Glossary of Basic Legal Terms

If you are facing some sort of situation that will involve you in the court system or in a legal dispute, it is important that you do understand some basic legal terms.  Of course, the information provided in this brief article is not comprehensive.  Additionally, if you are in need of some specific information or advice, you should consult with a lawyer as soon as possible.  There is no substitute for the advice of a lawyer.

Pleading

A pleading is a document that is filed in a civil lawsuit or a criminal case. For example, a petition or complaint -- the document that initiates a particular cases in a given court -- is a pleading.

Discovery

Discovery is the process through which the parties to a case obtain information, evidence and materials from the “other side” to a cause of action.  Discovery can include requests for productions of documents, interrogatories (which are written questions under oath) and depositions.

Summons

A summons is a legal command or directive from a court requiring the person who receives the summons to appear in court (or for a deposition) at an appointed time.  Failure to appear at the appointed time can result in the person being charged with contempt of court.

Plaintiff

The plaintiff is the person of company that has initiated a lawsuit.  In a criminal case, the plaintiff is the state that brings charges against a defendant.

Defendant

The defendant is the person against whom a civil or criminal case has been filed.

Interrogatories

Interrogatories are a set of written questions that must be answered to a party to a lawsuit under oath.

Deposition

A deposition is an in-person question and answer session during which a witness answers questions under oath.

A person needs to keep in mind that this is just a short summary of some of the more important legal terms of art.  If you desire to obtain more information about legal terms, you should consult with a lawyer.  Nothing in this article should be construed as taking the place of obtaining capable legal advice in a prompt manner should you be facing some sort of legal challenge.

One resource that you will want to consider using when you begin your search for an attorney are the various Internet websites that provide attorney search and attorney directory services.  These attorney search and attorney directory websites provide comprehensive information which can be vital in your search for a qualified lawyer.

By using one or another or these attorney search or attorney directory websites, a person in your shoes can find legal representation in a very short amount of time.  Many of these sites put the attorneys who are included in an attorney directory through at least some sort of screening process.  Therefore, at some of these sites, you can be assured that participating attorneys meet at least some minimum standards.