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Retainer:
Similar to an injunction, commanding the party to leave the other party alone, usually in a divorce proceeding.
Detention hearing
In Juvenile Court, a judicial hearing, usually held after the filing of a petition, to determine interim custody of a minor pending a judgment
Hostile witness
A witness who displays antagonism toward the party who called him to testify, or who is a witness for the opposing party. The examining party is allowed to conduct direct examination as if it were cross-examination.
Inadmissible/incompetent evidence
Information that is so unreliable it cannot be admitted under the established rules of evidence.
Challenge to the array
Questioning the qualifications of an entire jury panel, usually on the grounds of partiality or some fault in the process of summoning the panel.
Hearsay
Second-hand evidence, generally consisting of a witness's testimony that he/she heard someone else say something.
Order to show cause
Court order requiring a party to appear and show cause why the court should not take a particular course of action. If the party fails to appear or to give sufficient reasons why the court should take no action, the court will take the action. In criminal cases, the defendant must show why probation should not be revoked.
Plea
The defendant's formal response to a criminal charge (guilty, not guilty, nolo contendere, not guilty by reason of insanity, and guilty and mentally ill).
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