General Legal Terms

Question 1

Plaintiff

Answer 1

The party who initiates a lawsuit (the “complainant” or “claimant”)

Question 2

Defendant

Answer 2

The party being sued or accused of a crime

Question 3

Prosecutor

Answer 3

The government attorney responsible for bringing a criminal case against a defendant

Question 4

Defense Attorney

Answer 4

The lawyer representing the defendant in criminal or civil cases

Question 5

Judge

Answer 5

The official who presides over a court case, making rulings on legal matters

Question 6

Jury

Answer 6

A group of people selected to hear the evidence in a case and render a verdict

Question 7

Burden of Proof

Answer 7

The responsibility of a party to prove their case. In criminal cases this is “beyond a reasonable doubt” and in civil cases it’s “preponderance of the evidence”

Question 8

Civil Case

Answer 8

A legal dispute between two or more parties where compensation or specific performance is sought

Question 9

Criminal Case

Answer 9

A legal case where the state prosecutes an individual or entity for committing a crime