Legal Terms and Definitions

Glossary of Legal Terms

Foster care A form of substitute care, usually in a home licensed by a public agency, for children whose welfare requires removal from their homes Exclusive jurisdiction The matter can only be filed in one court Multiplicity of actions Numerous and unnecessary attempts to litigate the same issue. Litigant A party to a lawsuit; one engaged in litigation. Probable cause A judicial finding that there exists reasonable grounds for belief that a person should be arrested or searched. Precedent A rule of law that is established by an appellate court in an earlier case serves as binding precedent in all subsequent similar cases. Detention hearing In Juvenile Court, a judicial hearing, usually held after the filing of a petition, to determine interim custody of a minor pending a judgment Comparative negligence The degree to which a person contributed to his/her own injury, damage or death. Usually measured in terms of percentage. Contributory negligence is the failure to exercise care by a plaintiff, which contributed to the plaintiff's injury.

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	Did You Know?
	Mediation is a process that involves a mediator Neutral third party who helps the disputing parties achieve a resolution that satisfies both of them. The mediator's primary function is to create constructive communication between parties and provide a forum where disputants can create a mutually satisfactory agreement. Mediators do not impose decisions; instead, they help people craft solutions that will work for them.