The Basics of Law
Often described as the art of justice, law is a set of rules that are enforceable by social institutions and governmental institutions. It forms the basis of society, shapes politics, and has an impact on economics.
A lawyer is a legal expert who helps people to resolve their problems in the courtroom. Modern lawyers need a legal degree to enter the profession. They are usually appointed by government or an independent regulating body. They are also required to pass a qualifying examination.
A judge is a government official who has the authority to hear a lawsuit. They have the power to make a decision, which may be to send the defendant to jail, to dismiss the charges, or to find the defendant not guilty. There are three types of judges: the chief judge, the clerk of court, and the jury. The chief judge is the person in charge of the court’s administration and appoints the other two. The clerk of the court is responsible for the maintenance of court records and for managing the flow of cases through the court.
In the United States, the courts have jurisdiction over several subjects including: business, criminal, family, immigration, and land. In addition, some issues can be heard in both state and federal courts. In many cases, the court hears both sides of a dispute.
The first step in a case is the filing of a complaint. The complaint describes the facts of the case and states what allegedly occurred. The plaintiff will usually seek to prove the wrongs committed by the defendant, whereas the defendant will likely seek to prove the right of the plaintiff. The court will generally decide the case based on its interpretation of the law.
A plea deal is an agreement between the prosecutor and the defendant. The defendant agrees to plead guilty or not guilty and to a lesser charge. The prosecutor will make his or her recommendation to the court. If the prosecutor finds the defendant guilty, the defendant may be sentenced to time behind bars or to probation. The defendant can also choose to appeal the judgment. In some cases, the defendant can request to change the judge.
A juror is a group of people selected from a pool. The jurors may be selected by a random selection process from voter registration banks. The trial is typically held in a grand jury. The jurors are then instructed by the judge to decide the case. If the defendant is convicted, the court may grant a temporary restraining order that will prevent the defendant from engaging in certain actions until the next hearing.
The court’s docket is a log of brief entries from the proceeding. The court reporter is an individual who records words spoken during the trial and who produces transcripts upon the request of the parties. The court reporter is often employed by the defendant to record words of the prosecutor and to transcribe the testimony.