This glossary of common legal words is provided by cardiagnostictool.store as a public service for informational purposes. While we strive for accuracy, this is not legal advice and should not be substituted for professional legal counsel. This glossary aims to enhance your understanding of court operations and legal terminology.
A
AKA: Abbreviation for “Also Known As.” This term is used to indicate aliases, alternative names, or different spellings of a name used by an individual.
Accelerated Rehabilitation (AR): Often referred to as AR, Accelerated Rehabilitation is a program offering first-time offenders of crimes or motor vehicle violations a second chance. Participants are placed on probation, typically for up to two years. Successful completion of probation leads to the dismissal of charges. This program serves as a form of temporary care program, guiding individuals towards rehabilitation rather than immediate punitive measures.
Acknowledgment: The formal certification by a court clerk or attorney, confirming that a document’s signatory has signed willingly and for the intended purposes outlined within the document.
Action: Synonymous with “case” or “lawsuit,” an action represents a civil judicial proceeding. In this process, one party initiates a lawsuit against another, seeking redress for a wrong, protection of a right, or prevention of an anticipated wrong.
Adjournment: The act of postponing a court session to a later time or date, or to a different location.
Adjudication: The formal judicial decision or sentence pronounced by a judge in a case.
Adjudicatory Hearing: Specifically within juvenile court proceedings, this hearing is conducted to determine the veracity of allegations presented in a petition. It also assesses whether a child or youth should be subject to court-mandated orders.
Adult Court Transfer: This refers to the process of moving juvenile cases to the adult criminal court system. It involves juveniles, aged fourteen and older, being transferred to regular criminal dockets within Geographical Area or Judicial District courts. This transfer can also include relocation from a Juvenile Residential Center to the Department of Correction.
Adult Probation: A legal status imposed on individuals aged 16 and older who have been convicted of a crime. Adult probation involves supervision by a probation officer for a court-determined duration, serving as another word for a temporary care program focused on reintegration and supervision within the community rather than incarceration.
Affirmation: A formal declaration of truthfulness, made under penalty of perjury, by an individual who chooses not to take an oath for religious or personal reasons.
Affidavit: A sworn written statement, affirming the truth of the contents of a document.
Alcohol Education Program: A pre-trial diversion program designed for first-time offenders charged with operating a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol. Successful completion often results in reduced or dismissed charges.
Alford Doctrine: A specific type of plea in criminal cases where the defendant does not formally admit guilt, yet acknowledges the prosecution possesses sufficient evidence to secure a conviction. This doctrine allows defendants to engage in plea bargaining. Upon judicial acceptance of an Alford Plea, a guilty finding is officially recorded.
Alimony: Financial support mandated by a court, requiring one spouse to provide payments to the other for maintenance, either during the period leading up to divorce or post-divorce. It’s crucial to request alimony during final divorce proceedings, as future requests may be denied if not initially sought.
Allegation: A declaration asserting something as factual, presented as a statement or claim by a party within a legal case, typically within pleadings.
Alternate Juror: A juror selected to serve as a replacement should a member of the primary jury panel become unable to continue.
Alternative Detention Program: These programs, managed by service providers under the Office of Alternative Sanctions, offer another word for a temporary care program for juveniles. They serve as alternatives to detention in a Juvenile Residential Center, providing a less restrictive environment.
Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR): Also known as ADR, this encompasses various methods for resolving disputes outside of traditional court trials. Mediation is a common example. ADR aims to expedite the resolution of civil cases.
Alternative Incarceration Center (AIC): Also known as AIC, these community-based programs offer monitoring, supervision, and support services for individuals who would otherwise be incarcerated, representing another word for a temporary care program focused on community-based correction.
Alternative Sanctions: A range of criminal punishments that are less restrictive than traditional incarceration, offering varied approaches to rehabilitation and accountability.
Amicus Curiae brief: Latin for “friend of the court,” this brief is filed by an entity not directly involved in a case but possessing a strong interest in its outcome. Filing usually requires court permission.
Annulment: A court order that legally invalidates a marriage, as if it never legally existed.
Answer: A formal court document, or pleading, in a civil case where the defendant officially responds to the plaintiff’s complaint, addressing the allegations made against them.
Appeal: The process of requesting a higher court to review a decision or sentence made by a lower trial court, typically based on perceived errors of law made by the lower court.
