Judgement that a criminal defendant has not been proved guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. affidavit:

In the practice of the appellate courts, the decree or order is declared valid and will stand as rendered in the lower court. answer:

A request made after a trial, asking another court (usually the court of appeals) to decide whether the trial was conducted properly. To make such a request is "to appeal" or "to take an appeal." One who appeals is called the appellant. appellate:

A proceeding in which an individual who is accused of committing a crime is brought into court, told of the charges, and asked to plead guilty or not guilty. bail:

Refers to statutes and judicial proceedings involving persons or businesses that cannot pay their debts and seek the assistance of the court in getting a fresh start. Under the protection of the bankruptcy court, debtors may discharge their debts, perhaps by paying a portion of each debt. Bankruptcy judges preside over these proceedings. bench tria [..]

A written statement submitted by the lawyer for each side in a case that explains to the judges why they should decide the case or a particular part of a case in favor of that lawyer's client. chambers:

A crime punishable by death. case law:

The judge's instructions to the jury concerning the law that applies to the facts of the case on trial. chief judge:

All evidence except eyewitness testimony. clerk of court:

An agreement between two or more persons that creates an obligation to do or not to do a particular thing. conviction: