Legal Terms and Definitions

Glossary of Legal Terms

Malfeasance Unlawful conduct. Clerk of the court Court official who keeps court records, files pleadings, motions, and judgments, and administers the oath to jurors and witnesses Deposition The taking of testimony of a witness under oath outside of court, usually transcribed in writing by a court reporter, or less frequently, recorded on videotape. Pleading The formal allegations by the parties of their respective claims and defenses. Plea The defendant's formal response to a criminal charge (guilty, not guilty, nolo contendere, not guilty by reason of insanity, and guilty and mentally ill). Prosecutor For himself; in his own behalf. One who does not retain a lawyer and appears for himself in court. Codicil A supplement or an addition to a will. It may explain, modify, and add to, subtract from, qualify, alter, restrain or revoke provisions in the existing will. Privileged communications Confidential communications to certain persons that are protected by law against any disclosure, including forced disclosure in legal proceedings. Communications between lawyer and client, physician and patient, psychotherapist and patient, priest, minister or rabbi and penitent are typically privileged.

IAre you currently seeking legal information regarding Connecticut laws? If so, contact one of our Connecticut attorneys today!

	Did You Know?
	Mediation has many qualities that make it appealing. In most cases, mediation is: conciliatory fair quick inexpensive voluntary confidential Mediation also has several key benefits. It promotes: greater participant control customized agreements workable decisions mutually satisfactory outcomes improved relationships high rates of compliance decisions that hold up over time