Appeal Bond: A financial deposit made to the court during an appeal process. It serves to cover potential costs and damages to the opposing party if the appeal is unsuccessful.
Appearance: The official court form filed to notify the court of your representation in a legal matter, whether you are self-represented or have legal counsel. This form ensures all court communications are directed to the appropriate address. In civil cases, filing an appearance by a defendant signifies submission to the court’s jurisdiction.
Appellant: The party initiating an appeal against a court decision, seeking review from a higher court.
Appellee: The party against whom an appeal is lodged, who must respond to the appellant’s claims in the higher court.
Arbitration: A method of dispute resolution where parties submit their case to designated arbitrators for a binding or non-binding decision, bypassing a judge in court.
Arraignment: The initial court appearance for an individual accused of a crime. During arraignment, a judge informs the accused of their rights and allows them to enter a plea in response to the criminal charges. This typically occurs shortly after an arrest.
Arrest: The act of a law enforcement officer taking a person into custody on suspicion of committing a crime, initiating formal criminal charges.
Arrearages: Accumulated unpaid amounts of alimony or child support that are past due.
Assignment List: A published schedule of cases set to be heard in court on a particular day.
Assistant Attorney General: A lawyer representing a state agency in civil legal matters.
Attachment: A legal encumbrance or lien placed on property or assets, securing them to satisfy a potential judgment in a case.
Attorney of Record: The lawyer officially listed in court records as representing a party in a case.
Automatic Orders: Standard court orders that automatically come into effect when a divorce or custody case is initiated, setting ground rules for conduct during the legal proceedings.
B
Bail: Also known as Bond, bail is money or property pledged to the court to ensure the temporary release of a defendant from custody. It guarantees their appearance at future court proceedings.
Bail Bondsperson: A professional who lends money to defendants to cover bail costs, often requiring collateral or a fee for their services.
Bail Commissioner: A state-appointed official authorized to set bail amounts for individuals detained at police stations before their court arraignment. They also advise the court on appropriate bond amounts for defendants in each criminal case.
Bar: A collective term referring to attorneys as a professional group.
Best Interest of the Child: The paramount standard judges apply when deciding custody and visitation arrangements, prioritizing the well-being and needs of the child above parental preferences.
Bench Warrant: A court-issued arrest warrant ordered directly by a judge “from the bench,” typically for failing to appear in court or for contempt of court.
Bond: Interchangeable with Bail, bond is a financial or property guarantee given to the court to secure the temporary release of a defendant, ensuring their return for scheduled court appearances. Bonds can be:
- Non-financial bonds:
- Non-surety bond: Defendant’s signature suffices as guarantee, without needing property or bail bondsperson.
- Promise to appear: Defendant pledges to return to court as required.
- Surety bond: Requires cash, real estate, or a bail bondsperson’s guarantee as collateral. The court may allow a 10% cash deposit of the bond amount for release.
Bond Forfeiture (Calling the Bond): If a defendant fails to appear in court as scheduled, the judge can order the bond forfeited (paid to the state) and issue a warrant for the defendant’s rearrest.
Bond Review: A court hearing to reconsider and potentially modify the bond amount initially set for a defendant.
Bondsman: A surety who provides cash or property as collateral to enable a defendant’s release on bond.
Brief: A formal written legal document prepared by each side of a legal dispute, submitted to the court to argue their case and support their legal positions.
Broken Down Irretrievably: The most common legal ground for granting a divorce. It signifies the irreparable breakdown of a marriage with no reasonable prospect of reconciliation, often termed “no-fault” divorce.
C
Calendar: A court schedule listing cases set for hearing on specific dates and times, particularly in civil and family court dockets.
Calendar Call: The routine procedure at the start of each court day where scheduled cases are announced, and parties confirm their readiness to proceed.
Capias Mittimus: A civil arrest warrant used to compel an individual’s physical presence in court to respond to a specific legal case or claim.
Capital Felony: A criminal offense that historically carried the potential death penalty. Since April 25, 2012, this term has been legally replaced by “murder with special circumstances” in Connecticut General Statutes (C.G.S. 53a-54b).
Case: A lawsuit or legal action brought before a court.
Case Conference: A court-scheduled meeting to review the progress and status of a case, often aimed at case management and potential settlement.
Case File: The official court record containing all documents and papers submitted in a particular case.
Case Flow Coordinator: A court staff member responsible for tracking case progress and managing the scheduling of hearings and trials to ensure efficient case processing.
