Grant by the government, which assures someone will not face prosecution in return for providing criminal evidence.

An attack on the credibility (believability) of a witness through evidence introduced for that purpose.

In chambers, or in private. A hearing in camera takes place outside of the presence of the jury and the public.

In the manner of a pauper. In a legal sense, it refers to permission given by the court to an indigent person to proceed in a case without paying court costs or filing fees.

In court it refers to persons who present their own case without lawyers. See Pro Se.

That which, under the rules of evidence, cannot be admitted or received as evidence.

To confine in jail.

A special kind of executor, permitted by the laws of certain states, who performs the duties of an executor without intervention by the court.

A sentence of imprisonment to a specified minimum and maximum period of time, specifically authorized by statute, subject to termination by a parole board or other authorized agency after the prisoner has served the minimum term.

A written accusation by a grand jury charging a person with a crime.

Needy or impoverished. A defendant who can demonstrate his or her indigence to the court may be assigned a court-appointed attorney at public expense and may qualify for in forma pauperis status.

Statutorily mandated academic plan for students with special needs (i.e., “learning disabled”).

A violation of law not punishable by imprisonment. Minor traffic offenses generally are considered infractions.

A state tax on property that an heir or beneficiary under a will receives from a deceased person's estate. The heir or beneficiary pays this tax.

In criminal law, the hearing at which a judge determines whether there is sufficient evidence against a person charged with a crime to hold him or her for trial. The US Constitution bans secret accusations, so initial appearances are public unless the defendant asks otherwise; the accused must be present, though he or she usually does not offer evidence. Also called first appearance.

The first appearance before a judge, usually a magistrate judge, to determine whether there is probable cause, whether the youth should be released or detained in a secure facility, and – if released - what conditions should be imposed on the juvenile (for example: curfew). These hearings are held in courtroom JM-15 of Moultrie Courthouse.

Writ or order by a court prohibiting a specific action from being carried out by a person or group. A preliminary injunction is granted provisionally until a full hearing can be held to determine if it should be made permanent.

The procedure by which a juvenile is registered in the court adjudication process after the police have arrested him or her.

Nonphysical items such as stock certificates, bonds, bank accounts, and pension benefits that have value and must be taken into account in estate planning.

A gift made during the giver's life.

Another name for a living trust.

Provisional; not final. An interlocutory order or an interlocutory appeal concerns only a part of the issues raised in a lawsuit.

Written questions asked during discovery by one party in a lawsuit for which the opposing party must provide written answers.

An action by which a third person who may be affected by a lawsuit is permitted to become a party to the suit.

See descent and distribution statutes.

Dying without a will.

The process by which the property of a person who has died without a will passes on to others according to the state's descent and distribution statutes. If someone dies without a will, and the court uses the state’s interstate succession laws, an heir who receives some of the deceased's property is an intestate heir.

A trust that, once set up, the grantor may not revoke.

The disputed point in a disagreement between parties in a lawsuit. 2. To send out officially, as in to issue an order.