Legal Reference

Legal Glossary

Federal court terminology explained in plain English

Understanding legal documents shouldn't require a law degree. This glossary covers common terms you'll encounter in federal court records.

Indictment

A formal accusation by a grand jury stating that there is enough evidence to charge someone with a crime. It's the document that officially starts a federal criminal case.

Example: "The grand jury returned a 14-count indictment against the defendant."

Superseding Indictment

A new indictment that replaces the original one. Prosecutors file this to add charges, remove charges, or add new defendants to the case.

Example: "After new evidence emerged, prosecutors filed a superseding indictment with three additional fraud counts."

Motion to Dismiss

A formal request asking the court to throw out all or part of the case. In criminal cases, defendants argue the charges are legally flawed or the evidence is insufficient.

Example: "The defense filed a motion to dismiss, arguing the statute of limitations had expired."

Summary Judgment

A court decision made without a full trial. The judge rules that the facts are undisputed and one party is entitled to win as a matter of law.

Example: "The plaintiff won summary judgment on the breach of contract claim."

Docket

The official record of all filings, hearings, and orders in a case. It's like a timeline showing everything that's happened in the lawsuit.

Example: "The docket shows 156 entries over the three-year litigation."

Pro Se

Latin for 'for oneself.' A person representing themselves in court without a lawyer.

Example: "The plaintiff appeared pro se at the hearing."

Plea Agreement

A deal between the prosecutor and defendant where the defendant agrees to plead guilty to some charges in exchange for reduced charges or a lighter sentence recommendation.

Example: "Under the plea agreement, three counts were dropped in exchange for a guilty plea on the wire fraud charge."

Arraignment

The first court appearance where the defendant is formally told the charges and asked to enter a plea (guilty, not guilty, or no contest).

Example: "At his arraignment, the defendant pleaded not guilty to all counts."

Discovery

The pre-trial process where both sides exchange evidence and information. This includes documents, witness lists, and depositions.

Example: "Discovery in the case produced over 2 million pages of documents."

Bail / Bond

Money or property pledged to the court to ensure a defendant returns for trial. If they don't appear, the money is forfeited.

Example: "The judge set bail at $500,000, requiring the defendant to surrender his passport."

Sentencing Guidelines

Federal rules that provide recommended sentence ranges based on the crime's severity and the defendant's criminal history.

Example: "Under the sentencing guidelines, the calculated range was 87-108 months."

Continuance

A postponement of a court proceeding. Either side can request more time to prepare.

Example: "The defense requested a continuance to review newly disclosed evidence."

Subpoena

A legal order requiring someone to appear in court to testify or produce documents.

Example: "The bank received a subpoena for all account records from 2020-2023."

RICO (Racketeering)

The Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act. A federal law that allows prosecutors to charge leaders for crimes committed by their organization.

Example: "The RICO indictment alleged a pattern of racketeering activity spanning 15 years."

Sealed Document

A court filing that is not publicly accessible. Documents are sealed to protect sensitive information, ongoing investigations, or privacy.

Example: "The search warrant affidavit remains under seal pending the investigation."

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