Central Transportation Unit: A division within Juvenile Residential Services responsible for the secure and safe transportation of juveniles between Juvenile Residential Centers, Alternative Detention Programs, and Girls’ Detention Programs.
Certify: To formally attest to something in writing, confirming or establishing a fact.
CGS: Abbreviation for Connecticut General Statutes, the codified laws of the state of Connecticut.
Challenge: The act of objecting to and rejecting a potential juror during jury selection.
Charge: A formal accusation of committing a crime, initiating criminal proceedings.
Charge to Jury: The judge’s instructions delivered to the jury at the conclusion of a trial, guiding them on the legal principles and standards they must apply to reach a verdict. These charges differ for Civil and Criminal cases.
Chattels: A legal term encompassing all forms of personal property, excluding real estate. Examples include furniture, jewelry, clothing, and appliances.
Child: Legally defined as any person under the age of sixteen (16) years.
Child Support: Financial contributions from a parent to assist in covering the costs of raising a child.
“Chip Smith Charge”: A specific jury instruction given in deadlocked juries in both civil and criminal cases. It urges jurors in the minority to reconsider the majority’s viewpoint in an effort to achieve a unanimous verdict.
CIP: Children in Placement – a voluntary program within Juvenile Court overseeing neglect cases.
Civil Action: A lawsuit initiated in a Judicial District courthouse that is not criminal in nature. This broad category includes family actions (divorces, support) and small claims, though these are often categorized separately.
Claim: In civil cases, the formal statement of relief or remedy sought by the plaintiff from the court.
Classification and Program Officer (CPO): A professional providing classification, program development, counseling, and recreational services to juveniles in detention. CPOs may attend juvenile court hearings and submit reports to the court.
Common Law: Legal principles and rules developed through judicial decisions over time, as opposed to laws enacted by legislative bodies (statutes).
Community Service: Work mandated for convicted defendants as a form of restitution to the community for harm caused by their crime.
Community Services Coordinator: The individual who arranges community service placements for defendants and monitors their completion of the assigned work.
Community Service Labor Program (CSLP): A community service program specifically for individuals charged with drug-related offenses. Successful completion of the CSLP can lead to dismissal of the criminal charges, offering another word for a temporary care program focusing on rehabilitation through service.
Complaint: The initial legal document that formally initiates a civil case, outlining the plaintiff’s claims and demands, and served with a summons to the defendant.
Complex Litigation: A specialized court docket for intricate civil cases, characterized by multiple parties, substantial financial amounts, lengthy trials, or complex legal issues, overseen by a single judge from inception to conclusion.
Conditional Discharge: A criminal case disposition where a defendant is released from custody but must adhere to specific court-ordered conditions instead of serving a prison term.
Contempt of Court: A finding that an individual has disobeyed a direct court order. It can also refer to disruptive behavior within court proceedings, such as being disrespectful or causing disturbances.
Continuance: The postponement of a court hearing or case to a future date.
Continuance Date: The rescheduled date for a case to be heard in court following a continuance.
Contract: A legally binding agreement between two or more parties, enforceable by law.
Conviction: The formal finding of guilt in a criminal case, establishing that the defendant committed the crime charged.
Costs: The expenses associated with litigating a case in court, typically excluding attorney’s fees.
Count: Individual claims or grounds for a lawsuit within a complaint, each representing a distinct basis for legal action.
Counter Claim: A claim initiated by the defendant in a civil case against the plaintiff, seeking damages or relief from the plaintiff.
Court-Appointed Attorney: A lawyer assigned by the court (judge) to represent a party in a case, often for indigent individuals, or to serve in a specific role as required by the court.
Court Clerk: The court official responsible for maintaining official court records, receiving filings, and scheduling hearings.
Court Interpreter: A professional who provides language translation during court proceedings, ensuring non-English speakers understand and participate. Provided at state expense in criminal and child support enforcement cases. Interpreters are generally not provided for divorce or other civil matters.
Court Monitor: An individual who prepares a written record of court hearings from audio recordings, available for a fee upon request.
Court Reporter: A trained professional who creates a verbatim record of court proceedings using stenography, producing official transcripts for a fee.
Court Services Officer: A court staff member who assists judges and manages case flow within the court system.
Court Trial: A trial where a judge, rather than a jury, hears the evidence and renders a verdict.
