Definition: Probationer
While it seems overly simple, a probationer is a person who is on probation. They have committed some kind of crime and allowed to stay out of jail for a trial period. The length of the trial period is determined by a judge or magistrate, and there are various...
Definition: Defendant
The defendant in a lawsuit is someone who has been accused of wrongdoing. The defendant must defend their position. In criminal court, the defendant is accused of a crime. In a civil lawsuit, the defendant is accused of an action (or lack of an action) that he or she...
Definition: Plaintiff
There are 2 sides to every story. In litigation, they are called the plaintiff and defendant. The plaintiff is the person (or company) that brings a legal complaint about someone else to the court. In the case caption, the plaintiff is always listed first. An...
Definition: Magistrate
A magistrate is similar to a judge in that they can hear cases. A magistrate only hears some minor criminal (sometimes civil) matters. The criminal offenses may include traffic offenses or petty theft. A magistrate has mostly administrative powers, and no precedents...
Definition: Mediation
Mediation is one of several ways to resolve a conflict between two parties. It is often referred to as ADR or Alternative Dispute Resolution. Both parties voluntarily agree to come together in front of a neutral party called the mediator. A mediator’s job is...
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