Terms Used In California Codes > Penal Code > Part 2 > Title 3 > Chapter 3 - Complaints Before Magistrates

• Appeal: A request made after a trial, asking another court (usually the court of appeals) to decide whether the trial was conducted properly. To make such a request is "to appeal" or "to take an appeal." One who appeals is called the appellant.
• Arrest: Taking physical custody of a person by lawful authority.
• Bail: Security given for the release of a criminal defendant or witness from legal custody (usually in the form of money) to secure his/her appearance on the day and time appointed.
• City: includes city and county and "incorporated town" but does not include "unincorporated town" or "village. See California Public Utilities Code 19
• Complaint: A written statement by the plaintiff stating the wrongs allegedly committed by the defendant.
• Conviction: A judgement of guilt against a criminal defendant.
• County: includes city and county. See California Public Utilities Code 18
• Defendant: In a civil suit, the person complained against; in a criminal case, the person accused of the crime.
• magistrate: signifies any one of the officers mentioned in Section 808. See California Penal Code 7
• Oath: A promise to tell the truth.
• person: includes a corporation as well as a natural person. See California Penal Code 7
• Personal property: All property that is not real property.
• Probable cause: A reasonable ground for belief that the offender violated a specific law.