A form of legal co-ownership of property (also known as survivorship). At the death of one co-tenant, the surviving co-tenant becomes sole owner of the property. A tenancy by the entirety is a special form of joint tenancy between a husband and wife.

A legal doctrine that makes each of the parties who are responsible for an injury, liable for all the damages awarded in a lawsuit if the other parties responsible cannot pay.

An elected or appointed public official with authority to hear and decide cases in a court of law. A Judge Pro Tem is a temporary judge. DC Court of Appeals and Superior Court judges are appointed by the President of the United States of America.

The final disposition of a lawsuit. Default judgment is a judgment rendered because of the defendant's failure to answer or appear. Summary judgment is a judgment given on the basis of pleadings, affidavits, and exhibits presented for the record without any need for a trial. It is used when there is no dispute as to the facts of the case and one party is entitled to a judgment as a matter of law. Consent judgment occurs when the provisions and terms of the judgment are agreed on by the parties and submitted to the court for its sanction and approval.

The authority of a court to review the official actions of other branches of government. Also, the authority to declare unconstitutional the actions of other branches.

The legal authority of a court to hear and decide a case. Concurrent jurisdiction exists when two courts have simultaneous responsibility for the same case. 2. The geographic area over which the court has authority to decide cases.

The study of law and the structure of the legal system.

Persons selected according to law and sworn to inquire into and declare a verdict on matters of fact. A petit jury is an ordinary or trial jury, composed of six to 12 persons, which hears either civil or criminal cases.

The court officer responsible for choosing the panel of persons to serve as potential jurors for a particular court term.

A judge's explanation to the jury before it begins deliberations of the questions it must answer and the applicable law governing the case. Also called charge.

Issues and claims capable of being properly examined in court.

A branch of the Family Court Social Services Division that completes the initial processing and screening of all juveniles.