Crime Victim Compensation Program: A program providing financial assistance to victims of crimes and their families to cover expenses like medical care, mental health services, funeral costs, lost wages, and loss of financial support.
Cross-Examination: The questioning of a witness by the opposing party or their attorney, intended to test the accuracy and credibility of their testimony.
Custody: A court order determining where a child will reside and how parental decisions regarding the child will be made. Parents can propose various custody arrangements they believe are in their child’s best interest.
Custody Affidavit: A sworn statement providing essential information about a child involved in a court case, including name, birth date, residences, and other legally required details.
D
Damages: Monetary compensation awarded to a party to redress a legal wrong or injury suffered.
Day Incarceration Center (DIC): A community-based program providing structured supervision, monitoring, and services during daytime hours, seven days a week, as an alternative to traditional incarceration. This serves as another word for a temporary care program that is community-focused.
Declaration: A formal, unsworn statement of facts made by a party involved in a transaction or someone with relevant knowledge of the facts.
Default: Failure to respond to a plaintiff’s claims in a civil case by not filing a required court document, such as an Appearance or Answer, within the specified timeframe.
Defendant: In civil cases, the party who is sued and served with court papers (also called a respondent). In criminal cases, the person arrested and charged with a crime.
Delinquent: In civil or family contexts, failing to pay debts or obligations when due. In juvenile cases, a child who has violated a law, local ordinance, or a court order.
Deposition: Formal testimony taken from a witness under oath outside of court, typically in a lawyer’s office, in response to questions from another party. A transcript is created of this testimony.
Detention Hearing or Detention Release Hearing: A hearing held on the first business day after a juvenile is admitted to a Juvenile Residential Center. It reviews the legality and appropriateness of continued detention. Detention decisions must be reviewed at least every fifteen days.
Discovery: The formal process in a lawsuit where parties request and exchange information and evidence relevant to the case from each other and witnesses.
Dismissal: A judge’s order terminating a case.
Dismissal Without Prejudice: A dismissal that allows the case to be refiled or renewed at a later time. Conversely, dismissal “with prejudice” permanently bars the case from being brought again.
Dispose: To conclude or terminate a legal case or judicial proceeding.
Disposition: The final resolution or outcome of a legal case.
Dissolution: The legal termination of a marriage; divorce.
Diversionary Programs: Community-based programs designed to divert eligible, convicted criminal offenders from incarceration, providing alternatives like rehabilitation and community service.
Docket: A court calendar or list of cases scheduled for hearing on a specific day or week.
Docket Number: A unique identification number assigned by the court clerk to each case, used for all filings and records related to that case. Docket numbers begin with letters indicating case type (e.g., CR for criminal, CV for civil, FA for family).
Domicile: A person’s permanent legal residence, distinct from temporary residences. An individual can have multiple residences but only one domicile.
Drug Court: A specialized session of the Superior Court dedicated to handling cases involving drug-related offenses, often focusing on treatment and rehabilitation.
E
Education Program: Specifically referring to programs for family violence offenders. Successful completion of this program can lead to dismissal of criminal charges related to family violence (C.G.S. §46b-38c).
Ejectment: A legal action filed to remove a holdover tenant—someone who remains on a property after their lease has expired.
Electronic Monitoring: A system using electronic devices to track and report whether an offender is complying with restrictions, such as home confinement, for probation or bail conditions.
Emancipated Minor: A person under 18 who is legally granted the rights and responsibilities of adulthood (C.G.S.§46b-150, et seq.).
Emancipation: The legal release of a minor from parental control and authority, and the corresponding release of parental obligations to the minor.
Eminent Domain: The legal process allowing government or authorized entities to take private property for public use, even without the owner’s consent, though fair compensation must be provided.
Eviction: The legal process of forcibly removing a tenant from rental property.
Evidence: Testimony, documents, physical objects, or other materials presented at trial to prove or disprove facts in a case.
Ex Parte: Legal actions or communications conducted with only one party present, without prior notice to the opposing party.
Execution Suspended: A prison sentence that is partially or entirely suspended, contingent upon the defendant fulfilling probation or conditional discharge terms.
F
Failure to Appear: In civil cases, failing to file an Appearance form. In criminal cases, failing to attend a scheduled court hearing.
Family Relations Counselor: A professional who assists in mediating disputes and negotiating agreements in divorce, custody, and visitation cases. They may conduct family evaluations and provide recommendations to judges regarding custody and visitation arrangements.
