Legal Terms and Definitions

Glossary of Legal Terms

Jury commissioner An officer charged with the duty of selecting the names to be put into a jury wheel, or of drawing the panel of jurors for a particular term of court. Holographic will A will entirely written, dated and signed by the testator in his/her own handwriting. Sealing The fee, which the client pays when he/she retains an attorney. Code A collection, compendium or revision of laws, rules and regulations enacted by the legislature, i.e., Utah Code Annotated. Estoppel A person's own act, or acceptance of facts, which preclude later claims to the contrary. Beyond a reasonable doubt Entirely convinced; in a criminal case the defendant's guilt must be proven to the jury to this extent. This is the highest burden of proof any party has in any proceeding Bail In criminal cases, a sum of money posted by or on behalf of a defendant to guarantee his appearance in court after being released from jail Preliminary hearing A probable cause hearing which screens felony criminal cases by deciding whether there is enough evidence to warrant a trial. If the judge determines there is sufficient evidence, the defendant is "bound over" for trial. The defendant may waive this hearing.

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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.