Legal words, plainly: a survivor's glossary

This glossary grows over time. The definitions below are general, plain-language explanations to help you feel less lost — not legal advice, and the exact meaning and use of a term can vary by state and court. If one of these words shows up in your case, a lawyer or advocate can tell you what it means for your situation.

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Acquittal

A court finding that the defendant is not guilty. It means the case didn't meet the high legal standard required to convict — it is not, by itself, a declaration that nothing happened.

Affidavit

A written statement of facts you swear is true, signed under oath (often in front of a notary). (See How to Write Your Statement.)

Arraignment

An early court hearing where a defendant is formally told the charges against them and enters a plea — guilty or not guilty.

Bail / bond

Money or conditions a court sets to allow a defendant to remain out of jail while the case is pending, meant to ensure they return for court dates.

Complainant

The person who reports a crime or brings a complaint. In many situations, this is the victim.

Continuance

A postponement of a court date to a later time. Common — and often frustrating — but a normal part of how cases move.

Conviction

A finding (by a judge or jury) or a guilty plea that the defendant committed the crime.

Defendant

The person accused or charged in a case. In a criminal case, the government brings the case against the defendant.

Deposition

Sworn, out-of-court testimony taken before a trial, usually with lawyers present and an official record made.

Discovery

The phase of a case where each side must share its evidence and information with the other, so no one is ambushed at trial. (See What Counts as Evidence.)

Dismissed / dropped charges

When charges end before a conviction. The reasons vary — evidence, witness availability, legal issues — and a dismissal is not a ruling that you lied or that nothing happened.

District attorney (DA)

The elected prosecutor, or the prosecutor's office, for an area — responsible for deciding whether to bring criminal charges and for prosecuting them on behalf of the public. Depending on the state, this office may instead be called the state's attorney, county attorney, or commonwealth's attorney.

Felony

A more serious category of crime, generally carrying heavier penalties than a misdemeanor.

Indictment

A formal charge — often issued by a grand jury — stating there is enough evidence to put someone on trial.

Jurisdiction

The authority of a particular court or area to handle a case, and whose laws apply. It's the reason so much in law "varies by jurisdiction."

Magistrate

A judicial officer who often handles early or limited steps — issuing warrants, setting bail, or conducting initial hearings. The exact role varies by state.

Misdemeanor

A less serious category of crime than a felony, generally carrying lighter penalties.

No-contact order

A court order prohibiting someone from contacting you. It may be part of a criminal case or a protective order. (See Restraining Order vs. Protective Order.)

Notary / notarized

A notary public is an official who verifies your identity and witnesses your signature. A "notarized" document — like some affidavits — is one you signed in front of a notary.

Parole

Supervised release from prison before a sentence is fully served, under set conditions.

Perpetrator

A general term for the person who committed the harm or crime. Depending on the setting, you'll also see "the accused," "defendant," or "respondent."

Petitioner

The person who files or asks the court for something — for example, the person requesting a protective order. The other side is the respondent.

Plaintiff

The person who brings a civil lawsuit. (In a criminal case, the side bringing the case is the government — see District attorney — not you personally.)

Plea / plea bargain

A plea is the defendant's formal answer to the charges (guilty or not guilty). A plea bargain is an agreement to plead guilty, often to a lesser charge, to resolve a case without a trial.

Probable cause

A reasonable basis to believe a crime occurred or that a particular person committed it — a threshold needed for things like arrests and search warrants.

Probation

A sentence served under supervision in the community instead of, or following, time in jail — under set conditions.

Pro se

Representing yourself in a legal matter without a lawyer.

Prosecutor

The lawyer who brings a criminal case on behalf of the government, often as part of the DA's office. Important: the prosecutor represents the state and the public, not you personally — though a victim advocate can support you through the process.

Respondent

The person responding to a petition or order — for example, the person a protective order is sought against.

Restraining order / protective order

Court orders that limit another person's contact with you or proximity to you. The names and rules vary a great deal by state. (See Restraining Order vs. Protective Order.)

Statute of limitations

A legal time limit for bringing certain charges or claims after an event. It varies by the type of crime or claim and by state.

Subpoena

A formal court order to do one of two things: testify, or hand over specific documents or records.

Testimony

A formal statement given under oath — in court or in a deposition.

Victim advocate

A trained person who supports victims — safety planning, emotional support, navigating the system, and court accompaniment. Community-based advocates are often confidential; system-based advocates (inside a prosecutor's office) generally are not. (See Do I Need a Lawyer.)

Victim impact statement

A statement a victim can give — often at sentencing — describing how the crime has affected them.

Warrant

A court authorization to take an action, such as arresting a person or searching a place.

Witness

Someone who saw, heard, or otherwise has knowledge relevant to what happened.

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You don't have to speak this language fluently to stand up for yourself in it — you just need enough of it to not feel lost. One word at a time, the fog clears. This glossary keeps growing.