Legal Terms and Definitions

Glossary of Legal Terms

Negligence Failure to exercise the care that an ordinarily prudent person would exercise in the same circumstances. Privileged communications Confidential communications to certain persons that are protected by law against any disclosure, including forced disclosure in legal proceedings. Communications between lawyer and client, physician and patient, psychotherapist and patient, priest, minister or rabbi and penitent are typically privileged. False pretenses Representation of some fact or circumstance which is not true and is calculated to mislead, whereby a person obtains another's money or goods Ordinance A written law enacted by the legislative body of a county, city, or town. Polling the jury A practice whereby the jurors are asked individually on the record whether they agreed, and still agree, to the verdict. Probable cause A judicial finding that there exists reasonable grounds for belief that a person should be arrested or searched. Complain The first pleading on the part of the plaintiff in a civil action. Arraignment In a misdemeanor case, the initial appearance before a judge at which the criminal defendant enters a plea; in a felony case, the proceeding after the indictment or bindover at which the defendant comes before a judge in District Court, is informed of the charges, enters a plea, and has a date set for trial or disposition. In Juvenile Court, the first hearing after a petition has been filed.

IAre you currently seeking legal information regarding New Haven laws? If so, contact one of our New Haven attorneys today!

	Did You Know?
	Mediation may not be the most appropriate avenue for resolution in all cases. For example, it may not be appropriate in cases where: A definitive or authoritative resolution of the matter is required; The matter involves or may bear upon significant questions of Government policy that require additional procedures before a final resolution may be made; Maintaining established policies that apply to many people is especially important; The matter significantly affects persons or groups who are not parties to the process; A full public record of the proceeding is important; or The agency must maintain continuing jurisdiction over the matter with authority to alter the disposition of the matter in light of changed circumstances.