A person or persons formally charged but not yet put on trial for committing a crime.

A legal judgment, based upon the decision of either a jury or judge, that a person accused of a crime is not guilty of the charges for which he/she has been tried.

The act of making the judicial decision that ends a criminal proceeding by a judgment of acquittal, conviction, or dismissal of a case. This term is also used in juvenile proceedings.

Evidence that is relevant and proper for consideration in reaching a decision in court. Pre-trial hearings are often held to allow the judge to make this determination.

A written, sworn statement in which the writer swears that the information stated therein is true.

A request by either the defense counsel or prosecutor in a case to have a higher court resolve a dispute with a judge’s decision.

A hearing in which a person charged with a crime is brought before the court to be advised of his/her constitutional rights and to plead either guilty or not guilty to the criminal charges alleged in the indictment or information. Arraignment hearings are considered pre-trial hearings.

An order made on behalf of the state, based on a complaint and signed by a judge, authorizing law enforcement to arrest a person who is thought to have committed a crime. A person who is arrested on a warrant stays in custody until bail or bond is posted, or until released by an order of the court.

A hearing to determine (1) whether an incarcerated defendant or convicted offender will be released from custody and (2) what amount (if any) he/she must pay as a bond to assure his/her presence at future proceedings (e.g., trial). At bail hearings, the judge may also impose specific conditions of bail, for example, no contact with the victim or wi [..]

Where the judge sits during court proceedings. The term is often also used to refer to the judge himself or herself.