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Assault
A willful attempt to illegally inflict injury on or threaten a person.
Forfeiture
The concept of forfeiture is used in a variety of settings in the legal system. For example, property such as an automobile or house that is used in the commission of a crime i.e., selling a controlled substance, may be forfeited to the state in a civil proceeding.
Deposition
The taking of testimony of a witness under oath outside of court, usually transcribed in writing by a court reporter, or less frequently, recorded on videotape.
Burden of proof
The duty to establish a claim or allegation by admissible evidence. This is usually the duty of the plaintiff in a civil case and always is the duty of the state in a criminal case.
Retainer:
Similar to an injunction, commanding the party to leave the other party alone, usually in a divorce proceeding.
Direct examination:
The first questioning of a witness by the attorney for the party on whose behalf the witness is called. Usually proceeds with open ended, non leading questions.
Lien
A claim against property for payment of a debt. Common types of liens include the mechanic's lien, the judgment lien, and the mortgage lien.
Hearsay
Second-hand evidence, generally consisting of a witness's testimony that he/she heard someone else say something.
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