Legal Terms and Definitions

Glossary of Legal Terms

Domicile That place where a person has his true and permanent home. A person may have several residences, but only one domicile Foster care A form of substitute care, usually in a home licensed by a public agency, for children whose welfare requires removal from their homes Direct evidence Evidence in the form of testimony from a witness who actually saw, heard, or touched the subject of interrogation. 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. Extradition The surrender by one state to another of an individual accused or convicted of an offense outside its own territory, and within the territorial jurisdiction of the other. Detention hearing In Juvenile Court, a judicial hearing, usually held after the filing of a petition, to determine interim custody of a minor pending a judgment With prejudice A dismissal "with prejudice" bars the right to bring or maintain another action on the same claim or cause. Quid pro quo To overthrow; vacate; to annul or void a summons, indictment, bindover order or subpoena.

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	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.