Legal Terms and Definitions

Glossary of Legal Terms

Exclusive jurisdiction The matter can only be filed in one court Extraordinary writ A writ, often issued by an appellate court, making available remedies not regularly within the powers of lower courts. They include writs of habeas corpus, mandamus, prohibition and quo warranto. Common law General provisions of law existing before codification or interpretation by courts. Due process The guarantee of due process requires that no person be deprived of life, liberty, or property without a fair and adequate process. In criminal proceedings (as well as juvenile) this guarantee includes the fundamental aspects of a fair trial, including the right to adequate notice in advance of the trial, the right to counsel, the right to confront and cross-examine witnesses, the right to refuse self-incriminating testimony, and the right to have all elements of the crime proven beyond a reasonable doubt Witness One who testifies under oath to what he/she has seen, heard or otherwise observed. Warrant A written order issued and signed by a judge or magistrate which allows the police to search a place and seize specified items found there (search warrant), or to arrest or detain a specified person (arrest warrant Citation An order of the court requiring the appearance of a defendant on a particular day to answer to a particular charge. Quid pro quo To overthrow; vacate; to annul or void a summons, indictment, bindover order or subpoena.

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	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.