Legal Terms and Definitions

Glossary of Legal Terms

Probate The process of proving the validity of a will. Indeterminate sentence An indefinite sentence of imprisonment, within a specified range (e.g. "5 to life") with the Board of Pardons later determining the exact term to be served. Burglary The unlawful breaking into or entering of a building or dwelling with the intent to commit a serious crime or theft. Parole A procedure in which a parole board releases a convict on good behavior before the maximum sentence expires. Pardon Action by an official of an executive branch of government relieving a criminal from a conviction. Concurrent jurisdiction The jurisdiction of two or more courts, each authorized to deal with the same subject matter. Hearsay Second-hand evidence, generally consisting of a witness's testimony that he/she heard someone else say something. Search and seizure, unreasonable The closure of court records to inspection, except to the parties.

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	Alternative Dispute Resolution describes problem-solving processes Alternative Dispute Resolution describes problem-solving processes that promote creative solutions to disputes that are unavailable in traditional dispute resolution forums. May include a specialist