactory agreement. Mediators do not impose decisions; instead, they help people craft solutions that will work for them.