Courts & Justice Glossary

A court generally needs the right kind of authority over the subject, parties, and requested outcome.

The plaintiff asks the court for a remedy, such as damages, an order, or another form of relief.

In a civil case, the defendant responds to the plaintiff. In a criminal case, the defendant faces charges brought by the government.

Appeals usually focus on legal or procedural errors, not simply retrying the entire case from the beginning.

Arbitration may be required by contract and can be binding or nonbinding depending on the rules and agreement.

Affidavits are used when a court or legal process needs sworn factual information in writing.