Glossary of Criminal Defense Terms

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z #

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Default judgement: A judgement rendered because of the defendant's failure to answer or appear.

Defendant: In a criminal case, the person accused of the crime.

Deposition: An oral statement made before an officer authorized by law to administer oaths. Such statements are often taken to examine potential witnesses, to obtain discovery, or to be used later in trial.

Discovery: Lawyers' examination, before trial, of facts and documents in possession of the opponents to help the lawyers prepare for trial.

Docket: A log containing brief entries of court proceedings.