court of law
Where trials happen
A court of law is a tribunal where legal disputes are heard and decided by a judge, jury, or both.
The phrase emphasizes the formal authority of the judicial system: The matter will be settled in a court of law.
It distinguishes official legal proceedings from informal resolution or public opinion: Whatever people think, he was found innocent in a court of law.
Judicial examination of claims
- hearingPerceiving sound waves
- verdictOfficial court decision
- testimonySworn statement as evidence
- evidenceFacts supporting truth
cross-examination · appeal · sentencing · arraignment · motion · objection · ruling · deliberation
One who decides
- juryLegal decision-making body
- plaintiffCivil case initiator
- defendantParty facing charges
- prosecutorGovernment's trial lawyer
defense attorney · witness · bailiff · magistrate · barrister · solicitor · public defender · foreman
Writ requiring testimony
- summonsFormal court notification
- indictmentFormal charge from jury
- briefShort in duration
- affidavitSworn written statement
warrant · injunction · writ · complaint · petition · motion · transcript · exhibit
trial
Judicial examination of claims
evidence · cross-examination · appeal · sentencing · arraignment · motion · objection · ruling · deliberation · acquittal
judge
One who decides
prosecutor · defense attorney · witness · bailiff · magistrate · barrister · solicitor · public defender · foreman · appellant
subpoena
Writ requiring testimony
- summonsFormal court notification
- indictmentFormal charge from jury
- briefShort in duration
affidavit · warrant · injunction · writ · complaint · petition · motion · transcript · exhibit · filing
bench
Shared seating surface
- witness standPlace for giving testimony
- jury boxCourtroom seating for peers
- gallerySpace for displaying artwork
court of lawmediation
Intervention to resolve conflict
out-of-court settlement · arbitration · negotiation · informal settlement · backroom deal
court of lawmob rule
Dominance by unruly crowds
vigilante justice · lynch mob · kangaroo court · lawlessness · anarchy
court of lawvigilante justice
Unauthorized punishment by civilians
mob justice · lynch mob · vigilantism · taking the law into one's own hands · summary execution
law, court, courts, courtship, courting, courthouse, courtly, courtroom, courted