BASIC LEGAL TERMS

Basic Legal Terms

Legal system: the methods of interpreting laws and putting them into effect.

 

Attorney: speak on behalf of their clients.

 

Complaint: a written document that states the reason for legal action.

 

Paralegal: an attorney’s assistant with specialized legal training.

 

Jury: listens to arguments for and against the defendant .

 

Defendant: is accused of a crimen.

 

Judge: resolves a complaint.

 

Chapter 1

People in the LEGAL SYSTEM: civil cases

A civil case begins with a plaintiff. He or she has a COMPLAINT about the actions of another person or organization, The PLAINTIFF files the complaint with a COURT.

The person or organization accused of a wrongdoing is the DEFENDANT. Both the plaintiff and the defendant usually have ATTORNEYS. The attorneys speak on behalf of their clients. A PARALEGAL, a person with legal training, may assist the attorney.

In some cases, a JURY listens to arguments for and against the defendant. then they decide on a VERDICT. Finally, the JUDGE makes a decisión to resolve the complaint.