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Original jurisdiction
The court in which a matter must first be filed.
Bail bondsman
A person who posts bail in exchange for a fee, usually 10 percent of the total bail.
Mens rea
Literally, "guilty mind." The intent required to commit the crime. One of the two basic requirements, along with the guilty act (actus reus), which constitute a crime.
Appellee
The party against whom an appeal is taken
Punitive damages
Lawyers regularly employed by the government to represent people accused of crimes who cannot afford to hire their own. The term may also be used to refer to a private firm receiving public money to defend indigent criminal defendants.
Appearance
The formal proceeding by which defendant submits to the jurisdiction of the court.
Preliminary hearing
A probable cause hearing which screens felony criminal cases by deciding whether there is enough evidence to warrant a trial. If the judge determines there is sufficient evidence, the defendant is "bound over" for trial. The defendant may waive this hearing.
Hearing
A formal proceeding (generally less formal than a trial) with definite issues of law or of fact to be heard.
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