AZ Court Help and Arizona courthouse accessibility information           Increase Font Size

A- A A+

Legal Term Glossary

In the fall of 2024, the Arizona Department of Child Safety (DCS) mailed letters to parents who once had an open dependency and/or severance case.

Did you receive a letter? Visit the DCS letter page for more information.

General Legal Terms

Search for glossary terms (regular expression allowed)

Glossaries

Term Main definition
Magistrate

Often used to refer to a municipal court judge, but A.R.S. 1-215 provides a broad definition that includes all judicial officers with power to issue a warrant for arrest: includes a Supreme Court justice and judges of the superior, justice and municipal courts.

Mandamus

Also known as a writ of mandamus is an order of a court to an inferior government agency, official, or corporation, for the person or entity to perform or correct  or abstain from an act that is required by law.

Synonyms - Writ of Mandamus
Material Breach

A material breach of a contract is a significant violation of an agreement which can result in the complete termination of the agreement and the ability for the wronged party to sue for damages.

Mechanic's Lien

A specific legal tool used to recover payment for labor or services that were performed at a building or a construction site that have not been paid. A person who was not paid for their services would seek a judgement for a mechanic’s lien and if granted the lien would be attached to the property to be paid when the property was sold.

Synonyms - Mechanics Lien
Merit Selection

A system for a judicial nomination commission to recommend candidates for judicial appointments to the governor.

Misdemeanor

An offense less serious than a felony, punishable by a sentence other than being sent to prison (A.R.S. 13-105).

Motion

A request to a judge seeking a specific ruling or court order.

Multas / Honorarios y Cumplimiento de Restitución
Un programa de recolección para los tribunales.
Synonyms - FARE

Search