Definition provided by Nolo’s Plain-English Law Dictionary.
courts and procedure
suit
Definition from Nolo’s Plain-English Law DictionarySee: lawsuit
summary adjudication
Definition from Nolo’s Plain-English Law DictionaryA court order ruling that certain factual issues are already determined prior to trial, based on a motion by one of the parties, supported by evidence, contending that these issues are settled and need...
summation
Definition from Nolo’s Plain-English Law DictionaryThe final argument of an attorney at the close of a trial in which he or she attempts to convince the judge or jury of the virtues of the client's case. (See also: closing argument)
Definition provided...
summons
Definition from Nolo’s Plain-English Law DictionaryA form prepared by the plaintiff and issued by a court that informs the defendant that he or she has been sued. The summons requires that the defendant file a response with the court -- or in many small...
supersedeas
Definition from Nolo’s Plain-English Law Dictionary(soo-per-seed-es) Latin for "you shall desist," an order (writ) by an appeals court commanding a lower court not to enforce or proceed with a judgment or sentence pending the decision on the appeal or...
Supplemental Jurisdiction
A way for federal courts to hear claims for which they would not ordinarily have jurisdiction. Supplemental jurisdiction only exists in the situation where a lawsuit consists of more than one claim, and the federal court has valid jurisdiction (either...
Suppression
In a criminal case, most evidence gathered in violation of the Constitution is inadmissible at trial, due to the exclusionary rule. Evidence that has been kept out in this manner is said to have been “suppressed.”
surrebuttal
Definition from Nolo’s Plain-English Law DictionaryIn written or oral legal argument, the moving party's response to the responding party's rebuttal to the initial argument.
Definition provided by Nolo’s Plain-English Law Dictionary.
swindle
Definition
To cheat a person out of money or property through fraud or deceit.
target witness
Definition from Nolo’s Plain-English Law DictionaryA witness whom the grand jury seeks to indict, or a witness who has specific information sought by the grand jury.
Definition provided by Nolo’s Plain-English Law Dictionary.