Statements by a witness who did not see or hear the incident in question but heard about it from someone else. Hearsay is usually not admissible as evidence in court.

Meeting certain standards of poverty, thereby qualifying a criminal defendant for representation by a public defender.

A complete history of the case in a concise, abbreviated form.

A legal dispute brought to court for trial and settlement (see also case, lawsuit).

A criminal act.

Failure of a gift because the will-maker, by the time of death, no longer owns the property that the will-maker attempted to bequeath in the will.

Giving or pronouncing a judgment or decree; also the judgment given.

The process of collecting the estate's assets; paying its debts, taxes, expenses, and other obligations; and distributing the remainder as directed by the will.

A personal representative, appointed by a probate court, who administers the estate of someone who dies without a will or leaves a will naming an executor who dies before the will-maker or who refuses to serve.

Evidence that can be legally introduced in court.