What Does THAT Mean?
"Evidence may be supplied in the form of an affidavit."
"As lawyers at the Lake of the Ozarks, it is our job to assist litigants."
"Due to mitigating circumstances, the defendant was found not guilty."
Lawyers tend to use lots of legal jargon when working, and it can be hard to keep up if you're not familiar with these terms. That's why your local lawyers in Camdenton, MO have compiled a list of commonly used legal terms and their respective definitions. Our hope is that by taking the time to look over these terms and definitions now, you'll be better prepared next time you are faced with a legal issue. (Definitions taken from www.jud.ct.gov)
Default - To fail to respond or answer to the plaintiff's claims by filling the required court document, usually an Appearance or an Answer.
Appearance - The official court form filed with the court clerk which tells the court that you are representing yourself in a lawsuit or criminal case or that an attorney is representing you. All court notices and calendars will be mailed to the address listed on the form. When a defendant in a civil case files an appearance, the person is submitting to the court’s jurisdiction.
Answer - A court document, or pleading, in a civil case, by which the defendant responds to the plaintiff's complaint.
Plaintiff - The person who sues or starts a civil case, also called the petitioner or the complainant.
Plea Bargain - The agreement a defendant makes with the prosecutor to avoid a trial. Usually involves pleading guilty to lesser charges in exchange for a lighter sentence.
Litigant - A party to a case.
Affidavit - A written statement made under oath.
Mitigating Circumstances - Circumstances that may be considered to reduce the guilt of a defendant. Usually based on fairness or mercy.
Statute of Limitations - A certain time allowed by law for starting a case. For example, five years in a property damage case.
Tort - A civil injury or wrong to someone else, or their property.
Common Law - Laws that develop through case decisions by judges. Not enacted by legislative bodies.
These few terms and definitions barely scratch the surface of the many different legal terms, but hopefully they helped to get you started on the right track. As the best lawyers in Missouri, we encourage our clients to ask us clarifying questions any time they feel they do not fully understand what is being said to/asked of them.
If you need quality legal assistance in Camden County, don't hesitate to give us a call!
We Are Effective Camden County Lawyers for all of your legal needs.
Subscribe to our blog for interesting legal information, announcements, and happenings around Lake of the Ozarks.
Disclaimer: No attorney-client relationship is created by publication of this Blog.
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Law Offices of Phillips, McElyea, Carpenter, & Welch, P.C.
Phillips, McElyea, Carpenter & Welch, P.C.
"As lawyers at the Lake of the Ozarks, it is our job to assist litigants."
"Due to mitigating circumstances, the defendant was found not guilty."
Default - To fail to respond or answer to the plaintiff's claims by filling the required court document, usually an Appearance or an Answer.
Appearance - The official court form filed with the court clerk which tells the court that you are representing yourself in a lawsuit or criminal case or that an attorney is representing you. All court notices and calendars will be mailed to the address listed on the form. When a defendant in a civil case files an appearance, the person is submitting to the court’s jurisdiction.
Answer - A court document, or pleading, in a civil case, by which the defendant responds to the plaintiff's complaint.
Plaintiff - The person who sues or starts a civil case, also called the petitioner or the complainant.
Plea Bargain - The agreement a defendant makes with the prosecutor to avoid a trial. Usually involves pleading guilty to lesser charges in exchange for a lighter sentence.
Litigant - A party to a case.
Affidavit - A written statement made under oath.
Mitigating Circumstances - Circumstances that may be considered to reduce the guilt of a defendant. Usually based on fairness or mercy.
Statute of Limitations - A certain time allowed by law for starting a case. For example, five years in a property damage case.
Tort - A civil injury or wrong to someone else, or their property.
Common Law - Laws that develop through case decisions by judges. Not enacted by legislative bodies.
These few terms and definitions barely scratch the surface of the many different legal terms, but hopefully they helped to get you started on the right track. As the best lawyers in Missouri, we encourage our clients to ask us clarifying questions any time they feel they do not fully understand what is being said to/asked of them.
If you need quality legal assistance in Camden County, don't hesitate to give us a call!
We Are Effective Camden County Lawyers for all of your legal needs.
We Are There When You Need Us.
Disclaimer: No attorney-client relationship is created by publication of this Blog.
---------------------------------------------------------------
Law Offices of Phillips, McElyea, Carpenter, & Welch, P.C.
The choice of a lawyer is an important decision and should not be based solely on advertising. When you need a knowledgeable attorney, we invite you to contact us to set up a consultation. Evening and weekend appointments are available. We have access to interpreters.
We accept Visa, MasterCard, and Discover.
Phillips, McElyea, Carpenter & Welch, P.C.
85 Court Circle N.W., P.O. Box 559
Camdenton, MO 65020 GET A MAP
(573) 346-7231 - Telephone
(888) 236-2485 - Toll Free
(573) 346-4411 - Fax
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