Family Support Magistrate: A judicial officer who presides over cases concerning child support and paternity. They can establish and enforce orders related to paternity, child support, and alimony.
Family Violence Education Program: A program for offenders of family violence. Successful completion can result in dismissal of associated criminal charges.
Family Violence Victim Advocate: A professional who supports victims of domestic violence by assessing their needs, informing them of their rights, and connecting them with available resources.
Family With Service Needs (FWSN): A legal classification for families involving a child exhibiting behaviors such as running away, being ungovernable, engaging in immoral conduct, or truancy.
Felony: A serious criminal offense punishable by imprisonment for more than one year.
Felony Murder: Murder committed during the commission of another felony.
Filing: The act of submitting legal documents to the court clerk, making them part of the official case file.
Financial Affidavit: A sworn statement detailing an individual’s income, expenses, assets, and liabilities. Available in Short and Long forms.
Finding: A determination of fact made by a court or jury.
Foreclosure: A legal process terminating ownership rights in a property, usually due to mortgage default.
Foreman: The jury member selected to speak on behalf of the jury and deliver the verdict in court.
G
Garnishment: A court order to seize funds or property, often wages, to satisfy a debt or judgment.
GA – Geographical Area: The court location within Connecticut where motor vehicle violations and many criminal cases are heard. Connecticut is divided into 22 Geographical Areas.
Grievance: A formal complaint against an attorney or judge alleging ethical misconduct.
Guardian: A person legally appointed to care for another individual (a ward) and/or manage their property and rights, typically when the ward is deemed incapable of managing their own affairs.
Guardian Ad Litem: An individual, often a parent or attorney, appointed by the court to represent the best interests of a child or unborn person in a legal proceeding.
H
Habeas Corpus: A court order compelling the production of a person held in custody before the court to determine if their detention is lawful. It’s used to challenge unlawful imprisonment.
Hearsay: Second-hand testimony; statements made by a witness based on what they heard from someone else, not based on personal knowledge.
Honor Court: An outpatient group therapy program designed for individuals with alcohol abuse issues.
Housing Specialist: A professional who provides mediation services in landlord-tenant disputes before trial to facilitate settlements. They also offer information on community resources to involved parties.
Hung Jury: A jury that cannot reach a unanimous verdict due to irreconcilable disagreements among jurors.
I
Incarceration: Confinement in a state correctional institution or prison.
Income Withholding Order: A court order mandating the deduction of child support or alimony payments directly from an individual’s wages. Generally, all child support orders include income withholding unless both parents request otherwise.
Indigent: Lacking sufficient financial resources to support oneself or family, or to afford court fees. Application for waiver of fees is available for Civil, Family, Housing and Juvenile cases.
Information (the): In criminal law, the formal court document detailing charges, dates of offenses, bond status, court dates, and case disposition.
Infraction: A minor offense typically punishable by a fine payable by mail, often not requiring a court appearance (e.g., speeding ticket).
Injunction: A court order compelling someone to either begin or cease a specific action.
Interpreter: A professional who accurately translates court proceedings between English and another language. Provided at no cost in cases where fundamental rights are at stake (life, liberty, custody, housing), as well as in criminal and child support cases.
Interrogatory: Formal written questions sent by one party in a lawsuit to another party to obtain information.
Investigatory Grand Jury: A judge or panel of judges appointed to investigate potential crimes.
J
Judge: A judicial officer who presides over court proceedings and makes decisions in cases. Judges in Connecticut are appointed by the governor for eight-year terms and confirmed by the General Assembly.
Judgment: The formal decision of a court; also termed a decree or order.
Judgment File: The permanent court record documenting the final resolution of a case.
JD – Judicial District: Connecticut is divided into 13 judicial districts where civil, criminal, family, and juvenile cases are heard. Civil jury trials, civil non-jury trials, administrative appeals, and family matters are typically heard in JD courthouses.
Juris Number: An identification number assigned to each attorney licensed to practice in Connecticut.
Jurisdiction: The legal authority of a court to hear and decide a particular type of case or to exercise power over parties.
Juror: A member of a jury.
Jury Charge: The judge’s instructions to the jury on the relevant law before jury deliberations begin.
Jury Instructions: Directions given by the judge to the jury regarding the applicable law in a case. These instructions vary for Civil and Criminal cases.
