COURTROOM GLOSSARY
A Clearer Meaning.
A Better Reading Experience.
Use these brief introductions to become familiar with common courtroom terms. The meaning and legal effect of a term can depend on its context.
Appeal
A request for a higher court to review a lower court’s decision.
Bench trial
A trial in which a judge, rather than a jury, decides the disputed facts.
Burden of proof
The responsibility to establish a claim or charge under the applicable proof standard.
Civil case
A legal dispute seeking a remedy rather than a criminal prosecution.
Closing argument
A party’s final explanation of what the evidence supports and how the case should be decided.
Cross-examination
Questioning a witness by the opposing side after the witness has given direct testimony.
Defendant
A person or entity defending against a civil claim, or a person facing a criminal charge.
Direct examination
The initial questioning of a witness by the side that calls that witness.
Evidence
Testimony, documents, objects, or other information considered under the rules that apply to a case.
Exhibit
An item, such as a document or photograph, presented for use in a proceeding.
Judgment
The court’s formal decision resolving rights or obligations in the case.
Jury
A selected group that considers the facts and reaches a decision on questions assigned to it.
Motion
A request asking the court to make a ruling or take a particular action.
Objection
A challenge to a question, answer, or proposed evidence on a legal ground.
Opening statement
An introductory account of what a party expects the evidence to show.
Plaintiff
The person or entity that brings a civil lawsuit.
Record
The official materials and account of proceedings available for later reference or review.
Remand
Sending a case back to a lower court for further action.
Testimony
Statements a witness gives as evidence in a legal proceeding.
Verdict
The decision a jury reaches on the questions submitted to it.
Sources and further reading
These official resources describe federal courts. State procedures may differ.
U.S. Courts: Glossary of Legal Terms
These are simplified, original introductions, not legal definitions for use in a filing.