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Preponderance of evidence
Evidence that is (even minimally) of greater weight or more convincing than the evidence, which is offered in opposition to it. This is the standard by which a plaintiff must prove his/her case in a civil suit.
Reasonable doubt
What for what; something for something; giving one valuable thing for another.
Probable cause
A judicial finding that there exists reasonable grounds for belief that a person should be arrested or searched.
Disposition
The order of a Juvenile Court determining what is to be done with a minor already adjudged to be within the court's jurisdiction. In criminal or civil cases, the settlement of a case.
Answer
A pleading by which defendant responds to the plaintiff's complaint
Court reporter
A court official who records testimony and arguments, and transcribes it into a permanent record of all court proceedings.
Charge
The statement accusing a person of committing a particular crime. Also the judge's instructions to the jury on its duties, on the law involved in the case and on how the law in the case must be applied.
Prejudicial evidence
Evidence which might unfairly sway the judge or jury to one side or the other. For example, photographs of a gory murder scene might inflame a jury without providing useful evidence. May be excluded in criminal cases if prejudicial effect outweighs probative value.
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