Legal Terms and Definitions

Glossary of Legal Terms

Misdemeanor A minor offense, lower than a felony, which is punishable by a county jail term of up to one year and/or a fine, but not prison. Misdemeanors are classified into three categories: Class A, B, and C. Counterclaim A claim presented by a defendant in a civil proceeding in opposition to the claim of a plaintiff. Fourth Amendment The 4th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution protects every person against unreasonable search and seizure by government officials Concurrent jurisdiction The jurisdiction of two or more courts, each authorized to deal with the same subject matter. Conditional release A release from custody, which imposes regulations on the activities and associations of the defendant. If a defendant fails to meet the conditions, the release is revoked. Appeal The bringing of a case to a higher court for review of a lower court's order or judgment. Manslaughter A person recklessly causes the death of another, or acting under extreme emotional disturbance, causes the death of another, or acting under circumstances when a person reasonably believes the circumstances provide a legal justification or excuse for his conduct constitutes manslaughter. Appellate jurisdiction The appellate court has the right to review and revise the lower court decision.

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