A judge or jury that determines questions of fact in a trial.
See Jury trial and Bench trial.
THE LEGAL PROCESS
true bill
Definition from Nolo’s Plain-English Law DictionaryThe name for the decision by a grand jury that the evidence presented to it, contained in the prosecutor's indictment, justifies charging the defendant with a crime. This decision results in the...
turn state's evidence
When a charged criminal opts to cooperate with the state and tesitify agaist an accomplice in exchange for a more lienient sentance or treatment, they are said to have "turned state's evidence".
turncoat witness
Definition from Nolo’s Plain-English Law DictionaryA witness who was expected to be a friendly witness, but who becomes a hostile witness during the course of the trial.
Definition provided by Nolo’s Plain-English Law Dictionary.
Twinkie defense
Definition from Nolo’s Plain-English Law DictionarySlang for a claim by criminal defendants that at the time of the crime, they were suffering from a mental impairment (short of insanity) caused by intoxication, disease, or trauma, which prevented them...
U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit (C.A.F.C.) has nation-wide jurisdiction over certain disputes that involve the Federal government including intellectual property, international trade, government contracts, and federal...
UCCJEA
Definition from Nolo’s Plain-English Law DictionarySee: Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act
Definition provided by Nolo’s Plain-English Law Dictionary.
Ultimate fact
A fact that must be accepted for a claim or defense to prevail. For instance, a jury must accept the ultimate fact that X caused Y's death to convict X of a homicide offense. An ultimate fact is usually inferred from a number of supporting...
Unanimous
Complete agreement between multiple parties. Often describes appellate opinions with no judges dissenting.
See Unilateral, Bilateral, Multilateral, and Mutual.
unbundled legal services
Definition from Nolo’s Plain-English Law DictionaryThe provision of legal services by an attorney who does not represent the client or take over the entire case, but performs specific services such as appearing at one hearing, preparing a legal brief, or...