Common Legal Terminology
Brief -
- A written statement submitted in a trial or appellate proceeding that explains one side’s legal and factual arguments.
Burden of Proof -
- The duty to prove disputed facts. In civil cases, a plaintiff generally has the burden of proving his or her case. In criminal cases, the government has the burden of proving the defendant’s guilt. (See standard of proof.)
Business Bankruptcy -
- A bankruptcy case in which the debtor is a business or an individual involved in business and the debts are for business purposes.
Capital Offense -
- A crime punishable by death.
Case File -
- A complete collection of every document filed in court in a case.
Case Law -
- The law as established in previous court decisions. A synonym for legal precedent. Akin to common law, which springs from tradition and judicial decisions.
Caseload -
- The number of cases handled by a judge or a court.
Cause of Action - A legal claim.
Chambers -
- The offices of a judge and his or her staff.
Chapter 11 -
- A reorganization bankruptcy, usually involving a corporation or partnership. A Chapter 11 debtor usually proposes a plan of reorganization to keep its business alive and pay creditors over time. Individuals or people in business can also seek relief in Chapter 11.
All terms and definitions on this page are from uscourts.gov/glossary (April 13, 2020)