Terms Used In Delaware Code > Title 10 > Chapter 76 - Civil Sexual Abuse Liability Report

• Arrest: Taking physical custody of a person by lawful authority.
• Complaint: A written statement by the plaintiff stating the wrongs allegedly committed by the defendant.
• Defendant: In a civil suit, the person complained against; in a criminal case, the person accused of the crime.
• 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.
• Malice: shall mean an intent to vex, annoy, harm or injure in any way another person, or to thwart or interfere in any manner with the orderly administration of justice. See Delaware Code Title 11 Sec. 3531
• Plaintiff: The person who files the complaint in a civil lawsuit.
• Probation: A sentencing alternative to imprisonment in which the court releases convicted defendants under supervision as long as certain conditions are observed.
• State: includes any territory of the United States and District of Columbia. See Delaware Code Title 11 Sec. 3521
• Trial: A hearing that takes place when the defendant pleads "not guilty" and witnesses are required to come to court to give evidence.
• United States: includes its territories and possessions and the District of Columbia. See Delaware Code Title 1 Sec. 302
• Verdict: The decision of a petit jury or a judge.
• Victim: shall mean any natural person against whom any crime (as defined under the laws of this State, of any other state or of the United States) has been attempted, is being perpetrated or has been perpetrated. See Delaware Code Title 11 Sec. 3531
• Witness: shall mean any natural person:

  a. See Delaware Code Title 11 Sec. 3531