Legal Terms and Definitions

Glossary of Legal Terms

Parent Infant Trauma Syndrome (P.I.T.S.) See Battered Child Syndrome Diversion Procedures for handling relatively insignificant juvenile problems informally, without referral to Juvenile Court. In criminal cases, the formal continuance of a case for a certain length of time, usually a year, with the goal of dismissal if the defendant meets certain conditions. Deposition The taking of testimony of a witness under oath outside of court, usually transcribed in writing by a court reporter, or less frequently, recorded on videotape. Statute of limitations The judgment formally pronounced by the court upon the defendant after conviction in a criminal prosecution, imposing the punishment to be inflicted. Contract An oral or written agreement between two or more parties, which is enforceable by law. Custody The right to or responsibility for a child's care and control, carrying with it the duty of providing food, shelter, medical care, education and discipline. Remand Evidence that helps to prove a point or issue in a case. Corroborating evidence Evidence supplementary to that already given and tending to strengthen or confirm it.

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	Did You Know?
	Mediation is a process that involves a mediator Neutral third party who helps the disputing parties achieve a resolution that satisfies both of them. The mediator's primary function is to create constructive communication between parties and provide a forum where disputants can create a mutually satisfactory agreement. Mediators do not impose decisions; instead, they help people craft solutions that will work for them.