Legal Terms and Definitions

Glossary of Legal Terms

Reasonable doubt What for what; something for something; giving one valuable thing for another. Original jurisdiction The court in which a matter must first be filed. Attorney of record Attorney whose name appears in the permanent records or files of a case. Certiorari See writ of certiorari Guardian ad litem In Utah State Court proceedings, a lawyer appointed by a court to look after the interests of an infant, child or incompetent person during court proceedings. Impeachment of witness An attack on the credibility of a witness. Alibi A defense claim that the accused was somewhere else at the time a crime was committed. Mens rea Literally, "guilty mind." The intent required to commit the crime. One of the two basic requirements, along with the guilty act (actus reus), which constitute a crime.

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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.