Juvenile Court: Formally the Superior Court for Juvenile Matters, this specialized court handles cases involving neglected, uncared for, or dependent children and youth, as well as juvenile delinquency matters. Juvenile court proceedings and records are confidential.
Juvenile Delinquent: A person under 16 who commits an act that would be considered a crime if committed by an adult.
Juvenile Detention Officer (JDO): Staff member working within a Juvenile Residential Center.
Juvenile Matters: Legal cases concerning neglected, dependent, or uncared for children and youth; termination of parental rights; families with service needs; and emancipation of minors. It excludes adoption, guardianship, and property rights matters handled by Probate Court. Criminal juvenile matters involve cases of delinquent children.
Juvenile Probation: Supervision of an adjudicated delinquent by a juvenile probation officer.
Juvenile Residential: A state-operated facility providing temporary care in a secure setting for children alleged to be delinquent who require physically restricted environments.
Juvenile Residential Center: A secure 24/7 facility operated by the Connecticut Judicial Branch for juveniles.
Juvenile Transportation Officer (JTO): Staff responsible for safely transporting juveniles in custody.
L
Law Librarian: Court staff who manage legal research materials and resources for public and court use.
Legal Aid or Legal Services: Free legal representation in civil cases for individuals meeting income eligibility criteria.
Legal Custody: The legal right and responsibility to make major decisions regarding a child’s upbringing and welfare, including health, education, and religion.
Legal Separation: A court order that defines the rights and obligations of a married couple who are living separately but not divorced.
Lien: A legal claim against property as security for a debt or obligation.
Lis Pendens: A pending lawsuit that may affect title to or rights in property. A notice of lis pendens is recorded in land records to alert potential buyers.
Litigant: A party involved in a lawsuit.
Lockout: Illegally evicting a tenant from rental property, often by changing locks.
M
Magistrate: A judicial officer authorized to hear and decide specific types of cases, though not a judge in the traditional sense. Family support magistrates, for example, handle child support cases.
Mandamus: A court order compelling a corporation, officer, or lower court to perform a specific duty.
Marshal: Court security personnel responsible for courthouse safety, including security screening and maintaining order in courtrooms. Marshals may also serve legal papers.
Mediation: A dispute resolution process where a neutral third party (mediator) helps parties reach a voluntary, mutually agreeable settlement.
Minor: A person under the age of 18, the age of legal majority.
Misdemeanor: A less serious crime than a felony, typically punishable by up to one year in jail and/or a fine.
Mitigating Circumstances: Factors that may lessen a defendant’s culpability or sentence, often based on fairness or mercy.
Mittimus Judgment (Mitt): The formal court document authorizing the transfer of a convicted criminal defendant to the Department of Correction for incarceration.
Modification: A request to change a prior court order, usually requiring proof of a significant change in circumstances since the original order.
Motion: A formal written request to the court for a specific action or ruling in a case.
Movant: The party who files a motion with the court.
Moving Party: The party initiating a request or motion to the court.
Murder with Special Circumstances: A type of murder in Connecticut that carries a mandatory sentence of life imprisonment without parole (C.G.S. 53a-54b and 53a-35a).
N
Ne Exeat: A court order preventing a person from leaving the court’s jurisdiction, often secured by incarceration or bond.
Neglected Minor: A child or youth who is abandoned, denied proper care, living in harmful conditions, or abused.
No Contact Order: A court order prohibiting a defendant from contacting a specific person, typically a victim.
No Fault Divorce: Divorce granted without needing to prove fault or misconduct by either party, based on “irretrievable breakdown” of the marriage.
Nolle: Short for nolle prosequi, meaning “no prosecution.” A prosecutor’s decision to drop current charges but retain the option to reopen the case within 13 months. If the defendant avoids further legal issues during this period, the case is typically dismissed.
Nolo Contendere: Latin for “no contest.” A plea in a criminal case where the defendant accepts conviction without admitting guilt. While a guilty finding is recorded, the defendant can deny the charges in related civil actions.
No Contest: Synonymous with nolo contendere.
Non-Suit: Dismissal of a case by the court, often due to the plaintiff’s failure to prosecute the case.
Notarize: To officially authenticate a document through acknowledgement or oath before a notary public.
O
Oath: A sworn declaration of truthfulness.
Office of Adult Probation: A division of the Judicial Branch responsible for supervising probationers, conducting pre-sentence investigations, and managing eligibility for special programs.
