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Diversion
Procedures for handling relatively insignificant juvenile problems informally, without referral to Juvenile Court. In criminal cases, the formal continuance of a case for a certain length of time, usually a year, with the goal of dismissal if the defendant meets certain conditions.
Costs
An allowance for expenses in prosecuting or defending a suit. Ordinarily this does not include attorney fees.
Hostile witness
A witness who displays antagonism toward the party who called him to testify, or who is a witness for the opposing party. The examining party is allowed to conduct direct examination as if it were cross-examination.
Remand
Evidence that helps to prove a point or issue in a case.
Competency
A witness's ability to observe, recall and recount under oath what happened. Criminal defendants must also be competent to stand trial; they must understand the nature of the proceedings and have the ability to assist their lawyers.
Law and motion
A setting before a judge at which time a variety of motions, pleas, sentencing, orders to show cause or procedural requests may be presented. Normally, evidence is not taken. Defendants must be present.
Double jeopardy
Common law and constitutional prohibition (5th Amendment) against more than one prosecution for the same crime
Waive
To give up a right or claim voluntarily.
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