Legal Terms and Definitions

Glossary of Legal Terms

Parole A procedure in which a parole board releases a convict on good behavior before the maximum sentence expires. Moral turpitude Conduct contrary to honesty or good morals. Recidivism Evidence given to explain, contradict, or disprove facts offered by the adverse party. In criminal cases, the state has the opportunity to rebut the defendant's case because it has the burden of proof. Domicile That place where a person has his true and permanent home. A person may have several residences, but only one domicile Grand jury A group of citizens impaneled to hear evidence and decide whether a defendant should be charged with a crime. The grand jury is used frequently in federal courts, but rarely in Utah state courtsA group of citizens impaneled to hear evidence and decide whether a defendant should be charged with a crime. The grand jury is used frequently in federal courts, but rarely in Utah state courts Respondent Literally, "a superior (or master) must answer." The doctrine which holds that employers are responsible for the acts and omissions of their employees and agents, when done within the scope of the employees' duties. Inter alia Among other things. Inadmissible/incompetent evidence Information that is so unreliable it cannot be admitted under the established rules of evidence.

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	The mediation process may vary depending on the mediator. Generally, mediations commence with a general session with all parties, counsel and the mediator. At the general session, there will be a discussion of the case, the issues on appeal and other matters important to settlement. Then the mediator will meet separately with each party and their counsel in separate "caucuses." In these separate sessions, the mediator will seek to foster negotiations between the parties and develop agreement.