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Law and motion
A setting before a judge at which time a variety of motions, pleas, sentencing, orders to show cause or procedural requests may be presented. Normally, evidence is not taken. Defendants must be present.
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
Quash
Money awarded to an injured person, over and above the measurable value of the injury, in order to punish the person who hurt him.
Prejudicial evidence
Evidence which might unfairly sway the judge or jury to one side or the other. For example, photographs of a gory murder scene might inflame a jury without providing useful evidence. May be excluded in criminal cases if prejudicial effect outweighs probative value.
Power of attorney
A written instrument authorizing another (not necessarily a lawyer) to act as one's agent or attorney.
Discovery
The process through which parties to an action are allowed to obtain relevant information known to other parties or nonparties before trial
Impeachment of witness
An attack on the credibility of a witness.
Hypothetical question
A form of question generally used for expert witnesses. The examiner states a factual foundation (often based on disputed facts) and asks the expert to draw conclusions based on the hypothetical foundation. The hypothetical question includes only facts already in evidence.
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