Legal Terms and Definitions

Glossary of Legal Terms

Docket A brief entry or the book containing such entries of any proceeding in court. Sealing The fee, which the client pays when he/she retains an attorney. Opinion evidence Witnesses are normally required to confine their testimony to statements of fact and are not allowed to give their opinions in court. However, if a witness is qualified as an expert in a particular field, he or she may be allowed to state an opinion as an expert based on certain facts. Eschea In American law, the right of the state to an estate left vacant, to which no one makes a valid claim. Property of a decedent who had no will and no heir’s escheats to the state. Common law General provisions of law existing before codification or interpretation by courts. Costs An allowance for expenses in prosecuting or defending a suit. Ordinarily this does not include attorney fees. 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. Estoppel A person's own act, or acceptance of facts, which preclude later claims to the contrary.

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	Did You Know?
	The mediation process may vary depending on the mediator. Generally, mediations commence with a general session with all parties, counsel and the mediator. At the general session, there will be a discussion of the case, the issues on appeal and other matters important to settlement. Then the mediator will meet separately with each party and their counsel in separate "caucuses." In these separate sessions, the mediator will seek to foster negotiations between the parties and develop agreement.