Legal Terms and Definitions

Glossary of Legal Terms

Citation An order of the court requiring the appearance of a defendant on a particular day to answer to a particular charge. Contract An oral or written agreement between two or more parties, which is enforceable by law. Prejudicial evidence Evidence which might unfairly sway the judge or jury to one side or the other. For example, photographs of a gory murder scene might inflame a jury without providing useful evidence. May be excluded in criminal cases if prejudicial effect outweighs probative value. Expungemen A court order allowing the destruction or sealing of records of minors or adults, after the passage of a specified period of time or when the person reaches a specified age and has not committed another offense. Comparative negligence The degree to which a person contributed to his/her own injury, damage or death. Usually measured in terms of percentage. Contributory negligence is the failure to exercise care by a plaintiff, which contributed to the plaintiff's injury. Deposition The taking of testimony of a witness under oath outside of court, usually transcribed in writing by a court reporter, or less frequently, recorded on videotape. Sentence An order issued by a judge or magistrate commanding a sheriff, constable, or other officer to search a specified location. Embezzlement The fraudulent appropriation by a person to his own use or benefit of property or money entrusted to him by another.

IAre you currently seeking legal information regarding Akron laws? If so, contact one of our Akron attorneys today!

	Did You Know?
	Mediation may not be the most appropriate avenue for resolution in all cases. For example, it may not be appropriate in cases where: A definitive or authoritative resolution of the matter is required; The matter involves or may bear upon significant questions of Government policy that require additional procedures before a final resolution may be made; Maintaining established policies that apply to many people is especially important; The matter significantly affects persons or groups who are not parties to the process; A full public record of the proceeding is important; or The agency must maintain continuing jurisdiction over the matter with authority to alter the disposition of the matter in light of changed circumstances.