Criminal Defense Terms and Definitions

Abstract of record A short, abbreviated form of the case as found in the record. Battery Actual physical violence, whether serious or minor, inflicted on a person. (A mere threat is called assault, whereas the completed act is called battery) Search warrant An order issued by a judge or magistrate commanding a sheriff, constable, or other officer to search a specified location. Manslaughter A person recklessly causes the death of another, or acting under extreme emotional disturbance, causes the death of another, or acting under circumstances when a person reasonably believes the circumstances provide a legal justification or excuse for his conduct constitutes manslaughter. Tort An injury or wrong committed, either with or without force, to the person or property of another, for which civil liability may be imposed. Levy A seizure; the obtaining of money by legal process through seizure and sale of property. Misdemeanor A minor offense, lower than a felony, which is punishable by a county jail term of up to one year and/or a fine, but not prison. Misdemeanors are classified into three categories: Class A, B, and C. Bench warrant An order issued by the court for the arrest of a person Admissible evidence Evidence which can legally and properly be used in court. Accessory A person who assists in the commission of a crime, either before or after the fact.

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	Did You Know?
	Res Ipsa Loquitur - Literally, "a thing that speaks for itself." In tort law, the doctrine which holds a defendant guilty of negligence without an actual showing that he or she was negligent. Its use is limited in theory to cases in which the cause of the plaintiff's injury was entirely under the control of the defendant, and the injury presumably could have been caused only by negligence.