Vocabulary

12345678910111213
Across
  1. 3. A legal dispute or matter brought before a court for resolution. It involves one party's claim or accusation against another, which may be civil, criminal, or administrative in nature.
  2. 4. A legal process in which a higher court reviews the decision of a lower court. The appealing party seeks to overturn or modify the lower court's decision based on errors of law or procedure.
  3. 5. A legal professional who presides over court proceedings, making decisions on the law, overseeing trials, and ensuring the proper application of legal principles. In some cases, the judge also determines the outcome, such as sentencing in criminal trials.
  4. 7. A formal legal document filed by a plaintiff that sets out the allegations and legal reasons the plaintiff believes they are entitled to relief. It is the initial step in starting a lawsuit.
  5. 9. A formal judicial process where evidence is presented, witnesses testify, and both parties (plaintiff and defendant) argue their case before a judge (and sometimes a jury) to reach a decision on the matter in dispute.
  6. 12. A method of alternative dispute resolution (ADR) in which a neutral third party, the mediator, helps the disputing parties reach a voluntary agreement outside of court. The mediator does not make decisions but facilitates communication and negotiation.
  7. 13. The act of keeping someone in custody, typically by law enforcement, while they await trial, investigation, or further legal proceedings. Detention may occur before a person has been convicted of a crime.
Down
  1. 1. An individual, company, or institution that is being accused or sued in a court of law. In criminal cases, the defendant is the person charged with committing a crime.
  2. 2. A sum of money or property posted as a security to ensure that a defendant will appear in court for their trial. If the defendant fails to appear, the bail is forfeited.
  3. 5. The legal authority of a court or government body to make decisions and enforce laws over specific types of cases or geographic areas. Jurisdiction determines where and how legal matters are heard and adjudicated.
  4. 6. A government institution or venue where legal disputes are heard, and justice is administered. It can refer to various types of courts, such as civil, criminal, appellate, or specialized courts, depending on the nature of the case.
  5. 8. Any material, testimony, or object presented in court to prove or disprove the facts of a case. Evidence can include documents, physical objects, witness testimony, or expert opinions.
  6. 10. A legal action taken by a plaintiff (the person initiating the case) against a defendant (the person being sued) in a court of law, typically seeking a legal remedy like damages or specific performance.
  7. 11. The process of gathering facts, evidence, and information to determine the details of an event or issue, often conducted by law enforcement, lawyers, or private investigators, especially in criminal matters.