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Restitution
A party is said to "rest" or "rest his case" when he/she has presented all the evidence he/she intends to offer.
Lis pendens
A pending suit.
Appeal
The bringing of a case to a higher court for review of a lower court's order or judgment.
Of counsel
A phrase commonly applied to counsel employed to assist in the preparation or management of the case, or its presentation on appeal, but who is not the principal attorney for the party.
Mens rea
Literally, "guilty mind." The intent required to commit the crime. One of the two basic requirements, along with the guilty act (actus reus), which constitute a crime.
Exclusionary rule
A rule by which evidence that was obtained illegally cannot be used in a criminal trial against a defendant. Also, in criminal cases, a rule which prevents witnesses from observing each other testify or from discussing testimony during the course of the proceedings.
No bill
This phrase, endorsed by a grand jury on an indictment, means that, in the opinion of the jury, evidence was insufficient to warrant the return of a formal charge.
Brief
A lawyer's written statement of a client's case filed in court. It usually contains a summary of the facts in the case, the pertinent laws, and an argument of how the law applies to the facts supporting the client's position.
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