A legal institution, usually a government entity, with the authority to decide civil and criminal matters in accordance with the law. Courts are established and dissolved by legislation enacted by legislatures or constitutions, and their practical authority is known as jurisdiction. Courts are sometimes referred to as the judicial branch of government.
affidavit: A written statement sworn to in the presence of someone legally authorized, like a notary public. admonition to jury: Instructions a Judge gives to the jurors before they start deliberating in a case, telling them what laws apply.
cause of action: The facts that are used as a reason to sue. Also called grounds.
defendant: The person sued in a civil case. Also called the plaintiff or the complainant in a complaint. In criminal cases, the accused person is called the defendant.
deliberation: The process in which a jury considers evidence and testimony to come up with a decision. The jury may discuss the issues, opinions, and arguments presented in a case or lawsuit.
eloquent witness: A witness who is able to speak well and explain the details of the case clearly.
inter vivos trust: A kind of trust that is made while the person is alive.
court of appeals: The highest court in New York State. It hears cases that are appealed from lower courts.
Court staff: People who work for the courts, such as clerks, caseworkers, and lawyers. The clerkâs office keeps the official court files, including the case number. A court file is a folder that has all the papers for one case. endorsed copy: A copy of a paper that has been signed and stamped to show it was filed. Compare with certified copy.