Michigan Criminal Defense Glossary
Appeal - Higher court review of a case.
Clerk of the Court - An officer of a court whose main obligation is to maintain court records and preserve evidence presented during a trial.
Court of Appeals - Intermediate appellate court to which most appeals are taken from superior court.
Felony - The category that more severe crimes fall under.
Hung Jury - Jury members that cannot come to an agreement on a verdict.
Jurisdiction - A court's authority to execute judicial power.
Juror - A member of the jury.
Plea - A defendant's official statement of "not guilty" or "guilty" to any criminal charge(s) made against them.
Subpoena - Issued by the authority of the court, a subpoena is a document that compels a witness to appear in court and produce documentary evidence or give testimony in a proceeding. It is punishable by contempt of court if the witness fails to produce or appear.
Verdict - A formal decision made by jury or a judge.
Areas of Practice
