Terms Used In Alabama Code 15-15-42

  • Evidence: Information presented in testimony or in documents that is used to persuade the fact finder (judge or jury) to decide the case for one side or the other.
  • 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.
  • Plea: In a criminal case, the defendant's statement pleading "guilty" or "not guilty" in answer to the charges, a declaration made in open court.

No plea in abatement or other dilatory plea to an indictment must be received unless it is verified by oath or unless its truth appears by some matter of record or other written evidence accompanying it.