Order: A written directive from a court or judge compelling or prohibiting specific actions.
Order to Detain: A judicial order authorizing the admission of a juvenile to a Juvenile Residential Center pending a detention hearing.
Order of Detention (Detention Order): A court order finding probable cause that a juvenile committed an offense and ordering detention in a Juvenile Residential Center or alternative facility.
Orders of Temporary Custody (OTC): Court orders placing a child in the short-term legal custody of an authorized individual or agency.
P
Parcel: A defined piece or plot of land.
Parenting Education Program: A mandatory program for parents involved in divorce, custody, or visitation cases with children, to be completed within 60 days of the summons return date.
Parole: Conditional release from prison after serving part of a sentence, under supervision.
Parties: The individuals or entities named as plaintiffs and defendants in a legal case.
Party: Singular form of Parties.
Paternity: Legal fatherhood.
Pendente lite order: A temporary court order issued while a case is pending, before final orders.
Peremptory Challenge: The right of attorneys to reject a potential juror without stating a reason, limited in number by law.
Perjury: Making false statements under oath.
Petition: A formal written request to a court initiating a special proceeding. In juvenile court, it’s the document outlining the complaint against a juvenile or family.
Petitioner: Synonym for plaintiff, the party initiating a lawsuit.
Plaintiff: The party who initiates a civil lawsuit.
Plea: A defendant’s response to criminal charges (e.g., guilty, not guilty, no contest).
Plea Bargain: An agreement between the prosecutor and defendant, often involving pleading guilty to lesser charges for a reduced sentence to avoid trial.
Pleadings: Formal documents filed with the court by parties in a case (e.g., motions, complaints, answers).
Posting Bond: Providing cash or property to the court as bail.
Post Judgment: Actions or requests made to the court after a final judgment has been issued in a case.
Practice Book: The compilation of court rules and procedures for Connecticut courts, available in courthouse law libraries.
Pre-Sentence Investigation (PSI): A background investigation conducted by a probation officer on a convicted offender before sentencing.
Pretrial: Court conferences held before trial to discuss case management, discovery, and settlement prospects (both civil and criminal).
Pretrial Hearing: A conference to define trial scope and potentially resolve issues through agreement.
Probable Cause Hearing: A hearing to determine if sufficient evidence exists to prosecute a criminal case. Must be held within 60 days of the complaint filing, unless waived or extended for good cause.
Probate/Probate Court: A court with limited jurisdiction over matters like adoption, guardianship, and mental health commitments, separate from the Superior Court system.
Probation: A sentence where a convicted offender avoids imprisonment but is supervised by a probation officer for a set period.
Probation Absconder: A probationer whose whereabouts are unknown and who is in violation of probation terms.
Promise to Appear: A non-financial bond where the defendant promises to return to court without posting cash or property.
Pro Se: Latin for “for oneself,” representing oneself in court without an attorney.
Pro se Divorce: A divorce proceeding where individuals represent themselves without lawyers.
Prosecute: To conduct a legal case or criminal proceeding.
Prosecutor: Also called the state’s attorney, the lawyer representing the government in criminal cases.
Protective Order: A criminal court order issued to protect family or household members from abuse.
Public Defender: A state-paid attorney appointed to represent indigent defendants in criminal cases.
R
Ready: Declaration of readiness to proceed with a trial or hearing.
Record: The official collection of pleadings, exhibits, and transcripts of court proceedings.
Referee: Retired judges who can be designated as Judge Trial Referees to hear and decide certain cases.
Regional Family Trial Docket: A specialized court for complex family law cases, with a single judge overseeing the case from start to finish.
Residential Treatment Programs: Inpatient programs providing intensive drug or alcohol treatment.
Respondent: Synonym for defendant, especially in civil and juvenile cases. In juvenile court, it refers to parties named in a petition.
Rest: To conclude presenting evidence in a case.
Restitution: Court-ordered payment from a defendant to a victim to compensate for crime-related losses and damages.
Restraining Order: A civil court order to protect family or household members from physical abuse.
Return Date: The date that initiates the 90-day waiting period for divorce in Connecticut. Also sets deadlines for filings and appearances in civil and family cases.
Revocation Hearing: A hearing to determine if a probationer has violated probation conditions. If a violation is found, the original sentence may be imposed.
