Court is the branch of government that interprets and applies laws. It is one of the three main branches of our government, along with legislative and executive. Its powers are based on personal jurisdiction over the parties in litigation and subject matter jurisdiction over the claims asserted. Courts use a variety of tools to decide cases including hearings, depositions, interrogatories and requests for admissions. They also have rules and regulations that govern their conduct. Courts are often seen as a vital institution because they provide the best means of resolving disputes and upholding the rights of individuals.
act: 1. A piece of legislation (legislative) or an executive order (administrative). 2. The official process of filing papers with a court.
affidavit: A written statement sworn to in front of someone authorized to do so, like a notary public. affixed: Signed and dated to an official document. affixed to: To be attached or joined to something else, like an official record or an agreement.
appeal: A request to a higher court to overturn or reverse the decision of a lower court.
civil case: A lawsuit brought to get money, property back, enforce a contract, stop something bad from happening or protect a person’s rights.
family court legal services: A special office in ACS that gives legal services to families with children.
Family Treatment Court: A program in Family Court for people with abuse and neglect cases involving alcohol or substance abuse.
judgment: The end result of a court decision.