General Legal Terms

One who is admitted to the State Bar of Arizona and who may represent clients in legal proceedings. Also called lawyer or counsel.

Money or other form of security the judge requires to be held by the court to ensure that a criminal defendant, released while awaiting trial, will be in court for the trial. Bail is returned when the defendant returns for trial.

Courtroom attendant responsible for keeping order in the courtroom and supervising the jury.

The seat where a judge sits in court.

Local governing body at the county level.

Written statement explaining facts of a case and laws that apply.

Responsibility for proving the facts in a case.

Calendar days include weekends and holidays

Lawsuit, suit, or action being resolved through the court system.

Law composed of previously written decisions of appellate courts.

Private office of a judge or justice.

Presiding justice of the Arizona Supreme Court.

The identity of an individuals national origin.  It defines his/her rights and responsibilities to that country.

Document filed by the plaintiff in a civil case that outlines the claim of the plaintiff against the defendant.

Area of law that deals with disputes between individuals not involving crimes.

An appointed or elected person who is in charge of keeping records, accounts and managing regular activities for a court.

An elected official whose primary duty is to deliver and return legal notices and documents as directed by a justice court.

An action in which the defendant opposes the relief sought by the plaintiff.

A decision by the judge or a verdict by the jury determining that a person charged with a criminal offense is guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

A claim filed by a defendant in a civil case against the complaint of the plaintiff. For this claim, the defendant is a plaintiff.