Legal Terms and Definitions

Glossary of Legal Terms

Inadmissible/incompetent evidence Information that is so unreliable it cannot be admitted under the established rules of evidence. 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. Annual review Yearly judicial review, usually in juvenile dependency cases, to determine whether the child requires continued court supervision or placement Rebuttal evidence A person accused of a crime is entitled to acquittal if, in the minds of the jury or judge, his or her guilt has not been proved beyond a "reasonable doubt"; the jurors are not entirely convinced of the person's guilt. 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 Preliminary inquiry In Juvenile Court, an investigation and study conducted by the probation department upon receiving a referral to determine whether further action should be taken. Chambers A judge's private office in the courthouse. Search warrants In general, an examination, without authority of law, of one's premises or person to find-stolen property or contraband.

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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.