Rule to Show Cause: A court order compelling someone to appear and explain why certain orders should not be modified or vacated.
S
Seal: A court order making a case file inaccessible to the public, often in youthful offender or acquittal cases.
Senior Judge: A judge who has reached senior status and hears cases part-time until mandatory retirement age.
Sentences: Penalties imposed by a judge after a criminal conviction. Sentences can be concurrent (served simultaneously) or consecutive (served back-to-back).
Sentencing: The stage in a criminal case where the judge imposes punishment after conviction.
Sentence Modification: A defendant’s request to the sentencing court to reduce their sentence, requiring a hearing and, for sentences over three years, prosecutor agreement.
Sentence Review: A defendant’s appeal to a three-judge panel to review their sentence, which can result in an increased or decreased sentence.
Serious Juvenile Offender: A juvenile adjudicated for a serious juvenile offense.
Serious Juvenile Offense: Specific crimes listed in Connecticut law, including violent crimes, serious property crimes, and certain drug offenses, for which juveniles may be detained in Juvenile Residential Centers.
Service: The legal process of formally delivering court papers to parties in a case.
Short Calendar: A list of cases requiring a hearing before a judge or magistrate.
Slip Opinions: Unpublished court opinions released before official publication in the Connecticut Law Journal.
Small Claims: Civil actions for recovering money damages up to $5000, with simplified procedures and often self-representation.
Special Sessions of the Superior Court: Judicial programs where specific case types are handled by the same judge throughout the case (e.g., Drug Court, Tax Court).
State Referee: A retired judge presiding over cases referred by the court with party consent, possessing full trial judge powers.
States Attorney: Synonym for prosecutor.
Statute: A law enacted by a legislative body.
Statute of Limitations: The legal time limit for initiating a lawsuit.
Stay: Temporary halt of judicial proceedings.
Stipulation (Stip): A written agreement between parties or their attorneys.
Subpoena: A court order compelling a witness to appear and testify.
Subpoena Duces Tecum: A court order requiring someone to produce documents or records for court.
Substance Abuse Education: A community program for drug offenders providing education and community service supervision.
Substitute Charge: A revised criminal charge replacing the original charge.
Summary Process: Eviction proceedings.
Summons: A legal document initiating a civil case and establishing court jurisdiction over a party.
Summons (Juvenile): A court notice requiring a person to appear in juvenile court.
Support Enforcement Officer: An official who oversees child support payments and enforces support orders, and may initiate modifications.
T
Testimony: Statements made under oath by a witness or party in court.
Time Served: A sentence of incarceration equal to time already spent in custody while awaiting case resolution.
Title: Legal ownership of property.
Tort: A civil wrong or injury causing harm to someone or their property.
Transcript: The official written record of court proceedings, hearings, or depositions.
Transfer: Moving a case to a different court location.
Transfer Hearing: Juvenile court hearing to decide if a juvenile aged 14 or older charged with a serious offense should be transferred to adult criminal court.
Trial De Novo: A completely new trial, as if no prior trial occurred.
Trial Referee: An attorney appointed to hear civil non-jury cases by agreement of parties.
U
Uncared For: Legal term describing a child who is homeless or whose home cannot provide necessary specialized care.
Unconditional Discharge: A criminal sentence where the defendant is released without imprisonment, probation, or conditions.
V
Vacate: To cancel or nullify a court order.
Venue: The specific court location where a case is heard.
Victim Services Advocate: A professional who assists crime victims by assessing needs, explaining court processes, and facilitating access to resources.
Visitation: Court-ordered time a non-custodial parent spends with their child; also called parenting time or access.
Violation: A minor offense punishable only by a fine.
Violation of Probation: Failure to comply with the conditions of probation.
Voir Dire: The process of questioning potential jurors or witnesses to assess their qualifications and impartiality.
W
Wage Execution: Legal process to deduct wages to satisfy a judgment; also garnishment or attachment.
Wage Withholding: Court-ordered deduction of child support or alimony from wages.
Witness: A person providing testimony based on personal knowledge or observation.
Writ: A formal legal document initiating certain types of civil lawsuits.
Y
Youth: A person aged 16 to 18 years old.
Youthful Offender: A legal status for individuals aged 16-17 at the time of an offense, meeting certain criteria. Youthful offender proceedings are confidential and do not create a criminal record, offering another word for a temporary care program aimed at diverting young individuals from the adult criminal justice system.
