Glossary of Legal Definitions
A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | ZThe following list of legal definitions taken from the California Court's website may be useful in your California Family Law case. For further definitions in other areas of law not covered here, please visit the California Court's website.
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Trial
A court process in which the issues of fact and law are heard and decided according to legal procedures so a judicial officer or jury can make a decision in the case. Can be either (1) a bench triala trial that is heard and decided by a judge, or (2) a jury triala trial that is heard and decided by a jury.
Trial Court
The first court to consider a case, generally the superior court. (Compare appellate court.)
Temporary Judge
An attorney that volunteers his or her time to hear and decide cases. Also called a pro tem judge.
Trust Fund
Money, stocks, bonds, or securities held under the control of someone for the use and benefit of another.
Temporary Restraining Order
A court order, sometimes called a TRO, that says a person must not do certain things that are likely to cause harm that cant be fixed. Unlike an injunction, it can be granted immediately, without notice to the opposing party and without a hearing. It is intended to last only until a hearing can be held. TROs are often used in domestic violence cases to protect a person from violence or the threat of violence.
Trust Items
The specific things held in trust.
Terminal
A machine connected to a computer system that lets the user enter, see, or print information.
Trustee
(1) The person that has custody of or control over funds or items for the benefit of another; (2) in a bankruptcy case, a person appointed to represent the interests of the bankruptcy estate and the unsecured creditors. The trustees responsibilities may include selling the property of the estate, making distributions to creditors, and bringing actions against creditors or the debtor to recover property of the bankruptcy estate.
Testify
To give evidence under oath as a witness in a court proceeding.
Testimony
Evidence presented orally by witnesses during trials, before grand juries, or during administrative proceedings.
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