Legal Terms and Definitions

Glossary of Legal Terms

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 Not guilty plea Complete denial of guilt. In criminal cases, a necessary stage of the proceedings required to preserve all legal issues. Ex parte By or for one party only. Ordinarily courts are not allowed to engage in communications with one party only (ex parte communications). Both parties must be heard. Protective supervision In child abuse and neglect cases, the emergency removal of child from his home when the child would be in imminent danger if allowed to remain with the parent(s) or custodian(s). Counterclaim A claim presented by a defendant in a civil proceeding in opposition to the claim of a plaintiff. Forcible entry and detainer Ordinarily refers to a summary proceeding for restoring possession of land to one who has been wrongfully deprived of possession Fourth Amendment The 4th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution protects every person against unreasonable search and seizure by government officials Admission statement tending to establish the guilt or liability of the person making the statement.

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	Did You Know?
	The mediation process may vary depending on the mediator. Generally, mediations commence with a general session with all parties, counsel and the mediator. At the general session, there will be a discussion of the case, the issues on appeal and other matters important to settlement. Then the mediator will meet separately with each party and their counsel in separate "caucuses." In these separate sessions, the mediator will seek to foster negotiations between the parties and develop agreement.