CommonlyUsedLegalTerms.docVIP

Commonly Used Legal Terms TERM DEFINITION Acquittal The formal legal determination that an accused criminal is not guilty. Action A formal complaint within the authority of a court of law. Affidavit A written statement of facts made voluntarily and confirmed by an oath. Affidavits are used as proof for simple matters that do not require the live testimony of witnesses. Alibi The explanation offered by a person accused of a crime to demonstrate that he or she was somewhere other than where the crime took place at the time the crime happened. Appeal The request by a losing party (appellant