Legal Terms and Definitions

Glossary of Legal Terms

Fine A sum of money paid as part of a penalty of conviction for a particular criminal offense. Costs An allowance for expenses in prosecuting or defending a suit. Ordinarily this does not include attorney fees. Preliminary injunction In civil cases when it is necessary to preserve the status quo prior to trial, the court may issue a preliminary injunction or temporary restraining order ordering a party to carry out a specified activity. Liability A legal responsibility, obligation, or debt. Jurisprudence Formal study of the principles on which legal rules are based and the means by which judges guide their decision making. Adjudication Giving or pronouncing a judgment or decree, or the rendering of a decision on a matter before a court. Hearing A formal proceeding (generally less formal than a trial) with definite issues of law or of fact to be heard. Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Methods of resolving disputes outside of official court proceedings. These methods include mediation arbitration, and conciliation

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	Did You Know?
	Mediation may not be the most appropriate avenue for resolution in all cases. For example, it may not be appropriate in cases where: A definitive or authoritative resolution of the matter is required; The matter involves or may bear upon significant questions of Government policy that require additional procedures before a final resolution may be made; Maintaining established policies that apply to many people is especially important; The matter significantly affects persons or groups who are not parties to the process; A full public record of the proceeding is important; or The agency must maintain continuing jurisdiction over the matter with authority to alter the disposition of the matter in light of changed circumstances.