The process by which the property of a person who has died without a will passes on to others according to the state's descent and distribution statutes. If someone dies without a will, and the court uses the state’s interstate succession laws, an heir who receives some of the deceased's property is an intestate heir.

A trust that, once set up, the grantor may not revoke.

The disputed point in a disagreement between parties in a lawsuit. 2. To send out officially, as in to issue an order.

A form of legal co-ownership of property (also known as survivorship). At the death of one co-tenant, the surviving co-tenant becomes sole owner of the property. A tenancy by the entirety is a special form of joint tenancy between a husband and wife.

A legal doctrine that makes each of the parties who are responsible for an injury, liable for all the damages awarded in a lawsuit if the other parties responsible cannot pay.

An elected or appointed public official with authority to hear and decide cases in a court of law. A Judge Pro Tem is a temporary judge. DC Court of Appeals and Superior Court judges are appointed by the President of the United States of America.

The final disposition of a lawsuit. Default judgment is a judgment rendered because of the defendant's failure to answer or appear. Summary judgment is a judgment given on the basis of pleadings, affidavits, and exhibits presented for the record without any need for a trial. It is used when there is no dispute as to the facts of the case and one party is entitled to a judgment as a matter of law. Consent judgment occurs when the provisions and terms of the judgment are agreed on by the parties and submitted to the court for its sanction and approval.

The authority of a court to review the official actions of other branches of government. Also, the authority to declare unconstitutional the actions of other branches.

The legal authority of a court to hear and decide a case. Concurrent jurisdiction exists when two courts have simultaneous responsibility for the same case. 2. The geographic area over which the court has authority to decide cases.

The study of law and the structure of the legal system.

Persons selected according to law and sworn to inquire into and declare a verdict on matters of fact. A petit jury is an ordinary or trial jury, composed of six to 12 persons, which hears either civil or criminal cases.

The court officer responsible for choosing the panel of persons to serve as potential jurors for a particular court term.

A judge's explanation to the jury before it begins deliberations of the questions it must answer and the applicable law governing the case. Also called charge.

Issues and claims capable of being properly examined in court.

A branch of the Family Court Social Services Division that completes the initial processing and screening of all juveniles.

A gift made in a will to a person who has died prior to the will-maker’s death.

Obtaining property by fraud or deceit.

The combination of those rules and principles of conduct promulgated by legislative authority, derived from court decisions and established by local custom.

Persons trained in the law who assist judges in researching and drafting legal opinions and orders.

An all-female juvenile supervision program.

A question that suggests the answer desired from the witness. A party generally may not ask one's own witness leading questions. Leading questions may be asked only of hostile witnesses and on cross-examination.

Professional legal services that may be available usually to persons or organizations unable to afford such services.

A recommendation for a sentence less than the maximum allowed.

A legal document issued by a court that shows an executor's legal right to take control of assets in the deceased person's name.

A legal document issued by a court that shows an administrator's legal right to take control of assets in the deceased person's name.

Legally responsible.

Published words or pictures that falsely and maliciously defame a person. Libel is published defamation; slander is spoken.

A legal claim against another person's property as security for a debt. A lien does not convey ownership of the property, but gives the lien holder a right to have his or her debt satisfied out of the proceeds of the property if the debt is not otherwise paid.

Raised preliminarily, such as a motion requesting that the court not allow certain evidence that might prejudice the jury.

Refers to courts that are limited in the types of criminal and civil cases they may hear. For example, traffic violations generally are heard by limited jurisdiction courts.

A party to a lawsuit. Litigation refers to a case, controversy, or lawsuit.

A trust set up and in effect during the lifetime of the grantor.
 

Judicial officer exercising some of the functions of a judge. It also refers in a general way to a judge.

Evil doing, ill conduct; the commission of some act that is positively prohibited by law.

An action instituted with intention of injuring the defendant and without probable cause, and which terminates in favor of the person prosecuted.

A writ issued by a court ordering a public official to perform an act.