Legal System Vocabulary

The finding of fact requiring an order to make it happen (guilty or not guilty in criminal cases and verdict for plaintiff or verdict for defendant in civil cases)

• Criminal Case

• Judgement

• Verdict

• Evidence

The other person involved in the case who responds to the filed paperwork. 

• Respondent

• Petitioner

All legal proceedings which are not criminal actions. 

• Criminal Case

• Civil Case

• Verdict

• Petitioner

The person bringing the dispute or issue to court. 

• Respondent

• Petitioner

A legal proceeding involving a public wrong, a crime for which the defendant is found guilty and could receive a fine or be ordered to jail/prison. 

• Objection Overruled

• Civil Case

• Criminal Case

The Judge will allow the evidence/testimony to be presented even though one of the parties does not want it introduced. 

• Objection to Evidence

• Objection Overruled

• Objection Sustained

• Jury Instructions

A court order following a verdict.

• Judgment

• Verdict

• Jury Instructions

• Objection Overruled

The Judge agrees with the person who does not want certain evidence/testimony seen or heard. The Judge “sustains the objection” and does not allow the evidence/testimony to be presented.  

• Objection Overruled

• Objection Sustained

• Objection to Evidence

The laws provided to the jury by the judge that the jury must follow in making their decision (verdict). 

• Petitioner

• Jury Instructions

• Respondent

• Evidence

One of the parties does not want the Judge or Jury to see or hear certain evidence. For example, a witness generally cannot testify about what someone else said because it is hearsay or a rumor. 

• Objection Overruled

• Objection Sustained

• Objection to Evidence

• Criminal Case