Terms Used In Louisiana Codes > Civil Code > PRELIMINARY TITLE > Title VI > Chapter 1 - General Principles

• Answer: The formal written statement by a defendant responding to a civil complaint and setting forth the grounds for defense.
• 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.
• Child: means any person under the age of twenty-one, including an emancipated minor, who commits a delinquent act before attaining seventeen years of age. See Louisiana Children's Code 804
• Clerk of court: An officer appointed by the court to work with the chief judge in overseeing the court's administration, especially to assist in managing the flow of cases through the court and to maintain court records.
• Continuance: Putting off of a hearing ot trial until a later time.
• Delinquent child: means a child who has committed a delinquent act. See Louisiana Children's Code 804
• Dismissal: The dropping of a case by the judge without further consideration or hearing. ^Source:
• Firearm: means any pistol, revolver, rifle, shotgun, machine gun, submachine gun, black powder weapon, or assault rifle which is designed to fire or is capable of firing fixed cartridge ammunition or from which a shot or projectile is discharged by an explosive. See Louisiana Code of Criminal Procedure 1001
• Indictment: The formal charge issued by a grand jury stating that there is enough evidence that the defendant committed the crime to justify having a trial; it is used primarily for felonies.
• Lease: A contract transferring the use of property or occupancy of land, space, structures, or equipment in consideration of a payment (e.g., rent). ^{Source: OCC}
• Legacy: A gift of property made by will.
• Other law enforcement agency: shall include any local or municipal police force, the constable, and state police. See Louisiana Code of Criminal Procedure 1001
• Oversight: Committee review of the activities of a Federal agency or program.
• Sheriff: means the sheriff of the jurisdiction in which the order was issued, unless the person resides outside of the jurisdiction in which the order is issued. See Louisiana Code of Criminal Procedure 1001
• Statute: A law passed by a legislature.
• Summons: Another word for subpoena used by the criminal justice system.
• Testator: A male person who leaves a will at death.
• Verdict: The decision of a petit jury or a judge.