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Intestate
The status of a person who dies without leaving a will.
Fitness hearing
A hearing held in Juvenile Court to determine the fitness of a minor for retention in Juvenile Court, and the minor's amenability to Juvenile Court resources. Must be held before any evidence is heard on a petition for detention. Such a hearing is a prerequisite to transfer of a minor's case to adult court. Also called certification hearing
Not guilty by reason of insanity
The jury or the judge must determine that the defendant, because of mental disease or defect, could not form the intent required to commit the offense.
Contempt of court
Any act involving disrespect to the court or failure to obey its rules or orders. Contempt of court carries a maximum of 30 days in jail.
Verdict
The formal and unanimous decision or finding made by a jury. .
Estoppel
A person's own act, or acceptance of facts, which preclude later claims to the contrary.
Entrapment
In criminal procedures, a complete defense. The defendant must show that officers induced the defendant to commit a crime not contemplated by him, for the purpose of instituting a criminal prosecution against him.
Forfeiture
The concept of forfeiture is used in a variety of settings in the legal system. For example, property such as an automobile or house that is used in the commission of a crime i.e., selling a controlled substance, may be forfeited to the state in a civil proceeding.
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