Criminal Defense Terms and Definitions

Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Methods of resolving disputes outside of official court proceedings. These methods include mediation arbitration, and conciliation. Admissible evidence Evidence which can legally and properly be used in court. Subpoena An official order to appear in court (or at a deposition) at a specific time. Failure to obey a subpoena to appear in court is punishable as a contempt of court. Abstract of record A short, abbreviated form of the case as found in the record. Search warrant An order issued by a judge or magistrate commanding a sheriff, constable, or other officer to search a specified location. Fourth Amendment The 4th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution protects every person against unreasonable search and seizure by government officials. Restitution Court-ordered payment to restore goods or money to the victim of a crime by the offender. Burglary The unlawful breaking into or entering of a building or dwelling with the intent to commit a serious crime or theft. Battery Actual physical violence, whether serious or minor, inflicted on a person. (A mere threat is called assault, whereas the completed act is called battery) Fourteenth Amendment Among other matters, the 14th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution prohibits states from depriving any person of life, liberty, or property without adequate due process.

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	Did You Know?
	Manslaughter is when a person recklessly causes the death of another Manslaughter - A person recklessly causes the death of another, or acting under extreme emotional disturbance, causes the death of another, or acting under circumstances when a person reasonably believes the circumstances provide a legal justification or excuse for his conduct constitutes manslaughter.