Terminology: Court Related

Arbitrator - Neutral third person; considers facts/arguments; renders a decision; decision can be binding.
Appeal  - To seek a higher court to review a lower court’s decision.  (There is a time limit on appealing.)
Contempt - Disobedience or obstruction of a court order.
Contested Case - Court procedure that is opposed by the other party.
Continuance - Postponement of a hearing or trial to a later day.
Decree - Decision from the court stating the legal resolution.
Default Judgment- Judgment against respondent when they fail to appear or defend against a claim.
Discovery - Process of gathering information to use in court.
Hearing - Proceeding, where testimony/evidence is given and arguments are heard to render a decision.
Jurisdiction - Authority of a court to hear a case.
Litigation - A legal action taken to support one’s rights.
Mediator - Neutral third person, assists in resolving a dispute. Decision making authority rests with parties.
Motion - An application made to the court for some kind of legal action to be taken on behalf of oneself.
Modification - When one seeks a change in a court order.  (No time limit to ask for a modification.)
Petition - A formal document for an action to take place.
Petitioner - (Plaintiff) - Person who filed first with the court.
Pro Se - Representing oneself in court without an attorney.
Protection Order - Court order to protect one from domestic violence or harassment.
Respondent - (Defendant)  - Person whom the petitioner filed against.
Settlement - Agreement reached by both parties without a trial.
Stipulation - Agreement between two opposing parties on any matter before it goes to court.
Subpoena - Document requiring a person to appear in court.
Uncontested Case - Agreement on all issues by both parties to avoid a trial.

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