Words You Need to Know

Glossary of Terms

Because your path to freedom involves legal processes, you will hear a lot of new words, as well as familiar words being used in new ways.

Use this list to help you understand some of the key terms that will be used during the process.

Remember to ask questions. Whenever there are terms or parts of the process you don’t understand, ask someone to explain it to you.

To cancel or set aside.

The decision made by the jury in a trial as to the guilt or non-guilt of the defendant.

An act that is against the law for which the state can imprison an individual for up to 15 days, but not more.

an act of aggression (as one against a person who resists)

The process through which the prosecution and defense attorneys question and select jurors for a trial.