Legal terms

Affidavit A written statement sworn to before a person is officially permitted by law to administer an oath.

arraignment A pre-trial legal proceeding in which the accused is informed of the charges made against him, and enters a plea of guilty or not guilty

autopsy The medical examination of a dead body to find out the cause of death

bail The money that is paid by an accused for his release to ensure his reappearance in court

booking The process of fingerprinting, photographing, and recording the arrest of a person by the police

Charge to the jury The instructions that a judge gives to the jury and the laws involved in the case.

Closing statement A speech made by a lawyer in order to summarize the case and remind the jury of the crucial pieces of evidence.

Cross-examination The questioning of a witness by an attorney of the opposition – comes directly after direct examination.

defendant The accused person in a criminal case

Direct examination The questioning of a witness for the first time by a lawyer.

evidence Any information including testimony, documents, or physical objects that a court allows a lawyer to introduce during a trial in order to influence the court and/or jury.

homicide The killing of another human being, although not necessarily a crime.

manslaugter The reckless killing of another human being.

objection A point of order raised by a lawyer to the attempted introduction of evidence by the other side.

Objection overruled The words used by a judge when he disagrees with the lawyer who raised the objection. Objection Overruled!!!!

Objection sustained Objection Sustained The words used by the judge when he agrees with the lawyer who raised the objection. Objection Sustained

Opening statement A speech made by a lawyer to a jury in order to explain his views of the case, which the court is about to hear.

perjury The willful giving of false testimony under oath in court.

subpoena A court order requiring a person to go to court as a witness.

testimony An oral statement of evidence given by a witness, while under oath, during a court proceeding.

verdict The formal decision made by a jury in a trial.