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Today's Terms
Amicus curiae
Definition:
A friend of the court; a nonparty who interposes, with the permission of the court, and volunteers information upon some matter before the court.
Habeas corpus
Definition:
Latin phrase meaning "you have the body"; a civil proceeding used to review the legality of a prisoner's confinement in criminal cases. Habeas corpus actions are commonly used as a means of reviewing state or federal criminal convictions. The petitioner alleges the convictions violated state or federal constitutional rights. State habeas proceedings start in state District Court; federal habeas proceedings start in federal District Court. Lower court decisions may be appealed to appellate courts.
Parties
Definition:
The persons who are actively involved in the prosecution or defense of a legal proceeding, including the plaintiff or prosecution, the defendant and any "third party defendant".
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