Category: S

A command to a witness to appear and produce documents.

The time within which a lawsuit must be filed or a criminal prosecution begun. The deadline can vary, depending on the type of civil case or the crime charged. Subpoena: A command, issued under a court’s authority, to a witness to appear and give testimony.

A law passed by a legislature.

A description that a witness gives to the police and that the police write down.

For cases of negligence, the degree of care which a reasonable person would have applied under the same or similar circumstances. In medical malpractice lawsuits, doctors or health care professionals who fail to meet the standard established by law to protect patients from negligence, the person may be liable for damages or injuries resulting from...

Parties to a lawsuit resolve their difference without having a trial. Settlements often involve the payment of compensation by one party in satisfaction of the other party’s claims.

To separate. Sometimes juries are sequestered from outside influences during their deliberations.

A court order closing a case file from public review, usually in cases of youthful offenders and acquittal. Prevents the public from obtaining information on the cases.