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Prosecutor
For himself; in his own behalf. One who does not retain a lawyer and appears for himself in court.
Complain
The first pleading on the part of the plaintiff in a civil action.
Beyond a reasonable doubt
Entirely convinced; in a criminal case the defendant's guilt must be proven to the jury to this extent. This is the highest burden of proof any party has in any proceeding
Mitigating circumstance
A circumstance that may be considered to reduce the degree of moral culpability, although it does not entirely justify or excuse an offense.
Case law
The law made by courts interpreting cases and laws as opposed to law made by legislatures. In the American system, the primary sources of law are 1) constitutions, 2) statutes/regulations, and 3) case law.
Restraining order
Court-ordered payment to restore goods or money to the victim of a crime by the offender.
Original jurisdiction
The court in which a matter must first be filed.
Corpus delicti
- The substance or foundation of a crime; the substantial fact that a crime has been committed, e g., the corpse of a homicide victim, the charred remains of a burned house.
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